In Custody Officer – Alameda and Contra Costa Counties

Overview

• Provide custody and continuous monitoring of suspects under arrest receiving medical treatment in hospitals or medical facilities throughout Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.
• Support law enforcement agencies by assuming hospital guard responsibilities, allowing sworn personnel to return to patrol, investigations, and other public safety duties.
• Maintain control, security, and continuity of custody throughout a suspect's medical stay.
• This position is limited to hospital-based custody and monitoring and does not include prisoner transportation or external movement of suspects.

Position Details

• Assignments are located throughout Alameda and Contra Costa Counties based on operational needs, including Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, Fremont, Hayward, San Leandro, Pleasanton, Livermore, Walnut Creek, Concord, Richmond, Antioch, Brentwood, Pittsburg, Martinez, San Ramon, Danville, and surrounding communities.
• Part-time, on-call, and as-needed schedule. Standard assignments are typically 12-hour shifts and may include days, nights, weekends, holidays, and extended coverage based on operational needs.
• Compensation: $48.00 per hour. Overtime paid in accordance with applicable federal and California law.

Position Summary

• Maintain custody, restraint, and continuous in-person supervision of suspects admitted to hospitals or medical facilities.
• Support municipal police departments, the Alameda County Sheriff's Office, the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office, and other authorized law enforcement agencies.
• Maintain custody until responsibility is formally transferred back to the requesting agency.

Essential Functions

• Accept custody of suspects from law enforcement personnel and verify custody documentation.
• Maintain continuous, direct observation of in-custody suspects throughout the assignment.
• Ensure restraints are properly applied and monitored in accordance with agency policy and hospital protocols.
• Escort suspects within the hospital for medical procedures, testing, treatment, or diagnostic services.
• Maintain communication with the Cooke & Associates Global Security Operations Center (GSOC) and the requesting law enforcement agency.
• Complete custody logs, activity reports, incident reports, and required documentation.
• Immediately report escape attempts, use of force incidents, medical emergencies, or other significant events.
• Maintain a safe and secure environment for hospital staff, patients, visitors, and the suspect.
• Conduct yourself professionally and represent Cooke & Associates and the client agency with integrity.

Required Experience

• Prior sworn law enforcement experience with a federal, state, county, or municipal law enforcement agency.
• Prior correctional officer or detention officer experience with a federal, state, county, or local correctional facility.
• Prior military police (MOS 31B or equivalent) experience in the United States Armed Forces.
• A minimum of seven (7) years of professional experience performing in-custody, detention, prisoner supervision, or comparable public safety duties in a government or law enforcement support environment.
• Candidates who do not possess one of the above backgrounds will not be considered.

Required Certifications

• Valid California BSIS Guard Card.
• Valid California BSIS Exposed Firearm Permit.
• Valid California Driver License with a clean driving record.
• Current CPR/AED Certification.
• Current First Aid Certification.
• Ability to pass a comprehensive background investigation.
• Ability to pass pre-employment and random drug screening.
• Ability to legally possess and carry a firearm while performing assigned duties.

Preferred Qualifications

• California POST PC 832 Arrest and Firearms Certificate.
• Prior hospital guard or in-custody hospital security experience.
• Prior prisoner transportation or extradition experience.
• Experience testifying in criminal or administrative proceedings.
• Advanced defensive tactics, arrest and control, or crisis intervention training.
• Experience working with California law enforcement agencies.
• Familiarity with Alameda and Contra Costa County hospitals, detention facilities, and law enforcement agencies.
• Bilingual (Spanish) skills are desirable but not required.

Professional Standards

• Demonstrate exceptional professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment.
• Maintain a command presence while exercising discretion and restraint.
• Preserve confidentiality and comply with HIPAA requirements.
• Maintain a clean, professional appearance and wear the prescribed uniform.
• Exercise independent decision-making within established policies and procedures.
• Treat all individuals with dignity and respect while maintaining officer safety.
• Maintain situational awareness throughout every assignment.
• Represent Cooke & Associates as a trusted extension of the law enforcement agency.

What Success Looks Like

• Maintain uninterrupted custody of suspects from assignment start to completion.
• Demonstrate professionalism in every interaction with law enforcement, hospital personnel, and the public.
• Produce accurate, timely, and complete reports.
• Exercise sound judgment in dynamic situations.
• Maintain excellent communication with the GSOC and client agencies.
• Protect the safety of hospital staff, patients, visitors, and the suspect.
• Represent Cooke & Associates with professionalism, vigilance, and integrity.
• Consistently meet client expectations while reinforcing Cooke & Associates' reputation for excellence.

Why Join Cooke & Associates

• Serve alongside California law enforcement agencies in a mission-critical public safety role.
• Competitive hourly compensation.
• Flexible, part-time, and on-call scheduling.
• Meaningful assignments that directly support public safety.
• Ongoing professional training and development.
• Advancement opportunities into specialized law enforcement support assignments.
• Support from a 24/7 Global Security Operations Center.
• Join one of California's premier providers of public safety support services.

Who This Role Is Not For

• Individuals seeking a passive or observational security position.
• Individuals uncomfortable working in hospital or medical environments.
• Individuals unwilling to maintain continuous attention to detail.
• Individuals unable to make sound decisions under pressure.
• Individuals seeking a traditional armed patrol or standing security position.
• Individuals unwilling to work closely with law enforcement officers, healthcare professionals, and individuals in custody.
• Individuals who lack a strong work ethic, professionalism, and accountability.
• Individuals unable to maintain an active, engaged, and highly visible presence throughout each assignment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Employment with Cooke & Associates, Inc. is at-will, meaning that you or Cooke & Associates, Inc.  may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, and with or without notice. Cooke & Associates, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected factor under federal, state, or local law.