about us
Why Work with Us
Dear Prospective Team Member,
Welcome to Valencia County, a community rich in history and brimming with opportunity. Nestled along the Rio Grande in central New Mexico, our county boasts a heritage that dates back to Spanish colonization in the late 17th century.
Established in 1852, Valencia County has grown into a vibrant region known for its agricultural roots and close-knit communities. At the Valencia County Detention Center, we are more than a facility—we are a dedicated team committed to public safety and the betterment of our community.
Our mission is to promote and maintain public safety through effective detention and re-entry practices.
We strive to reintegrate individuals back into society as drug-free, healthy, and employable members by providing education, treatment, rehabilitative, and restorative justice programs in a safe and humane environment.
We are committed to providing our employees with comprehensive training and support, fostering the development of highly skilled and motivated detention professionals.
Joining our team means embarking on a stable career path where you can make a significant impact in a community that values growth, dedication, and service. Valencia County offers a quality of life that is both enriching and family-friendly. With its scenic landscapes, strong educational institutions, and a community spirit that celebrates its cultural heritage, it is an ideal place to live, work, and raise a family.
We invite you to become a part of our mission and contribute to the positive transformation of lives within our community.
Sincerely, Randy Gutierrez
Our Commitment to Rehabilitation
Transforming Lives, Building Futures
- Treatment: Includes screening at the time of arrest for possible diversion, jail intake, transition, and discharge planning.
- Re-Entry: Involves discharge programs tailored to each individual.
- Accountability: Ensures compliance with local, state, federal, and constitutional laws.
- Networking: Builds partnerships with our diverse community.
- Safety: Safeguards the community, staff, and detainees.
- Fiscal Prudence: Operates the jail in a financially responsible manner.
- Organization: Responds effectively to meet the needs of our mission statement.
- Respect: Upholds respect for all community members—citizens, staff, and detainees.
- Mission: Aligns all policies, procedures, practices, and strategies with our core mission.
Frequently Asked Questions
All You Need to Know
Training sessions are 10-hour days from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM and are conducted at the Valencia County Detention Center.
Detention Officers work 12-hour shifts on a 4/3 schedule, alternating every other Saturday.
o apply, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident of New Mexico.
- Hold a high school diploma or GED.
- Possess a valid driver’s license.
- Have no history of felonies or convictions.
- Have no DUI/DWI convictions within the last 3 years.
Please arrive 15 minutes early to complete our Personal Integrity Questionnaire. Dress professionally to make a strong first impression.
- Application Submission: Once we receive your application, a recruiter will contact you to schedule an interview within one week.
- Interview: If selected, we will conduct a criminal background check within a week of your interview.
- Background Check: After clearing the background check, you will be scheduled for a pre-employment drug test.
- Drug Test: Once you pass the drug test, you will be scheduled for a pre-employment physical within one week.
- Training Start: After successfully completing all pre-employment steps, you will begin training as a Detention Officer at Valencia County Detention Center.