Detention Officer

The Service pénitentiaire (SPNE) is looking for a

Detention Officer
EDPR72

The EEPB and the EDPR are two closed detention facilities with a high level of security. The former is responsible for the execution of sentences and measures for detained persons with varied profiles. It is notably specialized in long-term reception, the search for behavioral evolution, and phased preparation for release. The second is notably specialized in emergency reception, pre-trial detention, the search for behavioral evolution, and short-term preparation for release. Both focus on intervention in complex situations or those involving psychiatric disorders.

Your missions
As a detention officer, you are responsible for monitoring and supervising detained persons, in compliance with regulations and security within the establishment.
You accompany detained persons daily during walks, visits, cultural activities, and leisure activities.
By facilitating the relations of incarcerated persons with the outside world, you will play an essential role by actively contributing to both their social development and their reintegration, while respecting their fundamental rights. Finally, exchanges with different partners are an integral part of your missions, which are carried out according to varied schedules, including night and weekend shifts.

Your profile
Holder of a CFC or an equivalent diploma, you are at least 25 years old. Experience in the field of security and excellent physical fitness constitute assets (physical tests and a medical visit may be required as part of the recruitment).
Possessing a real team spirit, you know how to demonstrate open-mindedness, active listening, and discernment, including in the management of conflict situations. Your natural authority allows you to enforce rules with confidence, while embodying a model of exemplary behavior. Your social skills lead you to demonstrate empathy while maintaining the necessary professional distance.
You also have a good command of the French language and are comfortable with standard IT tools.
Prerequisites: domicile in Switzerland; category B driver's license; clean criminal record and extract from the debt collection register.
As part of your employment, you will follow the basic training leading to the federal certificate of detention officer at the Centre suisse de compétences en matière d'exécutions des sanctions pénales (CSCSP) in Fribourg; you will be sworn in.

Workplace: La Chaux-de-Fonds and Gorgier
Application deadline: 8 November 2026
Salary: Class 5
Start date: 1 January 2027 or to be agreed

Additional information
Mmes Maria Di Marco, HR and finance assistant and Sylvie Calame, specialized HR collaborator, tel. 032 889 61 30

👉 Working for the State
Diversity is a fundamental value that we cultivate with conviction and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where every person, regardless of their origin, gender, or background, feels fully integrated and valued.

What we offer you for this position

• A work environment where the human aspect is at the heart of our concerns.
• An activity allowing you to carry out multidisciplinary missions and to acquire varied and enriching experience.
• A stimulating work environment and training possibilities allowing you to develop your skills.