Employees in the Deputy Sheriff classification are entitled to receive POST Certificate incentive pay up to 8%--Intermediate POST (3.5%) and Advanced POST (4.5%). Patrol (2.5%), FTO (4%), Investigator (5%) and other compensation premiums are detailed in section 14.00 of the Deputy Sheriff’s Association-General Unit Memorandum of Understanding. All deputies have a take-home vehicle and are entitled to participate in a wellness program that includes a free onsite department only gym, functional fitness classes, physical therapy and access to a psychologist.

FLSA: Non-Exempt

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, performs a wide variety of peace officer duties involving the protection of life and property, enforcement of laws and ordinances, criminal investigation, crime prevention and suppression, case preparation and testimony, and providing information and assistance to the public; and performs related duties as assigned. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from assigned Sheriff’s Sergeant or higher ranking sworn personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff. 

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This classification is responsible for independently performing sworn law enforcement duties in support of the Sheriff’s Department. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Incumbents may rotate through a variety of job assignments along planned career development lines to broaden skill and expertise in general law enforcement work and enable prompt deployment of trained personnel in response to the changing needs and priorities of the community.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS 

Typical functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

• Patrols assigned areas to ensure the security of life and property, observes situations, and deters crime by providing high visibility; provides scene security and protection for fire and medical personnel.
• Responds to suspicious activities and answers calls for service.
• Enforces state and local laws and ordinances; issues verbal warnings and citations; pursues and apprehends suspects and requests assistance as required.
• Investigates juvenile and adult criminal activity and incidents as the assigned detective.
• Coordinates crime scene control and investigation, including interviews and interrogations, identification of witnesses, and overseeing the collection and preservation of physical evidence.
• Restores order, protects life and property, and maintains the peace at public gatherings and in conflict situations.
• Serves as bailiff, maintaining order and security in assigned courts. 
• Serves as a deputy coroner, assisting in death investigations. 
• Serves as Range Officer or Tactical Officer at Sheriff’s Training Facility; directs the safe usage of range, prepares training material and visual aids, serves as instructor on assigned subject matter. 
• Exercises technical review over field training activities in various patrol procedures and techniques such as report writing, arrest, and search and seizure.
• Serves as a detective in a specialized investigative unit with responsibility for investigating crimes, identifying and apprehending criminals, and assisting in the prosecution of court cases. Conducts complex major investigations in such areas as homicide, arson, and fraud, requiring extensive technical knowledge and skill, and the ability to compile, analyze, interpret, and synthesize large amounts of information.
• Prepares and documents cases, completes reports and forms, and prepares and maintains other logs and records.
• Authors and executes search warrants and arrest warrants as necessary; communicates with prosecutors.
• Transports criminals to the courts, hospitals, and various other locations.
• Serves civil papers to County residents; researches and locates person to be served.
• Serves as a coordinator or team member in such special projects as drug enforcement, livestock investigations, and boating regulation enforcement.
• Provides traffic and crowd control as necessary; participates in special details and assignments, including K-9 and Search and Rescue.
• Retrieves, identifies, and returns found property and/or evidence to owners.
• Provides emergency aid and assistance to incapacitated persons, and requests additional response.
• Provides information, directions, and other services and assistance to the public.
• Coordinates with and serves as back up to other local law enforcement agencies.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, policies, procedures, and terminology used in law enforcement, crime prevention, and investigation. 
• Basic functions of law enforcement agencies; criminal law; police patrol procedures; booking procedures; legal requirements for incarceration; proper methods of maintaining custody of prisoners in jail facilities and during transportation; the operations and maintenance of standard police firearms. 
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, ordinances, regulations, and standards affecting Sheriff’s Office operations. 
• Rules of evidence pertaining to search and seizure and the identification, marking, preservation, and presentation of evidence. 
• Modern procedures and methods employed in crime detection and investigation. 
• Operation and maintenance of equipment used in law enforcement. 
• Locations and characteristics of the various neighborhoods. 
• Basic mathematical principles. 
• Principles and procedures of recordkeeping. 
• Techniques for dealing with people of all socio-economic levels under hostile and emergency situations.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

 
Ability To:

• Observe and accurately recall places, names, descriptive characteristics, and facts of incidents.
• Work under stressful or dangerous conditions, often involving considerable personal risk or risk to others. 
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, office policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed. 
• Safely use and care for firearms and other issued agency equipment. 
• Operate police vehicles and equipment under a variety of adverse field conditions; use firearms and law enforcement equipment safely and proficiently.
• Testify in court. 
• Appraise situations and people accurately and adopt an effective course of action. 
• Understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials. 
• Keep abreast of trends, technology, and requirements in law enforcement supervision and operations.
• Effectively represent the Sheriff’s Office and the County in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals. 
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments. 
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

 
Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

High school diploma or equivalent GED certificate; and

Completion of a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified basic academy within the last three years. Applicants currently enrolled in a POST refresher academy course at the time of submission shall be eligible to apply with proof of enrollment.
 
Additional Requirements – Lateral Transfer

• California Applicants: Possession of a State of California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Basic Certificate as defined in POST Commission Regulation §1011 (11 CCR §1011).

 
If a period of three years has elapsed since employment as a full-time peace officer in California, successful completion of the POST requalification course will be required prior to employment. The three-year time period is computed from the last day of the last applicable full-time paid law enforcement employment and the date of appointment in this class. 
 

• Out of State Applicants: Applicants must be currently employed, full-time, having been so for at least one continuous year of sworn general law enforcement experience and be eligible for or currently possess a POST Basic Course Waiver. A valid POST Basic Course Waiver will be required prior to employment.

 
 Special Requirements:

• Be a citizen of the United States or qualify for Peace Officer status under California Government Code Section 1031.5; be at least 21 years of age; not have been convicted of a felony.
• Be free from any physical, emotional or mental condition which might adversely affect exercise of peace officer powers, as determined by a licensed examining authority in accordance with California Government Code Section 1031.
• Meet all requirements for peace officer status that are mandated by the California Government Code and Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) regulations.
• Pass a background investigation conducted in compliance with California Government Code Section 1031, to the satisfaction of the Sheriff-Coroner.
• Possession of a valid California Driver License by date of appointment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Mobility to work primarily in a patrol and field environment and respond to emergency situations and apprehend suspects; to frequently walk, run, stand on uneven terrain, and climb and descend structures to access crime scenes and to identify problems or hazards; to frequently bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work.
• Ability to work in a secondary office or station environment, and use standard office equipment, including a computer. 
• Strength and stamina to apprehend, lift, carry, push, and pull victims, suspects and equipment. 
• Vision and manual dexterity to operate vehicles including emergency response vehicles in all conditions, often at a high rate of speed in emergency situations; to maintain firearms qualification and to read printed materials and a computer screen. 
• Finger and manual dexterity is needed to operate police services equipment and firearms, and to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard. 
• Hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone or radio.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• The principal duties of this class are performed in a field environment with exposure to criminal offenders, mentally ill individuals, and persons potentially infected with communicable diseases. 
• Outdoor conditions with exposure to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, moving vehicles, and hazardous physical substances and fumes.
• Also includes an office or station environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
• Must be willing to work during evenings, weekends and holidays.

EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS UTILIZED

• Automotive vehicles, aircraft, boat, and snowmobile patrol vehicles; firearms; impact baton; two-way radios; cameras; pepper spray; blood, drug and chemical analysis kits; and computerized and conventional office equipment.

Disaster Service Worker

All Butte County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.