Demo

Deputy Sheriff (Colorado POST Certified)

La Plata County
Durango, CO Full Time
POSTED ON 6/25/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 7/24/2026
Job Application Fairness Act

In accordance with CO SB23-058, applicants understand that La Plata County will not request or require the applicant to include their age, date of birth, or date of attendance/graduation date on the initial application. Applicants understand that La Plata County can request or require an individual to provide documentation including copies of certification, transcripts, and other materials created by a third party. The applicant understands that the applicant can redact, if they so choose, information that identifies age, date of birth, or dates of attendance/graduation from an educational institution on those requested/required certification, transcripts and other materials created by a third party.

Equal Employment Opportunity

La Plata County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your request to HRHelpDesk@lpcgov.org.

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This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities for this job. The duties, expectations and actions listed for this role may change at any time with or without notice.

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Job Summary

Patrols County areas, enforcing the law and protecting life and property; performing investigations at the scene of a crime and performing related follow-up duties; investigates and apprehends persons charged by warrant or subpoena; serves civil process; provides courtroom security; performs routine work in the safekeeping of prisoners in the custody of the Sheriff at the La Plata County Detention Facility and/or during transport; protects the well-being of prisoners overseeing them at meals and in their quarters.

Essential Job Functions

Essential functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills 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. Reasonable accommodations, as defined under the American with Disabilities Act, will be made when possible.

Secures all exterior and security doors in the facility by visually monitoring all movement of all people in the facility and controls movement utilizing the control board; operates various technical equipment to monitor and control the activities of inmates and their visitors which includes controlling cameras, operating doors, elevators, showers and fire escape; controls all lights, alarms, elevators, and other override equipment; contacts outside agencies such as fire, EMS, etc. as needed; serves as central command post for emergency procedures in the event of fire, riot, etc.

Supervises all movement in the detention facility; observes and controls inmate movement; maintains security of all other staff in the facility; supervises meal delivery, pick-up and tray return; delivers prescription and non-prescription medications; serves as first responder when there is a problem in a pod, fight, medical emergency, etc., provides first aid and CPR when necessary; utilizes force and/or self-defense techniques as necessary to maintain order; escorts inmates needing additional supervision or security; monitors radio traffic; supervises trustees in cleaning common areas and accounts for cleaning supplies used; conducts linen change in pod and assists medical officer when necessary; monitors inmates during visitation and recreation periods.

Monitors inmates' behavior and attitudes for signs of personality changes, depression, and developing conflicts between inmates; enforces the rules and guidelines for inmates which includes initiating disciplinary action when necessary; prepares and maintains records of inmates' physical or mental problems; monitors activities of suicidal inmates, violent inmates, and trouble causing felons.

Ensures all inmates are accounted for at all times; conducts inmate head counts; prevents inmate escapes, introduction and /or passing of contraband and prevents the assault or injury of inmates and staff; conducts inmate searches for contraband; utilizes force and/or self-defense techniques to restrain disruptive or combative inmates; ensures that each inmate receives their meals, clothing changes, mail, opportunity for exercise, etc. as set forth in departmental policy.

Answers inmates questions regarding the rules and regulations of the facility, provides information regarding the booking process, bond amounts, and charges, etc.

Reviews arresting officers paperwork for completeness and accuracy before accepting incoming inmate; pat or strip searches inmates as necessary and required by guidelines; inventories inmates clothing, personal property, and money; fingerprints and takes mug shot for verification by local, State, and Federal agencies; ; utilizes departmental guidelines to determine property items an inmate may take into housing and stores the others items to be returned to the inmate upon release; escort inmates staying in custody to property where they are searched, deliced, showered, and dressed in issued clothing.

Verifies inmates ability to leave detention facility by utilizing the computer and written records from the facility, local, State, and Federal agencies and the courts; generates and completes release paperwork; sends copies to records and other agencies as required.

Transports inmates to court, medical and other required appointments; maintains records and prepares reports of inmates transported and returned to detention facility.

Patrols County roads, as well as, residential areas to provide a visible deterrent in uniform and in marked cars and to enforce laws and protect life and property; identifies traffic hazards; monitors industrial and residential areas for signs of any criminal activity; patrols for suspicious persons or vehicles.

Detects drunk drivers and performs sobriety evaluations, i.e., Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Evaluation, Walk and Turn Evaluation, One Legged Stand Evaluation, Preliminary Breath Test Evaluation as well as general observations of DUI suspect speech, appearance, comprehension of instructions and performance; books DUI suspects and completes all related reports and records.

Checks building doors, windows, gates and fences to ensure building is secured; reports any buildings, vehicles or equipment that is not secured; ensures the safety and well-being of all employees on duty; learns employees working patterns and alerts them to possible suspects and crime prevention.

Responds to calls for assistance and complaints of crimes (burglaries, sexual assault, domestic violence, etc.)in the community; enforces state statute by performing warrant, felony or misdemeanor arrests; implements physical confrontation when necessary.

Responds to provide aid and assistance to victims of automobile injury accidents; assists emergency personnel in treating and transporting victims of traffic and other accidents when necessary.

Secures and protects crime scenes by establishing boundaries, detaining victims, suspects and witnesses, locating and identifying evidence and briefing supervisors/investigators upon their arrival; preserves and collects evidence using proper methods; maintains the chain of custody of all evidence secured; also assists in serving search warrants when requested.

Interviews and interrogates narcotic trafficking suspects; inputs intelligence information into computer system.

Maintains a working knowledge of all traffic laws; enforces traffic laws through the issuance of traffic summons and warnings, and arresting individuals in violations of the law such as DUI, and speeding and traffic control device violations when necessary.

Prepares and maintains a wide variety of departmental records, logs and reports in compliance with departmental policies and procedures; prepares and files written and taped case reports as required for job assignment; receives, opens, and inspects incoming mail.

Responds to special assignments, such as search and rescue for missing and overdue persons, motorists and aircraft and natural disasters; assists other emergency response agencies in emergency situations; assists in man-hunts for dangerous criminals and completes reports when appropriate.

Serves criminal and civil warrants.

Researches and studies departmental policies and procedures, state statutes, maps to maintain awareness of current events and changes in law enforcement.

Provides courier service for the department in delivering documents to other departments or retrieving documents from other departments for the Sheriff's department.

Maintains courtroom security to include: magnetically scans all person entering the courtroom, checks all hand-carried items, ensures that all persons are directed to the proper courtroom, monitors security status of all doors, takes into custody all persons remanded to jail by the court, responds to calls for assistance from throughout the courthouse, fingerprints all persons as directed by the courts or probation department.

Researches and routes paperwork for concealed weapons permits.

Maintains and cleans assigned uniform, vehicle and equipment and maintains personal hygiene in accordance with departmental policy and procedures.

Maintains availability for court appearances and testimony; assists the District Attorney's office in preparing presentation of testimony and/or evidence; responds to subpoenas by attending court trials and providing court testimony as required.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Regular and predictable attendance is required.

Material And Equipment Used

Computer, Two-Way radio, General Office Equipment, Monitors & Control Panels, Firearms, Motor Vehicle, Traffic Radar, Restraint Equipment, Camera(s), Intoxilizer

Education

Minimum Qualifications Required

High School diploma or GED; or,

Any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Licenses And Certifications

Valid State Driver's License.

Colorado Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) Certificate.

Current First Aid and CPR Certificate.

Knowledge Of

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Local, State and Federal laws, and County ordinances and resolutions, and the procedures relating to the Criminal Justice System and the custody of prisoners.

Law enforcement techniques with particular reference to the apprehension, arrest, and prosecution of persons committing misdemeanors and felonies, including rules of evidence in criminal cases, criminal code and legal terminology.

Security of buildings and grounds, and of the rules and regulations governing entrances and exits of detention facility.

Proper use and application of radar, intoxilizer, horizontal gaze and nystagmus.

The organization, functions, responsibilities, procedures, and rules and regulations of the Sheriff's Department.

Recordkeeping, report preparation, filing methods and records management techniques.

Health and safety practices.

Computer applications related to the work.

Skill In

Using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.

The use of firearms and all assigned equipment utilized in the performance of the essential functions of the position.

Applying logical thinking to solve problems or accomplish tasks; to understand, interpret and communicate complicated policies, procedures and protocols.

Communicating clearly and effectively, orally and in writing.

Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials.

Mental And Physical Abilities

Ability to evaluate and report inmate behaviors.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of individuals.

Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely orally and in writing.

Ability to detect and report conditions which might indicate danger.

Ability to react quickly and calmly under emergency conditions.

Ability to display sound judgement in making work decisions.

Ability to work under adverse conditions of violence, danger, and emotional stress.

Ability to understand and follow a variety of simple or complex instructions in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.

Ability to prepare, present and interpret complex records and reports.

Ability to recognize danger and take immediate action necessary for the protection of life and property.

Ability to use and care for firearms and other police equipment.

Ability to mediate disputes between diverse groups of people.

Ability to be articulate while testifying in court or other legal proceedings.

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operation and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and so forth.

Ability to speak effectively before public groups and respond to questions.

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.

Ability to physically restrain uncooperative inmates.

Ability to use physical strength of arms and legs to climb up and over or to jump over, across, ascend, or descend large obstacles.

Ability to pursue suspects on foot for a sustained period while bearing duty equipment.

Ability to subdue suspects in a physical confrontation bearing duty equipment.

Ability to push or pull self through openings of varying nature by using the necessary upper or lower body strength of the arms or legs.

Ability to drag, push, pull, lift, or carry heavy objects or persons to push vehicles from roadway, move heavy equipment, rescue individuals, restrain suspects or victims, and drag persons away from dangerous situations or respond to incidents.

Ability to run up or down stairways or respond to other incidents.

Non-Discrimination and EEO Statement

La Plata County prohibits discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with La Plata County on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, disability, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status or genetic information.

La Plata County is an equal opportunity employer and assures equal employment opportunities for protected classes, persons with disabilities and for covered veterans. Covered veterans include: special disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, Vietnam era veterans, or any other veterans who served on active duty during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge was authorized.

Inquiries regarding La Plata County's equal employment opportunity policies may be directed to:

Director of Human Resources

1101 E 2nd Avenue

Durango, CO 81301

Tel: (970)382-6361

Fax: (970)375-7985

Email: HRHelpdesk@lpcgov.org

La Plata County offers an extensive comprehensive package including medical, dental, vision, retirement, life insurance, paid parental leave and long term disability.

For a complete description of our benefits, please visit our Summary of Benefits

01

Have you ever been suspected, investigated, charged, or convicted of a crime other than a minor traffic violation? Please note: A DUI is NOT considered a minor traffic violation and must be disclosed. A conviction will net necessarily disqualify you form employment. If you answer "YES" to this question, please provided a detailed explanation as to the when, where, what, why, and how pertaining to any situation which would require you to answer "YES". Include date, charge, jurisdiction and disposition.

02

Are you Colorado POST Certified? If "Yes", please provide PID number.

  • Required Question

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