What are the responsibilities and job description for the Community Relations Deputy Sheriff position at Leon County Sheriff's Office?
The Community Relations Deputy is a sworn law enforcement officer in the Community and Media Relations Division under the supervision of the Executive Director of Community and Media Relations. The Community Relations Deputy serves as the agency's liaison for both Neighborhood Crime Watch and Crime Solvers, coordinating citizen involvement in crime reduction and facilitating anonymous crime tips that lead to arrests and rewards. The Deputy also serves as a backup Public Information Officer (PIO), supporting the primary PIO in managing media relations and disseminating timely, accurate information to the public.
This position adheres to the agency core values of honesty and integrity, accountability, teamwork, trust and respect and commitment to excellence. To be successful in this position, the employee must demonstrate competency in data entry and retrieval skills, time management skills, basic to intermediate computer skills, general communication skills (both written and oral), interpersonal skills, customer service skills and problem-solving skills.
Community Engagement & Liaison Duties
Serve as the agency liaison for Neighborhood Crime Watch programs.
Collaborate with neighborhood groups to build partnerships, increase visibility, and reduce crime through proactive engagement.
Act as the primary contact for Crime Solvers, ensuring proper handling of anonymous tips, reward processes, and public education on tip submission.
Represent the agency at public meetings, community events, and outreach functions.
Public Information Support
Assist the Public Information Officer in media relations, press release preparation, and crisis communication.
Serve as the PIO in their absence, managing media inquiries and facilitating transparent, timely communication with the public and news outlets.
Program Oversight & Event Coordination
Assisting with overseeing strategic planning and execution of community programs including the Citizens Academy and LCSO Foundation initiatives.
Ensure the development and implementation of crime prevention strategies based on analysis of criminal behavior and trends.
Support planning and execution of agency-led events and initiatives aimed at fostering public trust and engagement.
Law Enforcement Operations Support
Maintain law enforcement proficiency, including knowledge of applicable laws, defensive tactics, officer safety, and ethical standards.
Support field operations as needed and demonstrate sound judgment in both routine and emergency situations.
- High School Diploma.
- Associate's degree preferred.
- In compliance with 943.13 F.S., the position requires the employee to be at least 19 years of age, be a citizen of the United States, be of good moral character, must have completed a basic training program for Law Enforcement approved by the CJSTC and pass the Florida certification examination.
- Must not be disqualified by any factors outlined in the application for employment.
- Must maintain a primary residence within Leon County or a county adjacent to Leon (Wakulla, Liberty, Gadsden, and Jefferson Counties in Florida, Thomas and Grady Counties in Georgia).
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving history.
- Must pass LCSO's Physical Abilities Test in 6 minutes 4 seconds.
- Must satisfactorily complete LCSO Field Training Program.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency in conflict resolution, public speaking, and community engagement.
- Experience in public information or media relations preferred.
- Position will require travel to attend various meetings and functions related to performance of duties.
- Knowledge of applicable laws, ordinances, rules and regulations and the application of such to the performance of the job.
- Ability to apply the appropriate techniques in order to successfully identify and/or resolve conflicts involving agency members.
- Ability to review documents for accuracy, completeness, and compliance; compile data and information for reports; compose letters and memoranda; explain policies and procedures.
- Ability to ensuring they adhere to policies and procedures of the Leon County Sheriff's Office and approved practices.
- Have functional knowledgeable and be supportive of the LCSO’s Strategic Plan and ensure assigned staff understands the goals and objectives.
- Ability to work closely with others as a team.
- Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
- Ability to prepare and present clear, accurate, concise, and objective written and oral reports.
- Ability to meet requirements and maintain required licensures and certifications as well as agency required in-service training.
- Ability to adhere to the standards and principles of the agency's core values and professionally represent the agency.
- Ability to report to work timely, consistently and as scheduled.
- Ability to perform all functions of the job classification without posing a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.
Other Necessary Requirements
- Duties are performed primarily in office environment within a law enforcement agency.
- Activities and hosted events may require stationary position for extended periods of time at workstation or assignment location.
- May be required to engage in light to medium physical exertion (e.g., lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials from 26 to 50 pounds).
- May be required to work outdoors in changing weather conditions.
- May be required to work non-standard hours including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Salary : $60,000 - $76,066
