Patrol Deputy

Under general supervision of a Sergeant or designee, the Patrol Deputy performs general law enforcement work of average difficulty and responsibility in the preservation and protection of life and property, the prevention of crime, the maintenance of good public order, the enforcement of civil and criminal law, and other related duties as required by direction or assignment. All assignments involve responsibility for recognizing the social importance of the law enforcement function, and for conscientious and effective performance of duties without immediate supervision. The Patrol Deputy exercises judgment and individual initiative in the performance of routine duties and in emergency situations. Duties are generally performed on an assigned shift, but may be called upon to continue assigned duties or special work assignments on other shifts and/or, at such times as directed, to best fill the efficient and effective operations of the Sheriff’s Office. Duties may be required to be performed in uniformed or plain clothes.  Work is reviewed through personal observation, inspections, and by discussion and review of daily reports for adherence to prescribed methods and procedures. 

The work shift includes a 12-hour schedule.  Due to the unpredictable and critical nature of the work, must be willing and available to work additional hours beyond assigned shifts, sometimes with little or no notice.      

Pre-Employment Requirements:  

These minimum standards set by the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement (TCOLE) must be met in order to qualify for licensure as a Peace Officer in Texas.

1. Citizen of the United States of America.
2. Earned a High School diploma or a G.E.D.
3. Have never been convicted, pled guilty, nor have been on a court-ordered community service or probation, or deferred adjudication for a Class A misdemeanor or a felony.
4. During the last 10 years, have not been convicted, pled guilty, been on community service or probation, or deferred adjudication for a Class B misdemeanor in this state, other state or while serving in the military.
5. Have never had a military court martial that resulted in a dishonorable or bad conduct discharge.
6. Must possess a valid Texas Driver License at the time of hiring.
7. Minimum age of 18 years old.
8. Must have Basic Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Peace Officer license.

Background Investigation: All candidates for full-time employment with the Sheriff’s Office undergo a comprehensive background investigation prior to being made a final offer. The investigation may include but is not limited to a records check, credit review, verification of credentials and interviews with personal and professional references.

Required Testing: Candidates must take and pass a standardized aptitude test and polygraph. 

Psychological Evaluation: To meet the minimum standards set by the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement (TCOLE), a psychologist will interview and test the candidate using various cognitive assessments. The psychologist will summarize the clinical impressions and make recommendations regarding the candidate’s overall psychological makeup and compatibility with the position.

Medical/Physical Screening: To meet the minimum standards set by the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement (TCOLE), a physical and drug screening exam is conducted by an employer-approved physician. A pre-employment drug screening exam is in accordance with the Smith County Sheriff’s Office intent and commitment to provide a drug-free workplace.

• Patrols assigned areas of Smith County to preserve public order and tranquility, and to prevent and/or discover the commission of crimes against person or property.
• Makes arrests and testifies in the prosecution of law violators. Conducts preliminary and/or detailed investigations of the commission of crime or law violations.
• Protects the crime scene, gathers and preserves matters of evidence, takes and records testimony. Directs and coordinates activities on-site until relieved by a superior officer. Assists detectives in specialized investigations. 
• Transports prisoners to jail. Prepares offense, case reports and investigative information for evidence for court.
• Serves warrants, capias, court orders and other legal processes. Locates and arrests persons wanted on warrants or court orders.
• Enforces the traffic laws and arrests or issues summons to traffic law violators. Reports unsafe road conditions, directs the flow of traffic when required and investigates traffic accidents.
• Participates in work involving juveniles, making preliminary and/or detailed investigation and follow-up, referring such cases as needed to Juvenile Court.
• Assists in the training of personnel. 
• Participates in Sheriff’s Office recruitment and community relations activities as directed 
• Complies with all policies and procedures of the Smith County Jail.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Must be able to learn existing software programs such as AbleTerm and Odyssey.

Must be able to keep abreast of any changes in policy, methods, computer operations, equipment needs, etc. as they pertain to departmental operations and activities.

• High School diploma or G.E.D. required.
• Formal education in human services or criminal justice desired.
• One year of less experience. Experience in criminal justice or related field, or any combination of education and experience that has been achieved, and is equivalent to the stated education and experience of required knowledge, skills and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities.

Licenses and Certifications 

• Basic Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Peace Officer license.

Physical Demands and Work Environment 

• Visual Capabilities Ability to detect abnormal behavior and extraordinary activities when observing the actions of individuals or a group of individuals.Ability to prepare a written description of personal property and accurate observations. Ability to properly identify colors utilized in descriptions.Ability to detect smoke, electrical fires, etc.  Must have sufficient vision without glasses to defend self and others, and perform mandatory life safety functions.Dual vision is required.Vision must be correctable to 20/20 or better with uncorrected vision of 20/200 or better.
• Auditory Capabilities Ability to hear and understand information received over the telephone and radio.Ability to distinguish between normal sounds and sounds indicating impending, improper or unacceptable behavior such as altercations, fights, assaults, etc.Hearing must be within normal range as defined by nationally recognized audiometric standards, or that surpasses the normal range.
• Olfactory Capabilities Ability to detect the presence of smoke, electrical fires, etc.Ability to detect the presence of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs.
• Physical Capabilities Physical requirements include lifting, carrying, struggling and pulling individuals or equipment weighing approximately 150-200 pounds occasionally.Ability to climb stairs.Ability to work in a standing position for extended periods of time when investigating and/or monitoring various types of crime scenes, etc.Ability to bend, stoop and kneel.Finger dexterity and hand/eye coordination to effectively use and qualify with the tools of the trade, i.e. firearms, Tasers, etc.Hand and arm steadiness when adjusting knobs and switches, and data entry on keyboard.Eye, hand and arm coordination when fingerprinting individuals.Must use hands or feet in self-defense and physically arrest individuals.Ability to use restraint devices (waist chains, leg irons, handcuffs, etc.) to control violators, run after fleeing prisoners, drag immobile persons, grip persons tightly with hand to prevent their escape, crawl on hands and knees to avoid smoke.
• Work Environment May be exposed to hazardous conditions, extreme weather conditions, infectious diseases, air and waterborne pathogens, body fluids, and combative and assaultive suspects and criminals.Work is performed in office and field environments.     

Travel 

The Patrol Deputy must be able to drive a motor vehicle in a safe and efficient manner, including the ability to sit in a standard car seat, use the right foot to operate the gas pedal and brake pedal, use a column gear shift, use mirrors and properly identify colors.

Salary : $59,057 - $69,306