About the Department

HIRING INCENTIVE

Hiring Incentive – paid in first paycheck	$1,500
Personal Leave credit in first paycheck	40 hours
Upon completion of probationary period and meets expectations on performance evaluation	$1,500
Upon completion of 3 years and meets expectations on performance evaluation	$2,000
Upon completion of 4 years and meets expectations on performance evaluation	$3,000
Upon completion of 5 years and meets expectations on performance evaluation	$4,000
TOTAL	$12,000

Under direct or general supervision, performs a wide variety of peace officer duties involving the prevention of crime, the protection of life and property, and the enforcement of federal, state, and local laws and ordinances; assists in criminal investigations and the preparation of case reports; testifies in court; serves in specialized departmental roles as assigned; provides information and assistance to the public; and performs related work as assigned.
 
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
 
Receives direct or general supervision from assigned Sheriff’s Sergeant.   Exercises no direct supervision over staff.  May exercise technical and functional direction over assigned staff.
 
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
 
Deputy Sheriff Recruit: This is the entry-level class in the series.  Incumbents initially are given detailed supervision in learning the techniques of law enforcement.  As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult and close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently.   Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of Deputy Sheriff positions, but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods.  Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern.   Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.  
 

Position Duties

(Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
 

• Performs general peace officer duties, including but not limited to patrolling assigned areas of the County, monitoring property security, responding to emergency calls and/or public calls for assistance, responding to alarms, enforcing laws and ordinances, issuing verbal warnings and citations, apprehending and arresting criminal suspects, securing and controlling crime scenes, seizing property and/or criminal evidence, maintaining public order, enforcing traffic regulations, and responding to accidents.
• Enforces all federal, state, and local laws and ordinances relating to public safety and welfare; performs all duties in compliance with applicable policies, procedures, laws, regulations, and standards of safety.
• Serves warrants, summonses, subpoenas, civil, and other official papers.
• Assists with criminal, coroner, narcotics, and other investigations.  
• Interviews witnesses, complainants, and victims; interrogates suspects; gathers physical evidence and preserves it for court; provides case follow-up as needed.
• Provides testimony and presents evidence in court as necessary.
• Prepares accurate and detailed incident reports; prepares and maintains other records, reports, and logs as required.
• Establishes and maintains communications with persons to gather information on criminal activity and law enforcement issues.
• Participates in community relations programs to enhance law enforcement and community relationships and to address safety issues.
• Participates in special duty details as assigned, which may include field training officer, large-scale arrests, boating patrol, controlled substance eradication, search and rescue operations, and school resource officer program.
• Provides emergency medical attention to the public when responding to calls for assistance and requests appropriate medical assistance as necessary.
• Provides mutual aid to other law enforcement, fire, and emergency response agencies as required and in accordance with departmental policy.
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions; reviews publications and materials to become and remain current on principles, practices, and new developments, as well as federal, state, and local laws and ordinances pertaining to assigned work.
• Ensures the proper and safe use and care of equipment and vehicles.
• Receives and responds to inquiries, complaints, and requests for assistance in areas of responsibility.
• May serve as Resident Deputy for an assigned geographical area.
• May provide court security as assigned.
• May assist with jail operations as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:
 

• Principles, practices, procedures, and terminology used in law enforcement, crime prevention, and investigation.
• Basic functions of law enforcement agencies.
• Basic mathematical principles.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation. 
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.

 
Ability to:
 

• Identify and be responsive to community issues, concerns, and needs.
• Learn, interpret, and apply federal, state, and local laws, codes, ordinances, regulations, and standards affecting Sheriff’s Department operations.
• Work under stressful or dangerous conditions, often involving considerable personal risk or risk to others.
• Deal courteously, yet firmly and effectively with the public in law enforcement situations.
• Observe and accurately recall places, names, descriptive characteristics and facts of incidents.
• Read and interpret maps, and orient oneself geographically.
• Learn to and safely use and care for firearms.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Make accurate mathematical calculations.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare clear and concise reports and other written materials.
• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines in politically sensitive situations.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. 

 
Education and Experience:
High School graduation or equivalent.  Previous volunteer or paid experience in a law enforcement support area is desirable.
 
Licenses and Certifications: 

• Possession of a valid California Driver's License and satisfactory driving record.
• Obtain a Basic Certificate issued by the California State Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) within one (1) year of employment.
• Obtain and maintain firearms qualification within one (1) year of employment.

 

Other Qualifications

The following Technical Skills or "Hard Skills" are needed to be successful in this position:

• Basic Physical Fitness: Maintaining general physical fitness through regular exercise, focusing on strength, endurance, and agility.

• Basic Knowledge of Local Laws: Familiarity with fundamental laws and regulations relevant to law enforcement in their jurisdiction.

• Basic Computer Literacy: Proficiency in using computers for tasks such as typing, data entry, and using basic software applications.

• Observation Skills: Developing the ability to notice and remember details accurately, which is crucial for reporting and investigations.

• Basic First Aid: Understanding basic first aid procedures, such as treating minor injuries and recognizing medical emergencies.

• Radio Communication: Learning the basics of using police radios, including proper communication protocols and codes.

The following Interpersonal Skills or "Soft Skills" are needed to be successful in this position:

• Communication: Effective communication skills for interacting with the public, superiors, and peers; includes both listening and speaking skills.

• Adaptability: Ability to adjust to new situations and challenges, especially in a dynamic and unpredictable field.

• Integrity: Demonstrating honesty, ethical behavior, and a commitment to upholding the law and protecting the community.

• Teamwork and Collaboration: Working effectively as part of a team, valuing the contributions of others, and cooperating to achieve common goals.

• Problem-Solving: Developing the ability to think critically, assess situations, and make sound decisions under pressure.

• Stress Management: Managing stress and emotional responses, maintaining composure, and performing effectively in high-pressure situations.

PEACE OFFICER BASIC TRAINING AND CURRICULUM

The POST-certified Regular Basic Course (basic academy) is the training standard for police officers, deputy sheriffs, school district police officers, district attorney investigators, as well as a few other classifications of peace officers. The basic academy is both physically and mentally challenging. It includes a minimum of 680 hours of POST-developed training and testing in 43 separate areas of instruction called Learning Domains. Most POST-certified basic training academies exceed the 680 hour minimum by 200 or more hours with some academies presenting over 1000 hours of training and testing.

Academy students are subject to various written, skill, exercise, and scenario-based tests. Students must also participate in a rigorous physical conditioning program which culminates in a Work Sample Test Battery (physical ability test) at the end of the academy. Students must pass all tests in order to graduate from the basic academy.

For many other peace officer classifications, the PC 832 Course is the training standard.  The 40-hour PC 832 Arrest Course and the 24-hour PC 832 Firearms Course may be presented separately or as a single course.  Those interested in PC 832 training should contact the PC 832 course presenters(external link) directly to obtain registration, scheduling, and course requirement information.    

The Regular Basic Course curriculum is divided into 42 individual topics, called Learning Domains. The Learning Domains contain the minimum required foundational information for given subjects, which are detailed in the Training and Testing Specifications for Peace Officer Basic Courses. The training and testing specifications for a particular domain may also include information on required instructional activities and testing requirements.

STUDENT PREPAREDNESS

The Regular Basic Course prepares each student by providing hands-on experience, including weapons training, role-play scenarios, patrol procedures, emergency vehicle operations, and arrest and control techniques. The student must pass comprehensive, exercise, scenario, report writing, and physical abilities tests, to demonstrate readiness for entry into a department's standardized Field Training / Police Training Program. Specific minimum training and testing requirements for the Regular Basic Course can be found in Commission Procedure D-1.  Academies provide requirements in addition to POST's and prospective students should contact the academies directly with any questions related to academy-specific requirements.