DEPUTY SHERIFF TRAINEE

Job Specifications

Class Code:	RE3
Analyst:	LM, JS

Date Originated:	9/88
Date Revised:	1/94, 4/03, 1/23

COUNTY OF SANTA CRUZ

DEFINITION

Under close supervision, attends an approved Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) basic police academy to be trained to perform law enforcement service; and does other work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a non-sworn trainee level classification in the Sheriff's Office and is distinguished from the next higher level of Deputy Sheriff by being a non-sworn position with no peace officer powers. Incumbents in this class attend a police academy for basic training. Upon successful completion of the basic academy, incumbents are expected to promote to Deputy Sheriff.

TYPICAL TASKS

• Attends Police Officers Standards of Training Police Academy;
• May assist in routine law enforcement support duties which do not require a sworn Deputy Sheriff including, but not limited to the following:
  • Takes information for reports and answers questions;
  • Keeps records and performs clerical tasks;
  • Takes fingerprints and photographs;
  • Delivers community relations programs;
  • Responds to non-emergency calls from citizens to take reports;
  • Collects information and data;
  • Transports materials and people;
  • Prepares records and reports.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge of:

Some knowledge of:

• Human motivation and behavior.
• Functions of local law enforcement agency.

Ability to:

• Understand, interpret, and apply State and local laws and departmental policies and procedures.
• React quickly and calmly in emergency situations and adopt an effective course of action.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Learn to operate firearms safely and skillfully.
• Obtain information through interview, interrogation, and observation.
• Write clear and accurate reports.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships.
• Successfully complete an approved Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) basic police academy.

Physical Ability to:

• Perform tasks and complete coursework required to graduate from an approved Peace Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) basic police academy.
• Perform a variety of physically strenuous activities, such as pursuing and restraining suspects and lifting injured persons (in a training capacity).
• Normal color vision and unrestricted peripheral vision.  If no corrective lenses worn, vision of at least 20/20.  If glasses worn, uncorrected vision of at least 20/100, correcting to 20/20.  If soft contact lenses are worn, vision of at least 20/200, correcting to 20/20 with one year minimum of successful contact lens use.  Candidates who have had corrective eye surgery must meet all applicable vision guidelines at all times of day.  A minimum of one year must have elapsed between surgery and examination, and all post-operative records must be submitted for review.

Education:  Graduation from high school or attainment of a satisfactory score on G.E.D. test, as required for admittance to mandatory P.O.S.T. training.

Special Requirements, Conditions:

License: Possession of a valid California class C driver license.

Background Investigation: Ability to pass a full background investigation.

Special Working Conditions: Exposure to variable temperatures and weather conditions; confined workspaces; heights; two-way radio noise; strong, unpleasant odors; infections which might cause chronic disease or death; dust and pollens; chemical irritants; possibility of experiencing bodily injury and/or burns; contact with a diverse population;

Other Special Requirements: Must be legally authorized to work in the United States in accordance with Section 1031 of the Government Code; must be available to work nights, weekends and/or holidays. Note: Must be at least 21 years of age at completion of academy.

PREVIOUS CLASS TITLE: None

Bargaining Unit: 34
EEOC Job Category: 04
Occupational Grouping: 62
Worker's Comp Code: 1073