DEPUTY SHERIFF

Job Specifications

Class Code:	RE5
Analyst:	LM, TC, JS

Date Originated:	6/80
Date Revised:	12/81, 10/88, 1/89, 2/95, 4/03, 10/12, 4/14, 1/23

COUNTY OF SANTA CRUZ

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, perform law enforcement, crime prevention and crime detection activities; serve civil papers; perform coroner functions; act as bailiff; and perform other work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the entry and full journey level class in the Sheriff's series. Incumbents rotate through various assignments and are expected to be able to perform the full range of duties required of the class. This class is distinguished from the higher class of Sheriff's Sergeant by the absence of ongoing supervisory or administrative responsibilities.

TYPICAL TASKS

All Assignments

• Enforce State and local laws;
• Preserve the peace;
• Protect life and property;
• Assist and cooperate with other law enforcement and public safety agencies;
• Appear in court as a witness;
• May speak before public groups;
• May provide training to new recruits and reserves;
• Engage in community-oriented policing;
• May provide vacation or other temporary relief for supervisor or for other classes as required.

Patrol Division

• Patrol assigned area in an automobile, checking for crime and suspicious or dangerous conditions;
• Respond to calls from the public regarding crimes;
• Pursue and apprehend suspects;
• Conduct initial and follow-up investigations of crimes;
• Interview witnesses and victims of crime and others who might have information relating to the whereabouts of suspects;
• Interrogate suspects;
• Conduct undercover investigations;
• Service warrants and make arrests;
• Serve legal papers such as subpoenas, summons, complaints and writs of attachment and execution;
• Search crime scenes for physical evidence such as fingerprints, footprints, and tire marks;
• Collect and preserve physical evidence;
• Photograph crime scenes.

Investigation

• Pursue and apprehend suspects;
• Conduct initial and follow-up investigations of crimes;
• Interview witnesses and victims of crime and others who might have information relating to the whereabouts of suspects;
• Interrogate suspects;
• Conduct undercover investigations;
• Service warrants and make arrests;
• Search crimes scenes for physical evidence such as fingerprints, footprints, and tire marks;
• Collect and preserve physical evidence;
• Photograph crime scenes;
• Determine cause and manner of death for violent deaths, deaths under suspicious or unusual circumstances and other types of cases under the jurisdiction of the coroner;
• Arrange for removal of the deceased and stand by at the autopsy.

Court Security

• Conduct prisoners to and from court and guard them while in courts;
• Maintain order in courts;
• Transport prisoners to and from penal institutions.

Administration

• Serve legal papers such as subpoenas, summons, complaints and writs of attachment and execution;
• Serve eviction notices; and place "keepers" in businesses to take charge while the business is under attachment.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge of:

Academy Graduate

Some knowledge of:

• Principles of human motivation and behavior.
• Functions of local law enforcement agency.
• Community-oriented policing.

Lateral

Working knowledge of:

• Laws pertaining to search and seizure.
• Rules of evidence and basic criminal law.
• Use and care of standard police firearms.
• Law enforcement vehicular and foot patrol techniques.
• Community-oriented policing.

Some knowledge of:

• Techniques of criminal investigations.
• Court procedures in criminal and civil cases.

Ability to:

• Abilities required of all positions, Academy Graduate as entry and Lateral as journey.
• Understand, interpret, and apply State and local laws and departmental policies.
• React quickly and calmly in emergency situations and adopt an effective course of action.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Operate firearms safely and skillfully.
• Obtain information through interview, interrogation, and observation.
• Write clear and accurate reports.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships.
• Perform a variety of active public safety duties involving strenuous physical activity, such as pursuing and restraining suspects and lifting injured persons.
• Engage in community-based policing, relationship building between law enforcement and community residents, and collaborative problem solving.
• 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 and Experience: 

Academy Attendee: Graduation from high school, attainment of a satisfactory score on a G.E.D. test or a two-year or four-year degree from an accredited college or university and current attendance at a California P.O.S.T Basic Academy and a minimum P.O.S.T. T-score of 46. A letter from the academy verifying current attendance, in addition to a letter verifying the required minimum P.O.S.T score, must accompany the application. Applicants currently attending a qualifying academy may apply, with eligibility for hiring contingent upon successful completion and graduation. Failure to submit listed document(s) will be cause for rejection.

Academy Graduate: Graduation from high school, attainment of a satisfactory score on a G.E.D. test or a two-year or four-year degree from an accredited college or university and possession of an approved academy completion certificate issued by a California P.O.S.T. Certified Basic Academy. 

Lateral: Possession of a valid P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate awarded by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training and current employment as a peace officer performing general law enforcement duties for a California city, county, or the state. 

Special Requirements/Conditions:

License Requirement: Possession and maintenance 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; and contact with a diverse population.

Other Special Requirements: Must be legally authorized to work in the United States in accordance with Section 1031of the Government Code; must be at least 21 years of age at completion of academy; availability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, holidays and on an emergency, as needed basis.

PREVIOUS TITLES: None

Bargaining Unit: 32
EEOC Job Category: 04
Occupational Grouping: 62
Worker's Comp Code: 1073