SHERIFF'S SERGEANT

Job Specifications

Class Code:	RE7
Analyst:	OM, JS

Date Originated:	8/79
Date Revised:	2/95, 5/16, 1/23

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

DEFINITION

Under direction, assign, supervise and participate in the work of staff performing law enforcement, crime prevention and detection, detention, bailiff, or coroner activities; perform responsible staff or administrative functions; and perform other work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Positions in this class function as first line supervisors or handle staff or administrative assignments such as conducting internal investigations of serious complaints against departmental staff. Incumbents rotate through various assignments and are expected to be able to perform the full range of duties required of the class. These positions are distinguished from the position in the lower class of Deputy Sheriff, which do not have ongoing supervisory or administrative responsibilities.

TYPICAL TASKS

• Assign, review and evaluate the work of subordinate staff;
• Train subordinates in new procedures and participate in in-service training programs;
• Supervise a shift of deputies patrolling assigned areas and responding to calls from the public;
• Patrol the County, keeping in touch with subordinates and assisting with the more serious or difficult calls;
• Spot check the work of subordinates in the field and interview citizens involved in calls to see how subordinates handled the situation;
• Supervise a shift of detention officers in the reception, custody, and release of inmates;
• Confer with subordinates on behavioral problems of inmates;
• Make decisions on where inmates are to be housed and which prisoners may be released on bail or own recognizance;
• Supervise and participate in the work of a staff conducting investigations on crimes against persons or property;
• Confer with subordinates on proper handling of complex or major cases and determine whether task force efforts are necessary;
• Review work in progress and completed reports;
• Direct and participate in the activities of the coroner's unit in determining the manner and cause of death for those cases under the jurisdiction of the coroner;
• Supervise and participate in the work of staff conducting narcotics investigations or collecting and preserving physical evidence at crime scenes;
• Supervise and coordinate the work of staff performing bailiff functions in the courts;
• Investigate citizen complaints against departmental staff and provide information to the public about law enforcement activities;
• Engage in community-oriented policing;
• May provide vacation or other temporary relief for supervisor or for other classes as required.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge:

Thorough knowledge of:

• Laws pertaining to search and seizure, arrest, and interrogation of suspects.
• Criminal law and rules of evidence.

 Working knowledge of:

• Court procedures in criminal and civil cases.
• Use and care of standard police firearms.
• Principles of human motivation and behavior.
• Community-oriented policing.

 Some knowledge of:

• Techniques of criminal investigation.
• Basic identification techniques.
• Principles and practices pertaining to the operation of County detention facilities.
• Principles of supervision and training.
• Principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Ability to:

• Assign, direct and supervise the work of subordinates.
• Make quick, effective decisions in emergencies and take appropriate action.
• Obtain information through interview, interrogation, and observation.
• Assemble and analyze facts and evidence and make sound recommendations.
• Enforce State and local laws and departmental policies firmly and impartially.
• Speak and write effectively.
• 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.
• See at an uncorrected vision of 20-80--corrected to 20-20 in each eye with normal color vision and unrestricted peripheral vision.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of education and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and abilities, is qualifying, unless otherwise specified. A typical way to obtain these knowledge and abilities would be:

Three years of experience performing duties comparable to a Deputy Sheriff in Santa Cruz County or performing duties which would demonstrate possession of the knowledge and abilities listed above.

Special Requirements/Conditions:

License/Certificate Requirements: Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License; possession of or ability to possess an Intermediate Law Enforcement Certificate awarded by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.).

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 1031 of the Government Code; availability to work flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, holidays and on an emergency, as needed basis.

Bargaining Unit: 72
EEOC Job Category: 03
Occupational Grouping: 62
Workers' Compensation Code: 1073