Deputy Sheriff-Patrol (Lateral)

Position Summary

Work involves providing public safety by maintaining order, responding to emergencies, protecting people and property, enforcing motor vehicle and criminal laws, and promoting good community relations. Work also includes patrolling areas to deter criminal activity, enforcing traffic laws, responding to dispatched calls, detaining and arresting suspected violators of the law, preparing reports, transporting individuals in custody, and presenting evidence and testimony in judicial settings.

What You Will Do

• Prepares investigative reports, sketches and drawings, using appropriate grammar, symbols and mathematical computations.

• Effectively and coherently uses Interpersonal Communication skills to communicate with individuals and the public by providing information and directions, mediating disputes and advising of rights and processes.

• Physically breaks up fights and skirmishes.

• Demonstrates communications skills in court and formal settings.

• Performs rescue functions at accidents, emergencies, and disasters to include directing traffic, administering emergency medical aid, lifting, dragging and carrying people away from dangerous situations and securing and evacuating people from particular areas.

• Endures verbal and mental abuse when confronted with hostile views and opinions of suspects and other people encountered in antagonistic environments.

• Reads and comprehends legal and non-legal documents, including the processing of such documents as medical instructions, commitment orders, summons and other legal writs and court documents.

• Prepares a variety of reports using appropriate grammar, spelling and punctuation.

• Processes reports as appropriate (i.e., files, alphabetizes, labels, etc.)

• Enters data into computer systems or databases; looks up information in database; creates basic word processor documents and enters data into spreadsheets; uses email to communicate.

• Detects and collects evidence and substances that provide the basis of criminal offenses and infractions and/or that indicate the presence of dangerous conditions.

• Provides information to citizens regarding general legal procedures as necessary.

• Represents the agency at informational, planning and other required meetings.

• Patrols assigned area, responding to calls for service, determining a course and taking appropriate action.

• Proactively enforces state penal and traffic laws and County resolutions.

• Effects arrests, forcibly if necessary, uses handcuffs and other restraints, subdues resisting suspects uses approved techniques of arrest control, defensive tactics and weapons and resorts to use of hands and feet and other approved weapons in defense of self or others.

• Conducts visual and audio surveillance for extended periods of time.

• Exercises independent judgment in determining where there is reasonable suspicion to detain, when probably cause exists to search and arrest and when appropriate force should be used and to what degree.

• Maintains knowledge of current Colorado Revised Statutes and County Ordinances.

• Maintains knowledge and awareness of recent court rulings and legal standards in order to effectively enforce laws and ordinances while protecting the rights of citizens.

• Operates a law enforcement vehicle during both the day and night, in emergency situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits, in congested traffic and in unsafe road conditions caused by factors such as fog, smoke, rain, ice and snow.

• Communicates effectively and coherently over law enforcement radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications.

• Gathers information in criminal investigations by interviewing and obtaining the statements of victims, witnesses, suspects and confidential informers.

• Pursues fleeing suspects.

• Assists in County search and rescue operations.

• Loads, unloads, aims, and fires handguns, shotguns and other agency firearms under the conditions of stress that justify the use of deadly force and at levels of proficiency prescribed in certification standards.

• Performs searches of people, vehicles, buildings and large outdoor areas which involves detaining people and stopping suspicious vehicles and persons as needed.

• Prepares cases and testifies in court.

• Engages in law enforcement patrol functions that include walking on foot patrol and physically checking the doors and windows of buildings to ensure they are secure.

• Effectively communicates with people, including juveniles, by giving information and directions, mediating disputes and advising of rights and processes.

• Processes and transports prisoners using handcuffs and other appropriate restraints.

• Secures crime scenes, collects and processes and preserves evidence, and photographs crime scenes.

• Puts on and operates a gas mask in situations where chemical munitions are being deployed.

• Puts on and operates protective equipment including air filtering devices in situations where hazardous chemical, biological or other types of airborne elements are present.

• Extinguishes small fires by using a fire extinguisher and other appropriate means.

• Contacts and cooperates with other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the investigation of crimes and the apprehension of offenders.

• Prepares and executes arrest and search warrants.

• Performs other duties as appropriate or necessary for performance of the job.

What You Have

Candidates must be at least 21 years of age, have a high school diploma or GED, and a valid driver's license. Candidates must have two (2) consecutive years of recent/current experience in law enforcement (patrol or investigations) and Colorado P.O.S.T. certification.

The selection process includes, but is not limited to, an entry-level written test. Prior to employment, candidates will complete a background investigation, polygraph examination, physical examination to include a drug screen, and psychological evaluation. The expected duration of the selection process will not normally exceed two months. Candidates not selected may reapply in the future. This position requires shift work, including weekends and holidays. This posting may be used to fill multiple openings.

What Pueblo County Offers

• Shift differential pay

• Referral/Recruitment incentives

• Trainer pay

• Tuition reimbursement

• Take-home vehicle (Patrol)

• Opportunity to work in many diverse areas

• Comprehensive Benefits package (medical, dental, vision, etc.) for full-time employees

• Generous Vacation and Sick Leave Accrual

• County Retirement Program

• Autonomy to grow and find your career path with supportive leadership

• Truly inclusive and diverse environment

• Fitness Center (Historic Pueblo Courthouse Building)

• 4-week Paid Parental Leave Benefit