Sheriff Deputy - Patrol - Houston County

Applications and inquiries should be directed to the Sheriff's Department. 

Please call Captain Chambers at (478) 542-2080 or Brandi at (478) 542-2125.  

Deputy Sheriff Grade 17  $45,115.20 ($21.69 hr) - $48,734.40 ($23.43 hr)

PURPOSE OF CLASSIFICATION

The purpose of this classification is to perform protective work functions associated with protection of life and property; enforcement of federal, state, and local laws; and duties within an assigned shift or within an assigned specialty which may include the Patrol Division, Traffic Division, Warrant Division, Courthouse Security, School Resource Officer.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties are normal for this position.  These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.  Other duties may be required and assigned.

Enforces all applicable codes, ordinances, laws, and regulations (both traffic and criminal) in order to protect life and property, prevent crime, and promote security.

Patrols designated areas via motor vehicle or on foot to detect and deter criminal activity and traffic violations.

Prevents/discovers commission of crime; apprehends, arrests and processes criminals, fugitives, and offenders; writes citations.

Responds to calls relayed by dispatchers, including domestic disputes, assaults, burglaries, traffic accidents, lost or missing persons searches, rescue operations, public service duties, stranded motorists, etc.

Conducts preliminary investigations; interviews victims, complainants and witnesses and takes statements; gathers information and evidence; secures crime scenes.

Enforces vehicle parking and operating laws; uses radar/laser speed detection units to enforce speed laws.

Inspects premises of residential/commercial buildings/properties to detect suspicious conditions.

Provides traffic control and police protection for events such as parades, processions, funerals, ball games, school crossings, etc.; provides security/escort services to individuals, businesses, or others as appropriate.

Participates in court activities; testifies in judicial proceedings.

Serves criminal/civil warrants.

Administers first aid and CPR, as necessary.

Inspects and maintains assigned patrol vehicle, uniform, weapons, equipment, etc.

Transports prisoners, members of the general public, or other individuals as required.

May participate as a member of Sheriff's Response Team (S.R.T.); responds to emergency call for situations involving hostage situations, barricaded persons, high-risk drug raids, riots, missing person searches, escaped prisoner searches, high security activities, and other situations requiring special weapons and tactical team assistance; participates in regular training activities.

Provides assistance and backup support to other deputies or other departments as necessary; substitutes for co-workers in their absence; performs flexible unit assignments as needed in emergency response; provides emergency response on a twenty-four-hour basis as needed.

Provides assistance to other public service agencies as appropriate (e.g., fire departments, city police departments, state patrol units, emergency medical personnel).

Confers with supervisors, staff, deputies, and others as necessary to obtain information or resolve problems; contacts command/supervisory personnel by radio, telephone, pager/beeper, voice mail, etc., for emergency response and critical incident communications.

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

Creates/maintains positive public relations with the general public; educates the public on laws, law enforcement, crime prevention, drug abuse, etc.

Responds to questions, complaints, and requests for information/assistance by telephone or in person from the general public, news media, court personnel, attorneys, inmates, employees, officials, or other persons.

Answers the telephone; provides information; takes and relays messages and/or directs calls to appropriate personnel; returns calls, as necessary.

Operates a computer to research, review, enter and/or modify information in database.

Processes a variety of documentation associated with departmental operations, per established procedures and within designated timeframes; distributes documentation or maintains records as appropriate.

Prepares reports, logs, citations, forms, and other documents; maintains files and logs; performs other clerical duties.

Receives various documentation; reviews, processes, responds, forwards, maintains, and/or takes other action as appropriate.

Maintains current manuals, policies/procedures, bulletins, map books, etc., for reference and/or review.

Maintains inventory of departmental supplies, initiates requests for new or replacement materials.

Attends shift meetings, training sessions and seminars as required to remain knowledgeable of county/departmental operations, to promote improved job performance, and to stay current with changing policies, procedures, codes, and criminal/civil case law; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations.

Initiates contact with individuals driving motor vehicles to determine involvement in criminal activity.

Performs organized searches of vehicles and buildings to identify and locate illegal contraband.

Determines whether sufficient evidence exists to substantiate arrests; makes arrests.

Conducts investigations into illegal activities; interviews suspects to identify additional parties involved in the activity

Prepares detailed investigate reports and records; reviews investigative information; assists in determining whether cases are ready for prosecution.

Works with specialized canine to detect drugs, conduct searches, control suspects, provide crowd control, or provide protection; trains and handles dogs.

Assignment to Warrant Division may include performance of the following additional duties:

Reviews/examines warrants to ensure completeness and accuracy; performs research functions to identify location of individuals to be served; maintains warrant caseload, GCIC/NCIC files, and "unable to locate" files; organizes/prioritizes work.

Serves arrest warrants, civil papers, and other legal documents within the county.

Transports suspects/inmates to/from county jail or other locations as required.

Performs data entry functions by keying data into computer system; enters/updates data pertaining to status of warrants in computer system.

Assignment to Courthouse Security function may include performance of the following additional duties:

Provides courtroom security; maintains a security presence in the courtroom to ensure safety of court personnel, to identify/prevent disturbances of court proceedings, and to identify/prevent potential violence or use of weapons.

Conducts security checks of courthouse offices, judges' chambers, parking lots, or other areas of courthouse.

Performs electronic and visual security screening of jurors, spectators, or other individuals.

Assists detention officers with security/management of inmates in court; secures and detains new prisoners.

Assignment to School Resource Officer function may include performance of the following additional duties:

Provides counseling to students with behavioral problems; visits students' homes to talk with students and parents.

Acts as a liaison between juveniles and school administration, court officials, juvenile agencies, and other agencies.

Participates in various youth-oriented activities (e.g., sports events, club meetings, PTO meetings, etc.).

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

Provides assistance to motorists or other citizens as needed.

May conduct various errands as assigned (e.g., picking up supplies, transporting mail or documentation, etc.).

Performs other related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of relevant federal, state and local laws, ordinances, criminal and traffic codes, juvenile laws, search and seizure laws; knowledge of the practices of modern penology as related to the supervision and care of persons under institutionalized restraint; knowledge of departmental policies, procedures, rules, regulations and functions; knowledge of police methods, practices and procedures; knowledge of general law enforcement techniques and procedures; knowledge of traffic investigation techniques; knowledge of criminal investigation techniques and procedures; knowledge of methods used in the identification and preservation of physical evidence; knowledge of law enforcement and emergency radio communication systems; knowledge of the court system, court procedures, and presentation of evidence in court proceedings; knowledge of the county's provisions for emergency situations; knowledge of first aid and CPR techniques; knowledge of occupational hazards and safety techniques; knowledge of the road system and geographical layout of the area; knowledge of the basic content of various legal documents; knowledge of report preparation and recordkeeping methods; knowledge of basic principles of psychology; knowledge of conflict resolution principles and methods; knowledge of standard office practices and procedures; knowledge of standard office equipment; and knowledge of basic computer applications and techniques.  Participation on Sheriff's Response Team requires knowledge of multiple weapons and knowledge of tactical operations.

Skill in enforcing laws and regulations firmly, fairly, tactfully, and with respect for the rights of others; skill in interviewing and interrogating individuals; skill in conflict resolution; skill in restraining individuals without causing physical harm; skill in operating specialized law enforcement machinery, equipment, and tools; skill in use of firearms and chemical weapons; skill in driving; and skill in utilizing various computer software programs relevant to the position.  May require skill in handling specialized canine units.  May require skill in identifying various narcotic substances.  May require skill in counseling and in interacting with juveniles.  Participation on Sheriff's Response Team requires skill in operating multiple weapons with a high level of proficiency in marksmanship.

Ability to interpret, explain, and enforce pertinent provisions of laws, ordinances and regulations; ability to understand and explain departmental policies, procedures, rules and regulations; ability to supervise the activities of large groups of inmates; ability to detect potential behavior problems of inmates; ability to detect the early symptoms of common health problems; ability to effectively interview and interrogate individuals; ability to ascertain facts by personal contact, observation, and examination of records; ability to analyze situations and to adopt effective and reasonable courses of action with due regard to surrounding hazards and circumstances; ability to react quickly and effectively under emergency conditions; ability to carry out work assignments with minimal supervision; ability to work with frequent interruptions or under pressure; ability to accurately remember names, faces, numbers, and events; ability to distinguish colors; ability to gather and compile data for reports; ability to write clear and concise reports; ability to understand and follow detailed written and oral instructions; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, officials, other agencies, and the general public; ability to effectively interact with the public, often in stressful situations or in situations requiring firmness, courtesy and tact; ability to perform required mathematical calculations; ability to type at a reasonable rate of speed; ability to utilize various computer software programs relevant to the position; ability to operate standard office equipment and specialized law enforcement machinery, equipment and tools; ability to learn the use and care of firearms, and to operate firearms with proficiency in marksmanship; ability to exercise care in operating a motor vehicle; ability to stoop, kneel, climb, run, or otherwise physically maneuver in conducting work activities; and ability to safely lift and/or carry weights in excess of 100 pounds. 

 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

High school diploma or GED required, with successful completion of a basic police training course; one year of experience in law enforcement preferred (previous law enforcement experience may be required for specialized areas of assignment); or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Must meet and maintain current requirements set forth in the Georgia Peace Officer's Standards and Training Act. Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia Driver's License. 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTs TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:  Must be able to operate a variety of office equipment and law enforcement machinery, equipment and tools which may include a police vehicle, standard/emergency vehicles, firearms, chemical weapons, emergency equipment, radio/communications equipment, radar/laser equipment, alcohol testing equipment, handcuffs, leg irons, baton, flashlight, tape measure, template, processing kits, photographic equipment, television monitor, VCR, fingerprint ink machine, fire extinguisher, computer, printer, typewriter, facsimile machine, shredder, and telephone.  Physical demand requirements are at levels of those for very heavy work.

DATA COMPREHENSION:  Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things which may include forms, reports, maps, legal code books, bulletins, directories, procedural manuals, reference materials, and operational manuals.

INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION:  Requires the ability to speak with and/or signal people to convey or exchange legal, counseling, emergency medical, law enforcement, and court-related information, including giving assignments and/or directions to co-workers or assistants as well as communicating with officials and the general public.

LANGUAGE ABILITY:  Requires ability to read a variety of legal, counseling, emergency medical, law enforcement, and court-related documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures.  Requires the ability to complete forms and to write job related documentation and reports with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech.  Requires the ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control, and confidence using correct English and well-modulated voice, such as in public speaking situations.

INTELLIGENCE:  Requires the ability to learn and understand relatively complex legal, counseling, emergency medical, law enforcement, and court-related principles and techniques; to understand departmental policies and procedures; to make independent judgments in absence of supervision; and to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation.

VERBAL APTITUDE:  Requires the ability to record and deliver information, such as in a public speaking situation, to explain procedures, and to follow verbal and written instructions.

NUMERICAL APTITUDE:  Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; add and subtract totals; multiply and divide totals; determine percentages; determine time and weight; and interpret statistical data.

FORM/SPATIAL APTITUDE:  Requires the ability to visually inspect items for proper length, width, and shape using job related equipment which may include a tape measure, template, processing kits, and photographic equipment.

MOTOR COORDINATION:  Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using job related equipment and to operate motor vehicles.

MANUAL DEXTERITY:  Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, job related equipment, control knobs, switches, etc.  Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting motion or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities.  Must have average levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

COLOR DIFFERENTIATION:  Requires the ability to discern color.

INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT:  Requires the ability to deal with and relate to people beyond giving and receiving instructions.  Must be able to adapt to and perform under considerable stress when confronted with an emergency.

PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION:  Requires the ability to talk, express, or exchange ideas by means of spoken words and/or hear and perceive nature of sounds by ear.