Law Enforcement Deputy

Sworn Law Enforcement Position

This is a sworn law enforcement position. You must be a certified law enforcement officer in the state of Florida in order to apply. This is law enforcement and public safety work involving preservation of law and order, the protection of life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances, patrol of community, response to calls for service, investigation of potential crimes and enforcement of Federal, State and Local laws. The application process includes a file review, oral board, background investigation, polygraph, medical examination, and psychological examination. As part of the background investigation, we will contact your current and previous employers as well as your references. We require that you list three personal or professional references. We also require that you list every residence you have ever lived at as well as every job you have ever held.

This position is essential and is required to report to duty before, during, and immediately after a civil emergency.

The duties of a deputy are to enforce laws and ordinances related to protecting the general public and property to enhance the quality of life for the citizens and visitors within the county. A deputy is expected to provide law enforcement protection and services, including conducting criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, crime prevention, and general law enforcement services. Facilitates the development of public trust and confidence in the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office.

Employees in this classification perform work in varied law enforcement assignments, including but not necessarily limited to, motorized patrol, traffic control and enforcement, preliminary and follow-up investigation at crime scenes, courthouse and port security, vessel patrol, scuba diving, K-9 handling, serving writs, other court process actions, and assistance in public safety education and community service programs. Work involves an element of personal danger and employees must be able to act without direct supervision and to exercise independent discretion in addressing emergency situations. Work assignments and instructions are received from an administrative superior who reviews work methods and results through observation, reports and conferences. Incumbents perform essential class functions as outlined herein according to functional area of assignment. Performs related work as directed.

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this position. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

Keeps the mission, vision, and values of the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office at the forefront of decision making and action; builds strategic and collaborative relationships and interact with others in a way that builds confidence and trust; provides excellent customer service by taking action to accomplish objectives, maintains high levels of work and productivity by generating innovative solutions to work situations.

Protects life and property through the enforcement of laws and regulations; proactively patrols assigned areas to assure the quality of life.

Works a shift, which may be Day shift, Evening shift, or Midnight shift, depending on assignment.

Patrols assigned area on foot, by motorcycle, by boat, by aircraft, by bicycle, in patrol car, or unmarked car to enforce laws, prevent crimes, investigate crimes, maintain order, and keep the peace.

Responds to 911 dispatched calls and / or citizens' requests for law enforcement services.

Operates a law enforcement vehicle in emergency conditions day or night, exceeding posted speed limits, in traffic and / or in unsafe road conditions due to inclement weather.

Has the ability to load, unload, and discharge a firearm, including handguns, shotguns, rifles, or tasers, under conditions of stress that justify the use of deadly force and at levels of proficiency prescribed by Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) standards.

Effectively communicates with citizens, including the elderly and juveniles.

Exercises independent judgment in determining when there is reasonable suspicion to stop suspicious vehicles and persons, when to detain, when probable cause exists to search and arrest, and when force may be used and to what degree, per policy.

Performs thorough searches of subjects, vehicles, buildings, outdoor landscape, per policy, which may involve frisking and detecting objects.

Locates, searches, and detains suspects following agency-approved procedures by using handcuffs and other restraints as outlined by policy.

Ability to subdue a resisting subject using physical maneuvers, whether hands or feet, or other approved weapons, per agency policy.

Processes and transports prisoners using handcuffs and other appropriate restraints per agency policy, which may include taking their photographs and obtaining a legible set of inked fingerprint impressions.

Conducts visual and audio surveillance for extended periods of time.

Pursues fleeing suspects and performs rescue operations which may involve quickly entering and exiting law enforcement patrol vehicles; lifting, carrying, and dragging heavy objects; climbing over and pulling oneself over obstacles, jumping down from elevated surfaces; climbing through openings; jumping over obstacles, ditches, and streams; crawling in confined areas; balancing on uneven or narrow surfaces and using body force to gain entrance through barriers.

Reads and comprehends legal and non-legal documents, including the preparation and processing of such documents as citations, affidavits, and warrants. Prepares investigative and other reports using appropriate grammar and mathematical computations.

Performs rescue functions at accidents, emergencies, and disasters including directing traffic for long periods of time, administering emergency medical aid, lifting, dragging, and carrying people away from dangerous situations and securing and evacuating people from particular areas. Performs first aid and provides other assistance to accident and other victims.

Operates a respirator in situations in which chemical munitions are being deployed.

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

Interviews and questions victims, witnesses, and suspects. Gathers and preserves evidence and information in criminal investigations by interviewing and obtaining the statements of victims, witnesses, suspects, and confidential informers.

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

Investigates causes and results of incidents.

Investigates illegal or suspicious activities such as suspicious persons, establishments, and disturbances.

Directs and controls traffic.

Issues written citations for traffic violations.

Inspects public establishments requiring licenses to ensure compliance with rules and regulations.

Operates law enforcement communication and computer equipment to obtain, disseminate, and report information.

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

Communicates with the public to discuss crime prevention activities and neighborhood problems.

Writes detailed incident, investigation, activity, and other reports.

Testifies in court to present evidence by describing conditions, situations, and actions. Demonstrates effective communication skills in court and other formal settings.

Performs court security activities by maintaining law and order in and around the courtroom, ensuring the protection and safety of persons in and around the courtroom, and expediting courtroom proceedings by preparing the courtroom, ensuring the prisoner's prompt appearance in court, and following directives from the judge.

Performs court process actions, including but not limited to, serving and accounting for exparte injunctions, eviction notices, enforceable writs and other process actions within the area of assignment.

When designated, trains, cares for and uses a K-9 dog in patrol and other assignments.

Other duties as may be assigned.

May be subject to random drug testing.

Knowledge of federal, state, and county laws and regulations.

Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively and to determine proper course of action to be taken.

Ability to cope with situations firmly, courteously, and tactfully and with respect for the rights of others.

Ability to learn the County's geography and physical and social characteristics.

Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

Ability to read well and to communicate effectively, in writing and orally.

Ability to meet physical requirements and standards.

Ability to model respect for individuals, teams, and the organization.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the public.

Ability to focus on the positive in every situation.

Ability to stay centered when challenged.

Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Ability to follow through with assigned tasks.

Minimum requirements to perform this job successfully include :

Eligible to obtain Florida Law Enforcement Certification required.

Enrolled in or completed a Criminal Justice Standards & Training Centers (CJSTC) Law Enforcement Academy required.

Possession of valid Florida Driver's License and maintenance of clean driving record required.

Minimum nineteen (19) years of age at time of appointment.