Community Relations Deputy Sheriff at Leon County Sheriff's Office – Tallahassee, Florida

The Community Relations Deputy is a sworn law enforcement officer assigned to the Community and Media Relations Division and works under the supervision of the Community Relations Manager.

This position supports Neighborhood Crime Watch initiatives and assists with programs designed to promote citizen involvement in crime prevention and public safety awareness.

Major duties include participating in community outreach initiatives; overseeing commercial and residential security surveys; attending and assisting with community events; and engaging with participants in the Citizens Academy program.

The Community Relations Deputy adheres to the agency’s core values of honesty and integrity, accountability, teamwork, trust and respect, and commitment to excellence. Successful performance in this position requires demonstrated competency in local, state, and federal statutes and ordinances; officer safety; firearms proficiency; defensive and control tactics; and conflict resolution. Additional required competencies include data entry and information retrieval, effective time management, basic to intermediate computer proficiency, strong written and verbal communication skills, interpersonal and customer service skills, and sound problem-solving abilities.

• Assist with coordination and support of Neighborhood Crime Watch Programs.
• Assist with the collaboration of neighborhood groups to build partnerships, increase visibility, and reduce crime through proactive engagement.
• Represent the agency at public meetings, community events, and outreach functions.

• Assisting with overseeing strategic planning and execution of community programs including the Citizens Academy and LCSO Foundation initiatives.
• Ensure the development and implementation of crime prevention strategies based on analysis of criminal behavior and trends.
• Support planning and execution of agency-led events and initiatives aimed at fostering public trust and engagement.

• Maintain law enforcement proficiency, including knowledge of applicable laws, defensive tactics, officer safety, and ethical standards.
• Support field operations as needed and demonstrate sound judgment in both routine and emergency situations.
• Pursue and effect the immediate apprehension and arrest of persons suspected of committing criminal violations directed to his/her attention.
• Under no circumstances make public any information that may jeopardize the successful completion of an investigation or the apprehension of a perpetrator.
• Provide rescue and first aid services in response to accidents, disasters, or other emergency situations.
• Testify in court or depositions as necessary.

• High School Diploma.
• Associate's degree preferred.
• In compliance with 943.13 F.S., the position requires the employee to be at least 19 years of age, be a citizen of the United States, be of good moral character, must have completed a basic training program for Law Enforcement approved by the CJSTC and pass the Florida certification examination.
• Must not be disqualified by any factors outlined in the application for employment.
• Must maintain a primary residence within Leon County or a county adjacent to Leon (Wakulla, Liberty, Gadsden, and Jefferson Counties in Florida, Thomas and Grady Counties in Georgia).
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving history.
• Must satisfactorily complete a (PAT) Physical Abilities Test.
• Must satisfactorily complete LCSO Field Training Program.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in conflict resolution, public speaking, and community engagement.
• Experience in public information or media relations preferred.
• Position will require travel to attend various meetings and functions related to performance of duties.

• Knowledge of applicable laws, ordinances, rules and regulations and the application of such to the performance of the job.
• Have functional knowledgeable and be supportive of the LCSO’s Strategic Plan and ensure assigned staff understands the goals and objectives.
• Ability to apply the appropriate techniques in order to successfully identify and/or resolve conflicts involving agency members.
• Ability to pass Firearms and Defensive Tactics courses as required.
• Ability to pass various driving tests as required.
• Ability to pass all other courses/training as mandated by LCSO and/or FCJSTC.
• Ability to review documents for accuracy, completeness, and compliance; compile data and information for reports; compose letters and memoranda; explain policies and procedures.
• Ability to ensuring they adhere to policies and procedures of the Leon County Sheriff's Office and approved practices.
• Ability to work closely with others as a team.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
• Ability to prepare and present clear, accurate, concise, and objective written and oral reports.
• Ability to meet requirements and maintain required licensures and certifications as well as agency required in-service training.
• Ability to adhere to the standards and principles of the agency's core values and professionally represent the agency.
• Ability to report to work timely, consistently and as scheduled.
• Ability to perform all functions of the job classification without posing a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.