DEPUTY SHERIFF

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for general duty law enforcement work in protecting the life, persons, and property of the citizens of Pottawatomie County Kansas through the enforcement of laws and resolutions. An employee in this position functions as the initial responding officer on law enforcement calls, conducts investigations and maintains routine patrol activities to accomplish the following objectives: (1) preserve the peace; (2) enforce the law; (3) prevent and detect crime; (4) protect life and property; (5) arrest suspected violators of the law; and (6) provide service to our citizens. This work may occasionally involve hazardous or strenuous tasks but always involves the exercise of initiative and independent judgment (sometimes, in emergency situations which can endanger life and/or property). Duties are performed under the general supervision of the Sheriff, in accordance with established law enforcement practices, standards, and Sheriff's Office policy/regulations. Supervision is exercised by command officers who provide guidance and who review work through an observation of work activities, as well as through a review of reports, citations and arrests. This employee generally works an eight-hour or ten-hour shift alone, is called on off duty hours for work, and works different shifts.

Essential Functions:

· Patrols county and related areas to preserve law and order while enforcing State and Local laws.

· Investigates crimes, suspicious conditions and responds to complaints.

· Arrests persons violating ordinance and statutes when appropriate, including use of physical force reasonable to subdue suspects.

· Checks vacant residences, unattended commercial and industrial buildings.

· Collects, prepares and preserves evidence.

· Appears in Court to testify on behalf of the County.

· Serves warrants, summons and civil papers.

· Accompanies prisoners to jail or court.

· Provides security for routine operations of a courtroom and its personnel.

· Directs traffic and assists motorists.

· Enforces traffic statutes and county resolutions.

· Provides crowd control at public gatherings.

· Removes road hazards.

· Prepares written reports on accidents, offenses or when documenting information.

· Interviews persons having complaints or seeking information; interrogates and interviews witness/criminals.

· Operates a firearm.

· Operates a motor vehicle in patrol of the County.

· Operates Doppler radar.

Marginal Functions:

· Performs first aid and assists fire and ambulance personnel.

· Assists outside agencies with investigations.

· Transports prisoners to court, medical appointments and other facilities.

· Transports juveniles in SRS custody.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

· Knowledge of principles and practices of law enforcement and police science, as practiced in the State of Kansas.

· Knowledge of state laws and local ordinances which govern the County of Pottawatomie.

· Knowledge of the geography of Pottawatomie County.

· Knowledge of effective forms of oral and written English expression.

· Knowledge of how and when to apply tact and diplomacy in the day-to-day application of law enforcement responsibilities.

· Knowledge of cults, gang presence and the drug culture, including signs of their presence and/or influence.

· Knowledge of how and when to apply "USE OF FORCE" in the enforcement of laws or the apprehension of criminals.

· Some knowledge of the concepts and processes of the Kansas criminal justice system, including knowledge of an officer's role in courtroom proceedings and testimony.

· Ability to quickly assess situations and to use sound judgment in defusing potentially dangerous human interaction problems.

· Ability to read and write in standard English and to do basic mathematics.

· Ability to prepare accurate and informative reports.

· Ability to understand and carry out written and oral communications.

· Ability to effectively communicate and interact with a wide range of individuals and groups in a stable, professional and courteous manner.

· Ability to learn, understand, interpret and follow Federal, State and local laws and ordinances, court decisions, and departmental rules, regulations, policies practices and procedures.

· Ability to handle stressful, potentially violent situations and individuals in a firm, professional and deliberative manner.

· Ability to read and interpret maps.

· Ability to perform strenuous physical tasks and to demonstrate good physical and psychological fitness ability in the safe and effective use of firearms, motor vehicles and other specialized equipment.

· While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to use a computer. Good typing skills are also preferred.

Competency

To perform the job successfully, an individual must demonstrate the following competencies.

· Analytical — Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs workflows and procedures.

· Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions.

· Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Meets commitments.

· Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Participates in meetings.

· Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.

· Change Management - Develops workable implementation plans; Communicates changes effectively.

· Quality Management - Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.

· Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values.

· Strategic Thinking - Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; Adapts strategy to changing conditions.

· Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.

· Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently.

· Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.

· Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to imp rove and promote quality.

· Quantity - Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly.

· Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Uses equipment and materials properly.

· Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.

· Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time.

· Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments.

· Initiative - Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent action.

Education and/or Other Requirement:

Applicant must possess a valid Kansas Driver's License and have a satisfactory driving record. Applicant must be capable of receiving certification from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center for a full-time law enforcement officer in the State of Kansas. All applicants must be a U.S. citizen, 21 years or older, at the time of appointment and have the ability to pass a work-related physical proficiency/agility test, a medical/physical examination, a psychological examination and a background investigation. Applicants must not have been convicted of a felony, must not have been dishonorably discharged from any branch of the U.S. armed forces or a background that would be disrespectful to the profession of law enforcement or the citizens of Pottawatomie County Kansas. Employees must successfully complete a 6-month probationary training and assessment period from the date of employment.

Personal Relations:

Incumbent works daily with sworn and non-sworn employees and supervisory officers in order to fulfill job responsibilities and department objectives. Also, may interact on a daily basis with other county agencies, outside law enforcement agencies and the general public. Incumbent exchanges routine factual information daily through one-on-one contact, by telephone, radio and by correspondence. Daily contact with the general public, co-workers and supervisory personnel is expected.

Working Conditions:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat and vibration, and exposure to human blood and body fluids. Conditions or situations exist in which there is the possibility of danger to life, health, or bodily injury to self-and/or others. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; risk of electrical shock; radiation, and explosives. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. This position contains an element of risk to personal safety.

Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

· While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; use hands and arms to reach, push, or pull; climb; talk and hear.

· The employee is occasionally required to sit and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

· The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds.

· The employee must be able to lift, pull, bend, or physically restrain a combative or injured suspect weighing 165 lbs.

· Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

· Run after a fleeing suspect.

Reasonable accommodations may be made in order to perform the essential functions. This job description describes a general category of jobs. In order to meet the needs of the Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office, employees may be assigned other duties, in addition to or in lieu of those described above, and any duties are subject to change at any time.