Deputy Sheriff

A deputy sheriff is responsible for the efficient performance of required duties conforming to the rules, regulations, and general orders contained herein. Duties shall consist of, but are not limited to, general police responsibilities necessary to the safety and good order of the community. A deputy sheriff shall :

a. Identify criminal offenders and criminal activity and, where appropriate, apprehend offenders and participate in subsequent court proceedings

b. Reduce the opportunities for the commission of crime through preventive patrol and other measures

c. Aid citizens who are in danger of physical harm

d. Facilitate the movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic

e. Identify potentially serious law enforcement or governmental problems

f. Promote and preserve the peace

g. Provide emergency services

The deputy sheriff position is non-supervisory. A deputy’s duties are performed on an assigned shift under the general guidance of the Sheriff, Chief Deputy, Lieutenant, Sergeant, or Corporal.

General duties and responsibilities :

a. Exercises authority consistent with obligations imposed by the oath of office. Is accountable to superior deputies. Promptly obeys legitimate orders. Where orders conflict, consults the Sheriff immediately

b. Coordinates efforts with other members of the office so that teamwork may ensure continuity of purpose and achievement of police objectives

c. Communicates to superiors and to fellow deputies all information obtained in the field which is pertinent to the achievement of police objectives

d. Responds punctually to all assignments

e. Acquires and records information concerning events that have taken place since the last tour of duty

f. Records activity during tour of duty in the manner prescribed by proper authority

g. Maintains weapons and equipment in functional, presentable condition

h. Assists citizens requesting assistance or information. Courteously explains any instance where jurisdiction does not lie with the Sheriff’s Office and suggests other procedures to be followed

i. Accountable for the securing, receipt, and proper transporting of all evidence and property coming into custody

j. Answers questions asked by the general public, counsels juveniles and adults when necessary, and refers them to persons or agencies where they can obtain further assistance

k. Preserves the peace of public gatherings, neighborhood disputes, and family quarrels

l. Serves or delivers warrants, summonses, subpoenas, and other official papers promptly and accurately when so directed by a superior deputy

m. Transports prisoners and keeps court rooms secure from disruption

n. Confers with prosecutors and testifies in court

o. Accomplishes other general duties as they are assigned or become necessary

p. Performs other duties as may be assigned by the Sheriff or his designee

q. Cooperates with the efforts of other law enforcement agencies

r. All other duties assigned by the Sheriff.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities, Preventive Patrol :

a. Patrols an assigned area for general purposes of crime prevention and law enforcement. Patrol includes :

(1) Being thoroughly familiar with the assigned route of patrol, to include

knowledge of residents, merchants, businesses, roads, alleyways, paths, etc. Conditions that contribute to crime should be reported. The location of fire boxes, telephones, and other emergency services should be noted.

(2) Apprehending persons violating the law or wanted by law enforcement

(3) Completing detailed reports on all crimes, vehicle accidents, and other incidents requiring law enforcement attention. In cases where an arrest is made, an arrest report is submitted along with the required crime reports. When property is recovered or additional information is discovered pertaining to a previously reported offense, the deputy completes an investigative report.

(4) Preserving any serious crime scene until the supervisor or investigator arrives

(5) Public assembly checks

(6) Building security checks

(7) Observing and interrogating suspicious persons

(8) Issuing traffic citations

(9) Being alert for and reporting fires

(10) Reporting traffic signals out of order, street hazards, and any condition that endangers public safety

(11) Checking schools, parks, and playgrounds

(12) Responding to any public emergency

b. Conducts a thorough investigation of all offenses and incidents within the area of assignment and scope of activity. Collects evidence and records data which will aid in identification, apprehension, and prosecution of offenders, as well as the recovery of property

c. Alerts to the development of conditions tending to cause crime or indicative of criminal activity. Takes preventive action to correct such conditions, and informs superiors as soon as the situation permits

d. Responds to situations brought to the deputy’s attention while during the course of routine patrol or when assigned by radio. Renders first aid, when qualified, to persons who are seriously ill or injured. Assists persons needing police services.

e. Remains on assigned route throughout the tour of duty except when a police emergency necessitates a temporary absence, or when a senior deputy on duty or the dispatcher has issued authorization for a temporary absence

f. Patrols areas giving particular attention to and frequently rechecking locations where the crime hazard is great. As much as possible, a patrol deputy shall not patrol an area according to any fixed route or schedule, but shall alternate frequently and backtrack to be at the location least expected

g. Is alert for all nuisances, impediments, obstructions, defects, or other conditions that might endanger or hinder the safety, health, or convenience of the public within the patrol area

h. Concerning a patrol vehicle :

(1) Sees that it is well maintained mechanically and that it is kept clean both inside and out

(2) Inspects the vehicle at the beginning of the tour of duty for any defects or missing equipment. Immediately reports all defects and damage sustained to the proper authority and completes all reports and forms required by current procedures

(3) Removes the keys whenever the patrol car is left unattended for any reason

(4) Uses only assigned vehicles

(5) Operates the radio according the FCC regulations and current office procedures

(6) Ensures that the assigned vehicle’s gas tank is full before completion of each tour of duty

i. Keeps radio equipment in operation at all times and remains thoroughly familiar with office policy concerning its use

j. Takes measures to direct the flow of traffic during periods of congestion

k. Notifies supervisor on duty if more than a temporary absence from regular duties is required

Specific Duties and Responsibilities : Traffic Patrol :

a. Directs and expedites the flow of traffic at assigned intersections, preventing accidents, protecting pedestrians, and ensuring the free flow of traffic

b. Enforces the parking ordinances and motor vehicle laws in the patrol area

c. Remains alert to traffic safety conditions which may endanger or inconvenience the public and reports such conditions to the shift supervisor

d. Responds immediately when called from a traffic post to render emergency services

e. Wears the prescribed traffic safety clothing and equipment

Knowledge, skills, and abilities :

Has some knowledge of the philosophy, objectives, and practices of counseling, particularly as related to juveniles; has some knowledge of the fundamental principles of adolescent psychology; has knowledge of police investigative techniques and techniques of identification; has general knowledge of rules of evidence and laws of search and seizure; has the ability to deal effectively with juveniles and adults; has the ability to analyze evidence; has the ability to question and interview skillfully; has the ability to organize and prepare clear and concise oral and written reports; has skill in the use of firearms and police equipment; possesses physical ability and endurance; has the ability to establish effective working relationships with juveniles, parents, school officials, fellow workers, and the public; is physically fit.

Education and Experience :

High school degree, valid Virginia driver's license, responsible work experience.