Certified Sheriff's Office Deputy or Sheriff's Office Recruit

Under general supervision, performs law enforcement services to protect lives, property, and rights of the public for the Sheriff’s Office. Duties involve an element of personal danger, and appointees must be able to act without immediate supervision and exercise independent judgment in meeting emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Ensuring courtroom security; enforcing courtroom rules and regulations
• Ensuring safety of judges and individuals in the courtroom through observation of behavior
• Taking custody and control of individuals in court
• Conducting building security checks; screening incoming people and personal items
• Searching courtroom for weapons or objects that may cause harm to judge, court personnel, and attendees
• Setting up video equipment for hearings
• Searching prisoners to be escorted to courtroom
• Escorting prisoners from holding cells to courtroom and back; applying restraints
• Serving subpoenas, warrants, orders of arrest, and other official court papers
• Executing wage garnishments, property seizures, and eviction notices
• Transporting prisoners to and from local and non-local jurisdictions
• Extraditing fugitives from other states back to Virginia
• Locating, levying, and seizing property and conducting public auctions
• Using bodily force to gain entrance through barriers to search or seize person or property
• Conducting investigations on threats to judges, bomb threats, and suspicious packages
• Affecting arrest, forcibly if necessary
• Investigating, locating, and apprehending fugitives
• Assisting in searches for missing individuals
• Attending regular in-service training classes to maintain state certification
• Assisting with Sheriff’s Office accreditation
• Patrolling and enforcing all criminal laws
• Providing backup to the Police Department conducting criminal or traffic investigations
• Testifying in court in connection with arrests and citations

Requirements

• Certified Law Enforcement Officer
• Graduation from high school or GED
• Must pass a physical agility test (quarter-mile run, climbing 3 flights of stairs, and a 150-pound dummy drag approximately 40 yards in 4 minutes)
• Possess or be eligible for a valid driver’s license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia
• U.S. citizenship
• No convictions of felonies and/or habitual misdemeanors
• Must pass an extensive background investigation, including a polygraph, psychological, medical, and drug screening
• Must successfully complete appropriate training prescribed by the Commonwealth of Virginia for this level position
• Must participate in ongoing training in criminal and civil law
• Must be a Virginia Certified Officer or obtain necessary credentials through the Academy if selected

Skills

• Knowledge of law enforcement methods and ability to apply them to specific situations
• General knowledge of courtroom security methods, practices, and procedures
• General knowledge of courtroom rules and regulations
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions and prepare clear, comprehensive reports
• Ability to deal courteously but firmly with the public
• Ability to analyze situations and adopt quick, effective, and reasonable courses of action
• Skill in the use of firearms and defensive tactics techniques and the operation of motor vehicles
• Physical ability to perform job tasks
• Knowledge of the county, geography of the county, and the location of important landmarks and buildings
• Knowledge of criminal and civil law

Physical Conditions

• Must be able to operate a motor vehicle under normal and emergency conditions
• Requires working in adverse weather
• Must be able to physically subdue and restrain individuals
• Must stand for long periods
• Must wear a full duty belt
• Frequent contact with non-cooperative and potentially life-threatening individuals
• Regular contact with court and public officials and the general public
• Must be able to understand state code and apply when needed
• Must carry a firearm and qualify at least annually

Benefits

• 12 paid holidays
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Health insurance options with employer contribution
• Employer-paid life insurance
• VRS retirement
• Continuing education/training opportunities

Pay

The hiring range for this position is based on the Sheriff's Public Safety Pay scale. Starting offer is based on applicable education beyond minimum requirements and internal equity.

Schedule

Full-time, 12 months, non-exempt. 8am–4pm, Monday–Friday.