Deputy Sheriff - Lateral

About the role

The primary duties of this class are in support of the County’s Sheriff’s Office law enforcement functions. Responsibilities include protecting life and property, enforcing laws and ordinances, and investigating crimes throughout Snohomish County.

Responsibilities

• Patrol unincorporated Snohomish County to deter and discover crimes; conduct crime scene investigations; enforce laws and ordinances; render public assistance as needed.
• Respond to reported crime scenes; take action to secure the scene; interview victims and witnesses; gather and preserve evidence; arrest suspects; prepare required reports.
• Investigate and report accidents; administer emergency first aid until aid car arrives.
• Issue notices of infraction and citations to violators of state laws and county ordinances; serve warrants of arrest.
• Interview and investigate citizen complaints; respond to inquiries; provide information to the public on laws and ordinances; assist in resolving problems; make referrals to appropriate agencies as necessary.
• Guard prisoners at hospitals and/or in court; transport prisoners to and from jail and court.
• Prepare required reports and maintain necessary records.
• Testify as a credible witness in court as required.
• May perform duties in specialty units in accordance with policies of the unit and depending on experience.
• May supervise activities of volunteer personnel.
• May perform the duties of Sergeant.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED certificate.
• Associate of Arts degree or 90 credits of college-level coursework in law enforcement, criminal justice, or a closely related field is preferred.
• Must be a United States citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or a deferred action for childhood arrival (DACA) recipient as per RCW 41.14.100.
• Must pass job-related tests, including a Civil Service examination, background investigation, fingerprinting, criminal record check, polygraph examination, medical examination, and psychological evaluation.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License, unrestricted except as to vision, required prior to appointment.
• Must be armed at all times while on duty and carry official office identification when armed.
• Must qualify with a firearm on a regular basis.

Qualifications

Standard Entry

• At least twenty (20) years old at time of application, no maximum age.

Exceptional Entry

• Twenty-one (21) years old at time of appointment, no maximum age.
• Employed as a full-time, paid Police Officer, Deputy Sheriff, State Trooper, or Tribal Officer with full police powers and duties for less than two (2) years within the previous four (4) years.
• Documented successful completion of a state basic law enforcement academy.

Lateral Entry

• Twenty-one (21) years old at time of appointment, no maximum age.
• Employed as a Police Officer, Deputy Sheriff, State Trooper, or Tribal Officer with full police powers and duties for at least twenty-four (24) of the last thirty-six (36) months (academy time does not count).
• Documented successful completion of a state basic law enforcement academy.
• Completion of the Equivalency Academy required within one year from date of hire if not already certified in the State of Washington.
• Federal Law Enforcement experience may qualify, pending review from the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center.

Skills

Knowledge of:

• Basic law enforcement practices and procedures.
• English grammar, word usage, spelling, and punctuation.
• Basic computer knowledge.
• Defensive driving.

Ability to:

• Use discretion and maintain confidentiality of information.
• Keyboard using various computer applications (minimum 20 net words per minute).
• Interpret laws, rules, and regulations.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with people regardless of age, sex, social, cultural, or ethnic background.
• Maintain accurate and orderly records and files.
• Perform strenuous physical tasks.
• Work independently in stressful situations.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Analyze situations and determine proper course of action.
• Assertively handle situations encountered; strong observation skills and attention to detail.
• Use and care of firearms and law enforcement equipment.
• Operate a motor vehicle at high speeds; read and use road maps.
• Use standardized radio codes and procedures.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with office personnel, personnel of other agencies, and the general public.

Working Conditions

• Daily dealing with distraught or difficult individuals.
• Standing for prolonged periods; work outdoors possibly in inclement weather.
• Operate a motor vehicle on public roads for travel throughout the county.
• Exposure to hazardous materials, diseases, and airborne/bloodborne pathogens.
• Daily wearing of protective gear and equipment.
• Precise control of fingers and hand movements; daily strenuous physical tasks.
• Lifting, moving, and carrying objects over 20 pounds.
• Shift, holiday, and weekend work are required.
• Overtime and call back may be required.