Deputy Sheriff - Patrol Deputy

TYPE OF WORK:

Performs law enforcement duties in an assigned area on an assigned shift, assisting in investigations of criminal offenses and in the apprehension of criminals.  An employee in this classification receives intensive training in the various phases of law enforcement work, and assignments are carried out under close supervision during the entire training period.  After completion of training, a deputy is assigned to regular patrol duty and is charged with considerable responsibility for the protection of lives and property.  In discharging responsibilities a patrol deputy must exercise sound judgment in emergencies and must apply his or knowledge of law enforcement techniques and practices in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

(The examples may not include all of the duties/responsibilities which may be performed or required)                          

• Patrols a specified zone in a marked law enforcement vehicle.
• Checks doors and windows of businesses and residential property.
• Investigates suspicious activities and makes arrests for violations of federal, state, and/or local laws.
• Arrests offenders and escort them to the Justice Center for processing.
• Receives complaints and makes investigations of wanted or missing persons and of stolen cars and property, and maintains surveillance for recovery and apprehension.
• Maintains crowd and traffic control as needed due to accidents, emergencies, or at special events where there are a large number of people.
• Administers first-aid treatment and lifesaving techniques to the acquired level of training.
• Reports defects in roadways that require the attention of other agencies.
• Reports damaged traffic control devices and traffic lights that are out of order to the proper agency.
• Issues citations and warnings for traffic violations.
• Makes a daily report of activities and prepares detailed reports relating to specific incidents, accidents, investigations, arrests, or special assignments.
• Assumes responsibility for proper maintenance of assigned vehicle.
• Receives and investigates complaints of a general nature from the public.
• Prepares and presents informational programs on law enforcement-related subjects to interested groups.
• Properly prepares and presents court cases.
• Conducts interrogation of suspects involved in criminal offenses.
• Discovers, preserves, and corroborates physical evidence at a crime scene for presentation in criminal prosecution.
• Prepares details of criminal case files pertaining to major offenses.
• Investigates narcotics and drug offenses requiring a number of chemical tests for suspected narcotics and drug violations.
• May serve on a special unit such as K-9, Marine Patrol, Bicycle Patrol, SWAT, or other special units.
• Build relationships with the local community through interaction with members of the public and creating partnerships and strategies for the reduction in crime (Community Policing)
• Performs related work as required.

REQUIREMENTS:

• At least twenty-one (21) years of age;
• Be a citizen of the United States;
• Possess a state approved G.E.D. (certificate) or high school diploma. No waivers will be granted for minimum education requirements;
• Not have been convicted of or pleaded to or entered a plea of nolo contendere to any felony charge or to any violation of any federal or state laws or city ordinances relating to force, violence, theft, dishonesty, gambling, liquor and other alcoholic beverages or controlled substances/substance analogues;
• Not have been released or discharged under any other than honorable discharge from any of the armed forces of the United States;
• Have his/her fingerprints on file with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation;
• Have passed a physical examination by a licensed physician;
• Have good moral character as determined by a thorough investigation conducted by the employing agency; and/or the POST Commission; and
• Have been certified by a Tennessee Licensed Health Care Provider qualified in the psychiatric or psychological fields as being free from any impairment, as set forth in the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) of the American Psychiatric Association at the time of the examination, that would, in the professional judgment of the examiner, affect the person’s ability to perform an essential function of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation;
• Not have been previously decertified as a law enforcement officer by the POST Commission;
• Not have previously surrendered their certification as a law enforcement officer;
• Must have a valid Tennessee Driver’s License; 
• Must have passed entry level exam – The National Police Officer Selection Test;
• Meet the POST Commission requirements;

Ability to complete the required training for Patrol Deputies which includes: Courtroom Testimony, Domestic Violence, DUI, Interview/Interrogation and Officer Survival.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Close vision, distance vision, ability to adjust focus, depth perception, color perception, night vision and peripheral vision.
• Vocal communication is required for conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly.
• Hearing is required to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound. 

Screening & Selection Process FOR DEPUTY SHERIFF POSITIONS  – Essential Elements Include:

Application - Those who successfully submit a completed application for a Deputy Sheriff position may progress in the screening process, which includes the following:

--Invitation to test:  Written exam (pass/fail) + physical exercise (NOT pass/fail).  Applicants who pass the written exam will continue in the screening process. Applicants who do not pass the written exam will be given one additional opportunity to take and pass the exam within 3 months.

--Completion + timely submission of all required forms and documents (including HS diploma/GED certificate, birth certificate, current valid driver license, current Social Security card, DD-214 with Honorable Discharge (for those with former military service), Personal History Statement and various authorization forms and other information requested by BCSO.

--Panel interview

--Background investigation + NCIC criminal check + credit check 

(a) Applicants who fail to successfully complete any of the items above will not progress further in the process but may reapply after one year.

(b) Applicants who successfully complete all of the items above (with results satisfactory to BCSO) will be evaluated for continuation in the process. Those not selected to continue at that time will be notified via email.

(c) Applicants who are disqualified  (e.g., those with a felony conviction, DUI conviction, illegal drug use within certain timeframes, those who admit to felony conduct but were not charged, etc.) are not eligible to reapply unless and until convictions are expunged.

Contingent Offer of Employment – Applicants selected to continue in the process will receive a contingent offer of probationary employment conditioned upon successful completion of the following:

--Pre-polygraph exam questionnaire

--Polygraph examination

--Medical/physical exam – Pass/fail

--Drug screen – Pass/fail

--Psychological evaluation – Pass/fail

Applicants who fail to successfully complete any ”post-contingent offer letter”  items above (to the satisfaction of BCSO) will not progress further in the process.  Applicants who successfully complete all of the items above (to the satisfaction of BCSO) will receive an offer of employment (assuming a funded, open position exists at that time). Applicants who receive and accept an offer of employment will be required to attend and successfully complete state-required and BCSO-required training, orientation, Field Training (“FTO”), and will be on probation during the first 12 months of employment.

You have already read online all elements of the selection process, our policy for reapplication and retesting. 

Please note that the Application process for all positions with the Blount County
Sheriff’s Office is a very lengthy process that can be affected by a number of uncontrollable
criteria. This selection process could take a minimum of four to five months to complete.
 

Applicants should also note that sensitive, private or confidential aspects of your personal life will be explored.

BENEFITS

Full time benefits include medical, prescription, dental, vision, FSA, HSA, optional USAble, paid holidays, EAP, retirement planning, pension, employee clinic, employee discounts and more.