Deputy Sheriff-Lateral (Civil Service)

Spokane County; United States; On-site; USD 95,660 - 139,137; Full time

Job summary

Spokane County is seeking a Deputy Sheriff to perform law enforcement duties involving the protection of life, property, and the investigation of crime. This position includes varied hours/shifts and requires the use of technology in patrol duties.

The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma or GED, law enforcement certification, and at least two years of sworn experience. Total compensation ranges from $95,660 to $139,137 annually, including benefits.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship or lawful resident status required.
• Must speak, read, and write English.
• Must have completed basic law enforcement academy.
• At least two years of sworn law enforcement patrol experience.

Responsibilities

• Patrol designated areas to deter and discover crime.
• Enforce traffic and parking ordinances.
• Complete reports of alleged crimes and arrests.
• Respond to accidents and assist injured persons.

Skills

Investigative and interview techniques

Physical fitness

Effective communication

Respect for laws

Independent judgment

Education

High school diploma or GED

Valid peace officer certification

Tools

Law enforcement technology

Motor vehicles

Job description

Job Summary

The Deputy Sheriff performs varied first‑level law enforcement duties involving the protection of life and property, the enforcement of laws and ordinances, the maintenance of order, and the investigation of crime for the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office (Agency). This position is generally under the direction and general supervision of a patrol corporal and/or sergeant, but may, at times, work independently. Incumbents will be required to work varying hours and/or shifts.

Responsibilities

• Patrol a designated area of Spokane County in a patrol car, on a bicycle, boat, and/or on foot to deter and discover crime; conduct on‑scene investigations at crime scenes; assist persons in trouble; and provide other public services as needed.
• Enforce traffic and parking ordinances, investigate accidents, operate a radar unit to discover speed violations; issue citations; serve warrants; arrest persons and secure custody.
• Complete necessary reports concerning alleged crimes, circumstances of arrest, evidence discovered, and witness interactions.
• Serve civil processes, including writs of attachment, restitution, and execution; conduct address checks on registered sex offenders; document attempts and other pertinent information.
• Respond to reports of possible crime and take action to secure the scene; interview victims, witnesses, and suspects; gather evidence and locate and arrest suspects.
• Respond to accidents, administer first aid, summon aid and other units for assistance, make general drawings of accident scenes, and complete standard accident reports.
• Conduct thorough investigations of reported crimes; use photo montages for identification; prepare cases for prosecution; maintain community contacts to obtain information about crimes and issues affecting assigned district.
• Provide information to the public concerning laws and ordinances; maintain contact with the public to promote community policing philosophy.
• Assist with on‑the‑job training and education of external agency peers, coworkers, and supervisors; instruct in‑service or specialty training sessions (e.g., criminal procedures, defensive tactics, firearms).
• Report for duty on time, work overtime as directed, attend training and roll calls; maintain professional image and appearance; check voicemail and email regularly.

Minimum Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent resident, or deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) recipient.
• Speak, read, and write English.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Age 21 at time of appointment (may test at age 20 if turning 21 during the life of the eligibility list).
• Valid driver’s license at time of application and retained throughout employment.
• Completed a basic law enforcement academy and at least two (2) years of sworn, non‑military, continuous law enforcement patrol experience with a single agency, with no break in service >180 days.
• Valid peace officer certification.
• If not currently working in law enforcement, separated from previous agency <4 years.
• Completion or ability to obtain Washington State Basic Law Enforcement Academy or equivalency certification prior to probation.

Eligibility List Requirements

Must successfully complete a basic law enforcement academy in the United States and be able to obtain an equivalency certification prior to the completion of probation.

Testing Information

Applicants who meet the minimum requirements and submit complete applications will receive a Training & Experience (T&E) Form via email to be completed and submitted by the given deadline.

Essential Job Functions

• Use motor vehicles safely, observe, report, and testify regarding investigative details.
• Gather information using appropriate investigative and interview techniques.
• Employ search and seizure techniques for people, vehicles, buildings, and large outdoor areas.
• Exercise independent judgment and use rapidly changing technology.
• Perform all necessary physical activities, analyze and react to dynamic situations, and communicate clearly over the radio and in reports.
• Maintain composure in hostile and dynamic situations; exercise emotional stability, self‑awareness, and good judgment.
• Keyboard in an efficient and accurate manner to complete agency reports.

Working Conditions

• 24‑hour, seven‑day operation; day/night shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime.
• Variety of weather conditions and schedules including 8, 10, and 12‑hour shifts.
• Emergency situations that may be physically demanding for long periods.
• Hazardous conditions requiring protective gear.
• Exposure to bodily fluids, blood, and potentially infectious and hazardous materials.
• Graphic incidents and the use of force may be required.
• No adult felony convictions; good health and full use of senses and movement.

Behavioral Standards

• Respect: Appreciate and value customers, coworkers, managers, and County employees by showing courtesy, friendliness, and fairness, and communicate productively and professionally.
• Accountability: Honor commitments, take responsibility for personal actions, and help the organization meet objectives.
• Integrity: Represent the organization and the County transparently and ethically; lead by example.
• Innovation: Pursue excellence by striving for new and improved methods, procedures, or technologies.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge: Spokane County geography, criminal statutes, constitutional and civil law requirements and restraints, basic first aid and CPR principles.
• Skills: Safely operating vehicles; gathering information; investigative and interview techniques; search and seizure; independent judgment; use of technology; physical fitness; effective communication; professional appearance.
• Abilities: Perform physical activities; react to violent situations; compose reports; maintain confidentiality; require discretion; empathic judgment.

Testing Requirements

Training & Experience (T&E) Form will be required.

Benefits

Total Compensation: $95,660 - $139,137 annually (includes base pay, retirement contributions, health and related benefits).