Deputy Sheriff - Sheriff's Office

Lewis County, WA; Chehalis (WA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Lewis County Sheriff’s Office is seeking a Deputy to perform various law enforcement duties including patrolling, investigating crimes, and administering emergency medical aid. Applicants must be high school graduates, citizens of the United States, and at least 21 years old.

The position entails working in various weather conditions and emergency situations, ensuring public safety, and maintaining law and order in the community.

Successful candidates will have excellent communication skills and the ability to respond effectively in high-pressure situations.

Qualifications

• Must be a United States citizen.
• No felony convictions or pattern of criminal behavior.
• Minimum age of 21 years.

Responsibilities

• Perform law enforcement duties, including patrolling and investigating crimes.
• Administer emergency medical aid in crisis situations.
• Complete incident and arrest reports.

Skills

Emergency response

Communication skills

Physical fitness

Problem solving

Education

High school graduate or GED

Job description

Introduction

Employees of the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office hold positions of high public trust. It is imperative all employees conduct themselves both on and off‑duty in a manner that does not bring disrepute on this Office or the professional image of law enforcement.

Core Values of the Organization

The Lewis County Sheriff’s Office subscribes to a set of core values. These are our fundamental norms and commitments which infuse our mission and guide us throughout the discharge of our professional duties. They are set out in the Office’s Mission Statement and Code of Ethics and give rise to the several rules, policies, procedures, and practices of the Office. Our core values also underlie the personal and inviolable commitment each of us makes when we swear our oath of office.

They also acknowledge the primacy of the legal norms which define the relationship of our sworn officers to the Office and the community, set out in state and federal law, civil service rules, and collective bargaining agreements.

In light of our core values, employees are admonished to be punctual, strive for excellence, be true to the Office, superiors and colleagues, and bring their fullest efforts to serve the people of our community.

Job Summary

The Deputy 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. This position is generally under the direction and general supervision of an Operations Sergeant, but may at times work independently. The hours of work are varied.

Work Conditions

Must be able to effectively, efficiently and safely work in the following environments:

• A 24‑hour, seven‑day a week operation with possible rotating shift schedules, including day/night shifts, weekends, holidays and overtime as required.
• Variety of weather conditions.
• Emergency situations which may be physically demanding for long periods of time, assure delivery of and participate in administering emergency medical aid, evacuations and rescue of individuals from harm in potentially dangerous situations.
• Hazardous conditions where employee must wear protective masks and/or eye protection for extended periods.
• Situations where blood, body fluids or other potentially infectious materials, and hazardous materials are present.
• Respond to incidents which may be considered graphic and/or grossly offensive to human senses.
• Situations requiring determination of honesty, reliability and integrity such as avoiding favoritism, corruption or unlawful gain.
• Work that may be considered violent or confrontational.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school graduate or GED.
• United States citizen.
• No felony convictions or series of minor offenses that would establish a pattern of criminal behavior, nor any convictions concerning moral turpitude.
• Minimum age of 21 years at time of appointment.
• Must hold or obtain a valid Washington State Driver’s License.
• Acceptable score on an examination based on knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Must pass a background investigation by the Sheriff’s Office, as well as a medical and psychological examination, drug screening and polygraph test.
• Good health.
• Must meet and maintain current physical requirements adopted for the position.
• Must read, write and speak English proficiently.

Essential Performance Expectations

1. Maintain regular and predictable attendance.
2. Give a full day’s work for a full day’s pay.
3. Comply by letter and spirit with the Mission, Oath of Office, Ethical Values, directives, policies, procedures, customs and practices.
4. Be mentally and physically fit and prepared for work.
5. Learn the job; stay updated and current on case law, threats, trends and changes in law enforcement.
6. Adjust to change in a positive manner.
7. Respond professionally and positively to management’s directives.
8. Use work time productively, efficiently and safely.
9. Maintain trust, faith and confidence of the Sheriff and be loyal to lawful interests and needs of the organization.
10. Maintain harmonious work relationships with other personnel, agencies and community partners.

Duties and Responsibilities

Perform the following work with minimal supervision:

1. Maintain performance standards in the categories of non‑scheduled absenteeism, compliance with directives and work productivity.

Patrol a designated area of the county in a patrol car and/or on foot to deter and discover crime, conduct on‑scene investigations at crime scenes, aid persons in trouble and render other public services as needed.

Patrol the county in a patrol car, bicycle or boat to enforce traffic and parking ordinances and investigate accidents; operate a radar unit to discover speed violations; issue citations; serve warrants of arrest; arrest persons on misdemeanors and felony charges; handcuff, search and secure arrested persons; complete necessary reports concerning alleged crimes, circumstances of arrest and available evidence and witnesses.

Serve civil processes, including writs of attachment, restitution, execution and sex offender checks; document attempts and other pertinent information on worksheets.

Respond to reports of possible crime and take action to secure the scene; interview victims and witnesses, gather evidence and arrest suspects; complete incident and arrest reports; investigate persons suspected of being engaged in crime, locate and secure evidence and arrest suspects for probable cause.

Report to scenes of accidents; administer emergency first aid and summon aid cars and other patrol units for assistance; interview principals and witnesses, make general drawings of accident scenes noting details; complete a standard accident report; issue citations or make arrests as warranted.

Investigate and assist drivers in stalled vehicles and pedestrians who appear to be hurt or in trouble; interview persons with complaints or inquiries; give information on laws and ordinances.

Conduct thorough investigations of reported crimes appropriate to assignments; interview victims and witnesses; locate, arrest and interview suspects; use photo montages for victim and witness identification; gather evidence and conduct necessary searches; conduct follow‑up investigations; prepare case file detailing all aspects of an investigation and present it through the chain of command to a prosecuting attorney.

Develop street contacts to obtain information about crimes; maintain contact with paroled criminals and suspects at large; do undercover, decoy work; check known and possible stolen property outlets such as pawnshops and junkyards.

Report for duty on time and work overtime as directed; attend training and shift meetings; apply job‑related knowledge, skills and abilities on duty.

Maintain a neat, clean and professional appearance.

Promote the community policing philosophy component and function within the Sheriff’s Office.

Check voicemail, mailbox, message center and email at the beginning of shift and as needed thereafter.

Testify in court.

Perform specialized duties depending on individual officer’s background, ability and the needs of the agency or as assigned.

Perform duties and other work as required.

Requisite Job Knowledge

• Geography of the county.
• Criminal statutes, constitutional and civil law requirements and restraints for their enforcement.
• Policies and procedures manuals for the Office and the Operations Bureau.
• Basic first aid and CPR principles and skill.
• The effect of cultural and socio‑economic differences on relationships with law enforcement agencies.

Requisite General Abilities

• Analyze situations quickly and objectively; recognize actual and potential dangers and determine a proper course of action.
• Communicate effectively and coherently over radio channels while initiating and responding to communications.
• Compose and complete incident reports; organize details logically.
• Cope with situations firmly, tactfully, and with respect to individual rights.
• Speak and write with clarity.
• Communicate effectively with diverse groups of people, including individuals with social and behavioral problems and the handicapped, disabled and disadvantaged.
• Observe and remember detail.
• Establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with employees, other agencies and citizens from all racial, ethnic and economic backgrounds.
• Read, understand, learn and interpret laws, ordinances, rules and regulations.
• Meet agency standards relative to appearance and dress code.
• Satisfactorily complete prescribed courses of training, including academy, in‑service training and skill training such as first aid, CPR, defensive tactics, pursuit driving, firearms, breathalyzer, baton and radar.
• Safely operate a law enforcement vehicle during both day and night, in emergency situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits, in congested traffic and unsafe road conditions caused by weather.
• Exercise independent judgment in determining reasonable suspicion, probable cause and use of force.
• Gather information in criminal investigations by interviewing and obtaining statements of victims, witnesses, suspects and confidential informers.
• Effectively communicate with people, including juveniles, by giving information and directions, mediating disputes and advising of rights and processes.
• Effect an arrest, forcibly if necessary, using handcuffs and restraints; subdue resisting suspects; use appropriate weapons in self‑defense.
• Learn and use investigative tools, techniques and procedures.
• Keep materials and information confidential and exercise caution to remain within privacy laws.
• Maintain working knowledge of and familiarity with the policies and procedures of the Office.
• Work nights, days, weekends, holidays and for long periods of time.
• Effectively use technology such as MDC and Sector.

Requisite Psychological/Mental Abilities

• Exercise emotional stability, self‑assurance and initiative, and good judgment.
• Endure verbal and mental abuse when confronted with hostile views and opinions of suspects and others.
• Read and comprehend legal and non‑legal documents, including preparation and processing of citations, affidavits and warrants.
• Exercise independent judgment regarding reasonable suspicion, probable cause and force.

Requisite Physical Abilities

• See, hear, feel, smell, speak and move about with or without corrective devices to perform duties and responsibilities.
• Climb several flights of stairs; move quickly and forcefully to restrain, subdue and arrest suspects; control and handcuff non‑cooperative suspects and prisoners.
• Pursue fleeing suspects and perform rescue operations requiring entry and exit of patrol vehicles; lift, carry and drag heavy objects; climb over obstacles; crawl in confined areas; balance on uneven or narrow surfaces and use body force to gain entrance through barriers.
• Load, unload, aim and fire from a variety of positions air guns and rifles under stressful conditions that justify use of deadly force, per certification standards.
• Perform searches of people, vehicles, buildings and large outdoor areas; walk for long periods; detain people and stop suspicious vehicles and persons.
• Perform rescue functions at accidents, emergencies and disasters; direct traffic for long periods; administer emergency medical aid; lift, drag and carry people from dangerous situations; secure and evacuate people.

NOTE: This job description is intended to identify essential functions and major duties. Employees may be requested to perform job‑related responsibilities and tasks beyond those listed. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for disabilities as defined by ADA.