Field Deputy

County of Luna; Deming (NM); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Luna County Sheriff's Department is seeking a Field Deputy to perform a range of law enforcement duties in a 24/7 operation. Responsibilities include crime scene response, emergency medical support, vehicle operation, and criminal investigations, with emphasis on accurate reporting and public service.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver's license, and the ability to obtain NM law enforcement certification within one year. Shift work is required.

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or GED.
• Must pass a drug screen and background check.
• Must be a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years old.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Must pass a physical agility test, oral board, firearms cert, medical exam and psych eval.
• Must obtain NM law enforcement certification within one year or have completed NM police academy.

Responsibilities

• Crime Scene Response: collect evidence, document chain of custody, locate witnesses.
• Emergency Assistance: perform CPR/first aid and evacuate as needed.
• Emergency Vehicle Operation: drive in varied conditions and transport prisoners.
• Use of Deadly Force: inspect weapons and participate in firearms training.
• Criminal Investigation: interrogate suspects and write investigative reports.
• Powers of Arrest and Control: execute arrests, searches, detain suspects, and seize contraband.
• Traffic Control: administer sobriety tests and stop vehicles for investigations.
• Administrative: write in-depth reports and ensure policy compliance.
• Supervision: operates under supervision; no subordinate staff.

Skills

High school diploma or GED

Attention to detail

Written reports

Public communication

Spanish language (preferred)

Education

High school diploma or GED

NM law enforcement certification within 1 year or academy completion

Tools

Office software

Job description

Summary: Under regular supervision, performs a variety of Field Deputy services in accordance with the mission, goals and objectives of the Luna County Sheriff’s Department and in compliance with governing state, municipal and county laws and ordinances. Demonstrates strong ethical, professional and service oriented procedures to all.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Crime Scene Response: Collect evidence and property from crime scenes; document chain of custody of evidence, locate witnesses to a crime; package evidence, secure crime scene, locate and protect latent evidence, establish security perimeter at major crime, etc. Respond and conduct preliminary investigation of events related to homicide, rape, robbery, traffic accidents that may include fatalities, and death/bodies found.
• Emergency Assistance: Administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and mouth to mouth resuscitation; apply basic first aid to unresponsive/ unconscious persons. Administer first aid to control bleeding and treatment of amputations, fire or chemical burns, convulsions, diabetic reaction, electric shock, gunshot wounds, heart attack, overdose, poisoning or stab wounds and other trauma. Evacuate areas endangered by explosive or toxic gases, liquids or other spilled materials and evacuate buildings, vehicles and surrounding areas in response to bomb threats. Mediate domestic disputes and talk with persons attempting to commit suicide in an effort to get them to delay or stop their attempt. Use protective gear to prevent contact with infectious diseases.
• Emergency Vehicle Operation: Engage in high-speed pursuit under exigent circumstances only or response driving in congested areas, off road, and open road. Operate vehicle in clear or inclement weather, dirt, graveled or paved road and transport prisoners.
• Use of Deadly Force: Clean and inspect weapons; participate and qualify in firearms training, discharge firearm at person, draw weapon to protect self from third party; fire weapon in nighttime combat (not including training); and fire weapon in daytime combat (not including training).
• Criminal Investigation: Interrogate suspects; interview complainants, witnesses, etc.; Report writing by summarizing the statements of witnesses and complainants; participate in raids and searches.
• Powers of Arrest and Control: Inspect patrol vehicle for weapons and contraband after prisoner transport. Execute arrest warrants, advise persons of constitutional rights, apprehend and place juvenile offenders in custody, arrest persons with or without a warrant, conduct field searches on arrested persons, conduct frisk and pat down, handcuff suspects or prisoners, search automobile incident to arrest, seize contraband, weapons and stolen property from suspects, break up fights between two or more persons, subdue physically attacking persons or persons resisting arrest, disarm violent armed suspect and pull person out of vehicle who is resisting arrest.
• Traffic Control: Administer field sobriety tests, complete OUI/DWI arrest reports, execute stop of motor vehicle and approach and talk to operator and passengers, observe occupants of stopped vehicles to identify unusual or suspicious actions, execute felony motor vehicle stop and stop vehicles to investigate, warn or arrest occupants.
• Administrative: Write in-depth narrative reports containing complete sentences and paragraphs (e.g., investigative reports, supplemental/follow-up reports, read and comprehend departmental policies and procedures and apply same to field deputy practices. Must be able to speak effectively before groups. Greet, assist and direct the public in a professional and service-oriented manner. Speak and write effectively and efficiently, completing all necessary reporting forms and requests for client documentation. Work closely with other staff members to provide comprehensive services to clients. Ensures compliance with applicable safety regulations and administrative policies, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.
• Supervision: Works under the supervision of the shift Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Under-Sheriff and County Sheriff. OIC-Officer in Charge in the absence of the Corporal.
• Supervisory Responsibilities: Supervises no one.
• Education, Certification and Experience: Must have a high school diploma or GED certificate. Must be able to pass a drug screen and clear a background check that may involve fingerprinting. Must be a citizen of the United States and has reached the age of majority. Must have a valid Driver’s License. Must be able to pass a physical agility test, oral board interview, firearms certification, medical exam, and a psychological test. Must have obtained or be able to obtain law enforcement certification from the New Mexico Department of Public Safety within one year or have completed a New Mexico law enforcement academy (certifiable). Shift Work- 24-Hour operation, 7 days a week, 365 days year.

Physical Agility Test

• 15-Push Ups (chest to fist)
• 27-Sit Ups (fingers interlocked behind head)
• 1.5 Mile Run -15:54 min
• 300-Meter Run -71 Seconds

Language Skills

The skill to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations. The skill to write in-depth narrative reports, business correspondence. The skill to logically and effectively present information both orally and in writing and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers and the general public. Ability to communicate in Spanish preferred but not required.

Knowledge

Knowledge of standard computer software for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations.

Ability

Able to write in-depth narrative reports and correspondence. Ability to effectively work with and inform County officials, employees, citizens’ boards and the general public. Ability to earn and maintain the respect of co-workers. Ability to communicate logically and clearly both orally and in writing; follow oral and written instructions, with minimal supervision. Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. Ability to develop and meet goals and initiatives of the department. Ability to speak effectively on a one-on-one basis with individuals. Ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative with minimal supervision. Ability to work as a team player and be willing to deliver superior customer service to both internal and external customers.

Physical Demands

Must be able to operate a variety of standard office equipment which includes a motor vehicle, computer, calculator, telephone, cellphone, fax machine, copier, and projector. Employee is frequently required to sit, speak and hear and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. During the work shift, the employee may be required to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach with hands and arms, climb and balance. Vision requirements include the ability to read routine documents and use a computer. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Due to the nature of the work the employee may be required to respond to accidents and or emergencies during the work shift.

Essential Physical Activities

Use body pressure points to control person. Bend over/kneel to search under vehicle seat, etc. Grip person tightly with one hand to prevent escape. Disarm violent armed suspect, climb fire escapes, use body language to project control and influence situation. Climb stairs in multiple story building, use voice commands to project control and direct actions. Fire a weapon in a dark environment with flashlight in one hand, search for a person in a darkened building or environment. Hold a flashlight while performing various field deputy duties. Strike a person with side handled baton, strike a person with a straight baton. Extend arm to reach and search tight spaces. Use hammer lock to hold person, use submission holds to control person. Use hands to direct movement of multiple lanes of traffic, twist at waist to direct traffic. Hold and swing battering ram to break door, hold person upright to prevent their falling, e.g., drunk. Crawl on back to search under vehicle/residence, etc. Support person while walking to prevent their falling, bend/kneel to apply shackles, cuffs, etc.

Work Environment

Office work is usually performed under typical office conditions; the noise level in the work environment is quiet in the office, with some background noise, depending on the activity level within the Sheriff’s department. Outdoor work is performed under variable weather conditions, including temperature extremes; the employee is exposed to hazards associated with the environment including fumes, dust and insects, wild or domesticated animals; the noise level can be loud when working in the field; work is subject to frequent fluctuations and includes customer interaction and can be stressful.