Certified Sheriff's Office Deputy or Sheriff's Office Recruit

General Definition of Work: 

Under general supervision, performs law enforcement services to protect lives, property and rights of the public for the Sheriff’s office.  Deputy Sheriff’s duties involve an element of personal danger, and appointee’s must be able to act without immediate supervision and exercise independent judgment in meeting emergencies. Deputy Sheriff’s are responsible for maintaining order, security, and decorum in the courtrooms.  Duties include the protection of judges, juries, courtroom participants and the general public.  Deputy Sheriff’s are responsible for the service of legal process, such as summons, subpoena's, complaints and court orders.  In addition, this position is responsible for enforcement of court orders such as property seizures, wage garnishments, civil arrests and evictions.  Deputy Sheriff’s are responsible for the safe and timely transportation of prisoners and, both juvenile and adult to and from court, that are housed locally and in detention and correctional facilities around the state. 

 Essential Functions:  

• Ensuring courtroom security; enforcing courtroom rules and regulations 
• Ensures safety of judges and individuals in the courtroom through observation of behavior
• Take custody and control of individuals in court
• Conducts building security checks; screens incoming people, personal items, etc.
• Searches courtroom for weapons or objects that may cause harm to judge court personnel and attendees 
• Sets up video equipment for hearings.
• Searches prisoners to be escorted to courtroom.
• Escorts prisoners from holding cells to courtroom and back; applies restraints 
• Serves subpoenas, warrants, orders of arrest and other official court papers; executes wage garnishments, property seizures and eviction notices.
• Transports prisoners to and from local and non-local jurisdictions
• Extradites fugitives from other states back to Virginia.
• Locates, levies, and seizes property and conducts public auctions.
• Uses bodily force to gain entrance through barriers to search or seize person or property.
• Conducts investigations on threat to judges, bomb threats and suspicious packages.
• Affects arrest, forcibly if necessary.
• Investigates, locate, and apprehend fugitives.
• Assists in searches for missing individuals
• Attends regular in-service training classes to maintain state certification
• Assists with Sheriff’s Office accreditation
• Performs related tasks as required.
• Patrols and enforces all criminal laws.
• Provides back up to the Police Department conducting criminal or traffic investigation. 
• Testifies in court in connection with arrests and citations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

Knowledge of law enforcement methods, or the ability to acquire this knowledge and apply it to specific situations. General knowledge of courtroom security methods, practices and procedures; general knowledge of courtroom rules and regulations; ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions and to prepare clear comprehensive reports; ability to deal courteously but firmly with the public; ability to analyze situations and to adopt quick, effective and reasonable courses of action; skill in the use of firearms and defensive tactics techniques and the operation of motor vehicles; physical ability to perform job tasks. Knowledge of the county, geography of the county, and the location of important landmarks and buildings.  Knowledge of criminal and civil law.

Education and Experience: 

Certified Law Enforcement Officer. Graduation from high school or GED. Successful applicants must pass a physical agility test; possess or be eligible for a valid driver’s license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia; be a U.S. citizen; have no convictions of felonies and/or habitual misdemeanors; and pass an extensive background investigation, which includes a polygraph, psychological, medical and drug screening. Must also successfully complete appropriate training prescribed by the Commonwealth of Virginia for this level position. Participate in ongoing training in criminal and civil law. Must be a Virginia Certified Officer. If selected applicant does not possess required certifications, then they will be required to participate in the Academy to obtain necessary credentials. 

Physical Conditions and Nature of Work Contacts:  

Must pass a physical agility test that consists of a quarter mile run, climbing 3 flights of stairs, and a 150-pound dummy drag approximately 40 yards in 4 minutes. Must be able to operate motor vehicle under normal and emergency conditions. Requires working in adverse weather.  Must be able to physically subdue and restrain individuals.  Must stand for a long period. Must wear full duty belt. Frequent contact with persons required appearing in court that may be non-cooperative and life threatening.  Regular contact with court and public officials and the general public is required.     Must be able to understand state code and apply when needed. Must carry a firearm and qualify at least annually. 

THE SALARY RANGE