Deputy Sheriff Trainee

DEFINITION

Under immediate supervision, receives intensive academic instruction in law enforcement through a course of study necessary to complete the Basic Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S T) Academy to become a Peace Officer.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Deputy Sheriff Trainee is a recruiting level classification established to qualify candidates for duties as a Deputy Sheriff in the Amador County Sheriff's Office. Incumbents of this class undergo a formal and comprehensive training program in a POST certified academy. Incumbency in this class is limited to a period not to exceed twelve months and to those who have not completed the basic POST academy. Positions in this class are distinguished from Deputy Sheriff in that the Deputy Sheriff Trainee position is a classification which has no law enforcement powers. Upon satisfactory completion of the training and graduation from the academy, the trainee will be sworn in as a Deputy Sheriff with full law enforcement powers Failure to successfully complete training as prescribed and graduate from the academy will result in release from employment.

REPORTS TO

Receives immediate supervision from supervisors and Academy training staff.

None

The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all the duties listed. As a trainee, receive instructions and perform the following duties in a learning capacity:

• Identification and utilization of principles and techniques that promote community service, crime prevention and appropriate behavior; enforcement and procedural aspects of criminal laws and the legal obligations inherent in enforcement of those law.
• Proficient application of the rules of evidence; effective and professional communication through written, oral and mechanical media.
• Operation of an emergency vehicle which includes skid training, high speed pursuit, defensive driving and emergency driving, firearm training in order to learn good judgement and competency in the use of deadly force, ancillary police weaponry and weaponless defense.
• Basic criminal investigation processes and techniques, including the identification, collection and preservation of evidence, courtroom testimony and witness interrogation.
• Establishing a basic knowledge of the patrol function consisting of patrolling a designated area of the County in order to preserve law and order and to prevent and discover the commission of crimes; effectively dealing with common vehicle code violations by learning to recognize the violations, locating the violations in the vehicle code and safely and professionally contacting the violator.
• Processing, confining and caring for adult and juvenile prisoners in such a manner as to protect the prisoner's rights and welfare.
• Physical fitness and defensive techniques program; first aid, including cardio­ pulmonary resuscitation techniques; and other related course or programs as required.

• Basic English grammar, composition, spelling and punctuation; basic mathematics.
• Effective problem solving techniques.
• Basic vehicle laws and regulations.
• Basic computer and modern office and automation technology.
  
  

Ability to:

• Acquire, through training, a knowledge of modern approved law enforcement principles, practices and procedure; state laws, local ordinances and first aid.
• Write clearly, accurately, concisely, legibly and with correct English grammatical construction and spelling.
• Demonstrate an aptitude for law enforcement work.
• Understand and precisely carry out oral and written instruction: observe, assimilate. remember, record and recall pertinent facts and details.
• Learn standard broadcasting procedure of a radio system and other electronic equipment, including in vehicles.
• Learn to apply selected knowledge (i.e., laws, statutes, court decisions, Office policies, criminal investigation theories, etc.) in collecting, organizing and analyzing diverse information in order to decide upon an appropriate action in emergency and stressful situations; exercise good judgement and make sound decisions within a variety of circumstances.
• Plan and effectively present material to large and diverse groups of people.
• Work courteously and professionally with inmates, fellow officers, public officials, the general public, and others.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Develop skill in the use of firearm and other law enforcement tools.
• Undergo strenuous physical conditioning.
• Meet standards of adequate physical stature, endurance and agility.
• Effectively represent the Sheriff’s Department in contacts with the public and other law enforcement agencies.

Education

Graduation from high school or possession of a General Education Development certificate (GED).

Special Requirements:

• Possession of a current and valid California Driver's license issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles
• Be a citizen of the United States or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship. Any permanent resident alien shall be disqualified from holding a position if his or her application for citizenship is denied
• Be at least 20 years of age
• Pass background investigation conducted through the Sheriff’s Department
• Be found free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition which might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer. For purpose of this section, a medical examination, including psychological screening, shall be required prior to appointment
• Achieve a passing T-score on the Peace Officer Standards and Training (P. O.ST) Entry-Level law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETS)
• Pass a Physical Ability Test similar to an obstacle course designed to simulate the pursuit and apprehension of a fleeing felon

• 12 month probationary period. Upon completion of the academy trainees will be sworn in as peace officers and will be eligible to be appointed to the position of Deputy Sheriff.