Deputy Sheriff – Sworn Law Enforcement Officer

Deputy Sheriff – Sworn Law Enforcement Officer (Full-Time)

Salary and Benefits:

Starting Salary for Deputy Sheriff is $49,000.00 annually. The employee benefits include retirement benefits under the Florida Retirement System, medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, leave accrual and paid holidays. Voluntary benefits are also available.

Job Summary:

Deputy Sheriffs are responsible for the protection of life and property and the enforcement of laws and regulations. Performs assigned law enforcement and general police duties including:  patrolling road ways; answering criminal complaints; investigating crimes; serving civil papers, restraining orders, arrest warrants (including making forcible arrests when necessary), etc.; transporting prisoners; controlling civil disturbances; and a variety of other emergency and routine activities. This work involves an element of personal danger and frequent contact with the public during routine and emergency situations.

* A complete job description is available in the Human Resources Office.

Example of duties:

•  Respond to radio calls for emergency assistance and law enforcement such as result from crimes of violence, unruly crowds, auto accidents, child neglect, thefts and frauds, vandalism, and a variety of other misdemeanors and felonies. Takes necessary steps to restore the peace, and renders first aid and other emergency assistance; conducts investigations.
•  Interview witnesses and suspects to crimes or auto accidents; arrests suspects; composes and submits written reports.
•  Serves warrants, makes arrests, and transports prisoners. Administers tests for intoxication. Testifies in court as arresting officer.  Serves civil processes and confiscates property by court order.
•  Patrols assigned area in radio patrol car; cites traffic violators. Makes security checks of businesses and industrial districts.  Maintain surveillance of public gathering places.  Investigates and renders assistance at auto accidents.
•  Subdues or restrains persons committing or believed to be about to commit acts of violence according to the urgency of the need in the judgment of the senior officer present.

New hires complete 14 weeks in the Field Training and Evaluation Program (FTEP).  This is one-on-one training with a certified Field Training Officer and ensures that all new deputies are fully prepared to be a solo deputy.  New hires with prior law enforcement experience may be eligible for an accelerated Field Training and Evaluation Program.

Applicants must have ability to.... Learn and understand laws of arrest, search and seizure, and rules of evidence; respond quickly and exercise sound judgment under conditions of danger, confusion, and personal affront; physically restrain persons using proper and safe methods; use physical force to effect an arrest of resisting subjects; handle firearms safely and fire them accurately; maintain cooperative and responsible attitude toward co-workers and general public; use a personal computer; and speak and write effectively, using good grammar.

At a minimum, successful applicants must meet the following qualifications:

• Be a United States Citizen
• Possess a high school diploma or equivalent
• Be at least twenty-one (21) years of age at the time of appointment
• Have a good work history
• Have good moral character
• Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license
• Pass a physical examination and psychological evaluation
• Pass a drug test
• Pass a background investigation and fingerprinting, including but not limited to; no prior felony convictions and/or recent or excessive drug usage history; no misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement; no misdemeanor conviction of domestic violence; no dishonorable discharge from any of the Armed Forces of the United States.
•  Have the ability to perform the essential mental and physical demands and functions of the position

 Essential tasks of this positions include:

Operating motor vehicles; using car radios; responding to emergency and routine calls; conducting investigations and/or interrogations; sustaining pursuits on a variety of terrain [on foot (running) and by vehicle (driving)], subduing, restraining and apprehending individuals suspected of criminal activity; making forcible arrests; carrying/dragging unconscious individuals; eye sight uncorrected not worse then 20/100, correctable to not worse then 20/30 OR correctable with soft contacts to 20/20-20/40; strong eye-hand coordination; handling firearms safely and firing them with consistency and accuracy; confiscating and documenting property and evidence; using personal computers to write police reports and document ongoing investigations; Flexibility of upper body and limbs and ability to reach with hands and arms, have strength in upper and lower body, legs, back, arms, and hands. Ability to run, jump, climb, walk, sit, bend/lean over, twist/turn, and maneuver into and out of small spaces and vehicles, climbing stairs, walls and along ledges, hillsides or embankments; moving heavy objects via pushing, pulling, etc; crawling through small spaces; kneeling or crouching in small, confined areas, standing and sitting for extended periods of time during surveillance; lifting materials, equipment and persons exceeding 100lbs.; and disruption of sleep patterns as a result of rotation and/or irregular shift work. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

 The work is performed in a variety of settings, including a patrol car and both indoor and outdoor commercial and residential settings.  The majority of time is spent in a vehicle patrolling the Wakulla County area.  Often work settings require exposure to varying and extreme weather conditions.  When responding to emergencies risks of physical hazard will exist from various sources including violent people, a variety of weapons, noise, chemicals, bodily secretions, sharp objects, traffic, drugs and drug paraphernalia and crime scenes in general.  Incumbents are expected to manage face-to-face interactions and confrontations with angry, hostile, depressed and/or otherwise emotionally distraught members of the public.  As a result of such threat, the work requires quick, independent action and alertness in emergency and possibly life-threatening situations.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee may encounter the following: fumes, toxic substances, dogs/animals, insects, vibrations, slippery surfaces, lightning, explosives, oil, tobacco smoke, radiation, radar, allergenic substances, electrical hazards, possible burns, confined or cramped body position for extended periods, irregular or extended work hours, irregular eating and sleeping schedules, bodily injury, contact with blood, bodily fluids, infectious or contagious diseases. Ability to work and function in a variety of weather conditions that can quickly change. Weather conditions may include but are not limited to any combination of the following: humidity, low temperatures, high temperatures, heavy rain, exposure to sun, sudden temperature changes, hail, high winds, tornadoes, flooding, and hurricanes, etc. 

This is an open advertisement for the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office.

**Applicants must completely fill out employment history and references on the application to include accurate contact information for every employer and reference.  An explanation of gaps in employment is required, including all military service (if applicable, attach a copy of your DD214).  Failure to submit a complete application may result in your application being removed from further consideration.

The Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office is an E-Verify Employer and Equal Opportunity Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. 

The Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office supports a Drug-Free workplace.  All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, eligible veterans and spouses of veterans will receive preference in employment and are encouraged to apply. For applicants claiming Veterans' Preference, please attach supporting documentation that includes character of service (for example, DD form 214 Member Copy #4).

To apply please submit an application to the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office.  Applications can be obtained through our website www.wcso.org.  or by clicking here or 15 Oak Street, Crawfordville, FL 32327

You may also contact the Human Resource Office at (850) 745-7120 for assistance.

Please mail or deliver the completed application including required documentation to:

Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office

Attention: Human Resources

15 Oak Street

Crawfordville, FL 32327-2090