Deputy Sheriff - I

The Placer County Sheriff's Office is currently accepting applications for Deputy Sheriff Trainee, Deputy Sheriff I, and Deputy Sheriff II. Each level in this job series has different minimum qualifications. To participate at the Trainee level, I level, or II level, you must complete and submit separate applications for each recruitment:

Deputy Sheriff - Trainee          #2021-16300-01

Deputy Sheriff - I                     #2021-16321-01

Deputy Sheriff - II                    #2021-16322-01

Qualified applicants will undergo an extensive background investigation to determine if they meet the high standards set by the Sheriff's Office in the areas including, but not limited to: high moral character, honesty, and exemplary work ethic. The Sheriff's Office also highly values those with a positive attitude toward fellow workers and the community they will be serving. Deputy Sheriff assignment locations may include Auburn, South Placer, or Tahoe.

This continuous recruitment will remain open for the calendar year, or until the final filing date, whichever occurs first. The eligible list established from this continuous recruitment will expire by the end of the calendar year. Applicants will be eligible to reapply and take an examination if a new recruitment opens the following calendar year.

The first round of examinations is tentatively scheduled for the week of June 7th, 2021. The second round of examinations is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, August 25th, 2021 for applications received by August 11th, 2021. Additional examinations will be scheduled throughout the remainder of the year as applications are received. Qualified applicants will be notified of their scheduled testing date via email. Due to concerns related to COVID-19, the testing process will be conducted in accordance with physical distancing guidelines in place at the time of the examinations. Applicants will be required to self-screen for symptoms of illness and wear face coverings at the examination site.

In order to be eligible for this recruitment, applicants must submit proof of completion of the California POST-Certified Regular Basic Course or must submit verification of current enrollment in a California POST Basic Academy/Module I course with an expected graduation date within 6 months of the application submission date. California POST-Certified Regular Basic Course certificates will be considered valid three years from the date of the certificate or three years from the last date of qualifying employment.

Placer County offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees. The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change. Applicants should inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Human Resources Department. Click here to view Deputy Sheriff's Assoc - Safety benefits.

For more information regarding the benefits Placer County has to offer, please visit Placer County's Human Resources website.

To perform law enforcement and crime prevention work within a variety of assignments including to patrol assigned area and enforce State and local laws, to conduct investigations of misdemeanor and felony crimes, to supervise inmates in correctional facilities and to ensure court security.

This is the entry level class in the sworn Deputy Sheriff series.  This class is distinguished from the journey level by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within this series.  Employees at this level are not expected to perform with the same independence of direction and judgment on matters allocated to the journey level.  Since this class is used as a training class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience.  Employees work under immediate supervision while learning job tasks.

Progression from this class is dependent upon continuing acquisition and development of knowledge, techniques and skills in law enforcement work. This class is distinguished from Deputy Sheriff Trainee in that the Trainee is a training class for incumbents who have not completed the California POST Basic Academy.

Receives immediate supervision from a Sergeant and technical and functional supervision from a Field Training Officer or other designated sworn personnel.

• Maintain law and order within the County by performing law enforcement activities in a variety of assignments.
• When assigned to patrol, patrol an assigned area by motor vehicle, on foot, or by other designated means to answer calls for the protection of life and property and the enforcement of County and state laws; conduct both preliminary and follow-up investigations of disturbances, prowlers, burglaries, thefts, robberies, death and other criminal incidents; direct traffic and detain drivers who are operating vehicles in violation of laws; issue citations and make arrests as necessary.
• When assigned to investigations, investigate major crimes against property and persons, in addition to narcotics and vice-related crimes; conduct extensive follow-up investigation at the scene of crimes and accidents; gather evidence; conduct surveillance; locate and question witnesses; take statements from witnesses; present information to the District Attorney's office for filing charges; and appear in court, as directed.
• When assigned to court security, maintain safety and security for all personnel in the courtroom; act as bailiff in courtroom; transfer inmates to and from the courts and correctional facilities; search individuals entering the court when necessary; at all times, monitor all courtroom activities to anticipate any safety concerns; assist other courtroom personnel in ensuring smooth operation of the courtroom.
• When assigned to civil division, serve civil and criminal subpoenas, summons, complaints, executions, attachments and court orders; interview witnesses, neighbors or other persons to gather information for investigations or the service of legal documents; determine daily geographical route and item schedule to maximize the service of legal documents.
• When assigned to correctional facilities, receive, search, book, fingerprint and guard prisoners in the jail or other prisoner holding facilities; supervise prisoners at work, in transport, during visit conferences and other activities; prepare prisoners for court, visits from attorneys and for the prisoner's transfer and release; transport prisoners between the jail and the courts.
• When assigned to civil division, serve legal papers such as subpoenas, summonses, complaints and writs of attachment, execution and restitution; serve warrants and make arrests; prepare, process and maintain necessary files, documents and reports; perform other work related to the processing of misdemeanor and felony complaints.
• Make arrests as necessary; interview victims, complainants and witnesses; interrogate suspects; gather and preserve evidence; testify and present evidence in court.
  Gather evidence using a variety of methods and techniques, including taking photographs, lifting fingerprints, tracing movements and talking with informants.
• Serve warrants and subpoenas; file complaints; perform other work related to the processing of misdemeanor and felony complaints.
• Prepare detailed reports on all activities; write reports on arrests, traffic violations, inmate conflicts, impounded property and other situations; maintain Departmental records and files when necessary.
• Receive and investigate complaints of violations by or against juveniles; confer with juveniles and their parents; prepare citations for Juvenile Court.
• May be assigned to canine patrol duty.
• Conduct searches in snow conditions.
• Check buildings for physical security; report street lamps or traffic signals that are not working; report or remove traffic hazards and report and take corrective action on other conditions detrimental to the general public.
• Contact and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the apprehension of offenders and the investigation of offenses.
• Attend meetings with civic groups; participate in and conduct
  public awareness/education programs at schools.
• Maintain contact with citizens regarding potential law enforcement problems and preserve good relationships with the general public.
• Substantiate findings in court; testify when necessary in court.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

It is the responsibility of applicants to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below.
 
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: No experience required.
 
Training: Completion of the twelfth grade or G.E.D.

License or Certificate:

• Possession of a valid CA POST-Certified Regular Basic course completion certificate or equivalency certificate. 
• May need to possess a valid driver’s license as required by the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

Knowledge of:

• Basic principles and practices of law enforcement.

Ability to:

• Read and understand Departmental policies, rules, instructions, laws, ordinances and general literature pertaining to law enforcement activities.
• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of a sworn Deputy's job; intermittently analyze work papers, reports and special projects; remember accounts given by witnesses; identify crime suspects; interpret and apply the law to field situations; observe while conducting surveillance; problem solve crime situations; and explain law to public.
• On an intermittent basis, sit at desk or in patrol vehicle; walk and stand during patrol activities; bend, squat and kneel during inspection of crime scene or conducting building searches; climb stairs and/or ladders while in the field; twist while making arrests; perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling and fine manipulation.  Continuously wear utility belt and other police equipment of 30 pounds; and intermittently lift very heavy weight.
• Adopt quick, effective and reasonable courses of action, giving due regard to the surrounding hazards and circumstances of each situation; exercise good judgment and make sound decisions under a variety of conditions.
• Understand and follow written and oral directions.
• Keep accurate records and submit clear reports.
• Learn to use and care for small firearms and other law enforcement equipment and tools.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Maintain good physical, emotional and mental condition to satisfactorily perform the functions of the position; meet and maintain required peace officer employment standards to safely and effectively perform assigned duties.
• Work under physical and mental pressure and in potentially hazardous situations.

Performance Examination (Pass/Fail)

The performance examination will consist of a series of job related exercises and will be scored on a pass/fail basis.

NOTE: Applicants who have taken and passed an approved California POST Academy physical agility performance examination within six (6) months of their application submission date and who attach their official score report notice (including academy name, exam name, exam date, and exam scores) to their application materials will be considered to have met the physical agility criteria for this classification and will not be required to take the performance examination.

NOTE: Applicants who have completed their California POST-Certified Regular Basic Course or who have been employed as a peace officer within six (6) months of application submission date will be considered to have met the physical agility criteria for this classification and will not be required to take the performance examination.

Written Examination (100%)

The written examination consists of the POST Entry Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB). T-scores received from this examination will determine applicant ranking on the eligible list. For more information regarding the PELLETB, click here.

NOTE: Applicants who have already taken the POST PELLETB exam within six (6) months of their application submission date may attach their official score report notice (including agency name, exam name, exam date, and exam scores) to their application materials to forward their scores to Placer County. Different agencies use different cutoff scores for the PELLETB exam. Therefore, it is possible for an applicant to pass the exam with one agency and fail it with another using the same score.

NOTE: Per California POST, applicants may not take the PELLETB exam more than once within a thirty (30) day calendar period. Applicants who have already taken the PELLETB exam within 30 days of a Placer County exam administration will not be permitted to test again. Please contact Lindsay Killian at (530) 886-4678 or lkillian@placer.ca.gov with any questions.

The first round of examinations is tentatively scheduled for the week of June 7th, 2021. The second round of examinations is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, August 25th, 2021 for applications received by August 11th, 2021. Additional examinations will be scheduled throughout the remainder of the year as applications are received. Qualified applicants will be notified of their scheduled testing date via email. Due to concerns related to COVID-19, the testing process will be conducted in accordance with physical distancing guidelines in place at the time of the examinations. Applicants will be required to self-screen for symptoms of illness and wear face coverings at the examination site.

Prior to the date of hire, applicants must undergo a fingerprint test by the Department of Justice, pass a medical examination (which may include a drug screening and possibly a psychological evaluation), sign a constitutional oath, and submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S.  For some positions, applicants may also be required to submit proof of age, undergo a background investigation (which may include a voice stress analysis and/or a polygraph), and/or be bonded. Additionally, positions in law enforcement classifications and those supporting law enforcement functions will be required to complete a conviction history questionnaire prior to or during the interview process. Applicants for positions with access to Medi-Cal billing software or who are licensed providers must clear the Federal Exclusion List, credentialing, and social security verification. Failure to clear these requirements may result in an employment offer being withdrawn.

Specific position(s) within this classification designated as Safety Sensitive may require applicants to register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Clearinghouse and to provide consent for Placer County to conduct a full query of their records within the Clearinghouse prior to an offer of employment.

The eligible list resulting from this recruitment may be certified as a substitute list for a substantially similar classification.  For this purpose, a substantially similar classification is one at a lower level in the same classification (example: entry level vs. journey level) and/or a similar classification (similar work performed, similar training and experience qualifications required). If you are contacted for an interview by a County department, you will be informed of the classification and other relevant information. If you choose not to interview for a substantially similar classification, you will remain on the eligible list for which you originally applied.

Placer County offers an expedited process for qualifying certain applicants for interviews. Candidates currently employed, or employed within the last year, by a public agency operating under a personnel civil service or merit system may be eligible to be placed on a Public Agency Eligible List and certified as eligible for appointment to a similar job assignment without going through the examination process. For more information on the Public Agency Eligible List, to download forms, or to apply, please click here.

Thank you for your interest in employment with Placer County. Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that harassment, discrimination, and retaliation are prohibited and that all employees, applicants, agents, contractors, and interns/volunteers shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, transfer, and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, race, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, physical disability (including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, military and/or veteran status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. Please contact the Human Resources Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.

Tentative Recruitment Timeline:

05/07/2021 - Recruitment opens

05/24/2021 - 1st round of minimum qualifications screening

06/08/2021 - 1st round of written and physical agility examinations

08/25/2021 - 2nd round of written and physical agility examinations

Additional test dates TBD

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Lindsay Killian, Human Resources Analyst, at lkillian@placer.ca.gov or (530) 886-4678.