Deputy Sheriff

JOB OVERVIEW

~IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Please read PRIOR to applying~

The purpose of this application is to ensure that you meet the basic minimum standards for a Sarpy County Deputy Sheriff and as required for admittance into the Nebraska Law Enforcement Academy.  Applicants that meet the basic minimum standards (click HERE for standards) will be invited to continue with the hiring process and for placement on an eligibility list. 

A. This application form must be completed in its entirety. All questions are directly related to the minimum standards required to be a Deputy Sheriff for Sarpy County.  This application form will be rejected if it is not complete. 

B. If you meet the minimum standards, you will receive a thorough and detailed application called a  "Personal History Statement".  This will be sent to you via U.S. mail and email to the address listed on your application.  This application will be reviewed and selected applicants will move forward in the hiring process.  Should you move forward in the selection process,  you will be required to successfully complete the following steps in the hiring process.    

• Written Exam(s):  Written exam has been tentatively scheduled for February 14-15.  Dates are subject to change based on the number of applicants.

• Cooper Standards Test:  Applicants will be required to pass a physical fitness test based on Cooper Standards as required by the Nebraska Law Enforcement Academy.  Click HERE and scroll to the bottom of the page for further information.  

• Initial Interview:    

• Background Checks:

  • Criminal background check;

  • Personal and professional reference check; 

  • In-home interview;

  • Polygraph exam.

• Command Staff Interview:   

• Medical Examination;

• Psychological Examination

Applicants may be disqualified at any step.  Applicants will be informed of their status throughout the process.

C. Please be complete and accurate. You will not be allowed to change your application after you have applied for a position.

D. This position is subject to Veterans' Preference

E. Click HERE for Labor Law Posters.

F. Sarpy County is a Drug-Free Workplace / Equal Opportunity Employer.

G. Sarpy County participates in E-Verify.

DEPUTY SHERIFF

The deputy participates in law enforcement activities in an effort to protect life and property, enforce local, state and federal laws and to prevent, detect and/or investigate criminal activity.  Formal testing through Merit Commission, which may include a written test, scenarios, panel questioning and/or any other requirements as set forth by the testing authority.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Adheres to Sheriff’s Office directives, general orders and the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) at all times, notifies a supervisor regarding any violations. 
   
• Provides training for probationary deputies, when assigned.
• Assists in the review, evaluation, and development of programs, policies and procedures; when assigned.
• Confers with the sergeant on daily tactical matters, unusual or difficult problems, the progress of cases, and other related issues.
• Completes detailed and accurate reports and other official records that document activity or involvement in all incidents.
• Provides testimony in court proceedings as necessary.
• Ensures uniforms, vehicles and equipment are adequately maintained and in proper working order.
• Performs appropriate activity that protects those in immediate danger of injury or death at the hand of another person or persons.
• Responds to incidents of injury or accidents and summons or administers medical or other aid.
• Restores and maintains order in areas of individual, family, or public crisis.
• Attends conferences and meetings to keep abreast of current trends in law enforcement; represents the department in a variety of local, state and other meetings; as assigned.
• Ensures all departmental memos, records, and reports are routed to the appropriate personnel, according to established departmental procedures.
• Answers inquiries from the general public; receives citizen complaints and handles situations and/or refers individuals to appropriate sources of resolution.
• Operates and maintains assigned departmental vehicle and equipment according to established procedures. Equipment includes but is not limited to; two-way radio and other communication devices; cameras, authorized weapons, authorized restraints, etc.
• Utilizes computer programs in the establishment and maintenance of records and reports; to conduct research and obtain information.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with the general public, coworkers, subordinates, other law enforcement and governmental agencies and county officials.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Must possess, or obtain by time of hire, a valid operator's license without record of suspension or revocation in any state.

Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age by date of graduation from Sarpy Douglas Law Enforcement Academy.

Must be a United States citizen.

Graduation from high school or GED equivalent.

Must be free of any convictions of crimes punishable by imprisonment in a state or federal penitentiary for a term of one year or more for which a pardon has not been received.

Must pass a security clearance check conducted on a national and local level, including criminal record and polygraph examination.

Ability to meet Department's physical standards.

Successfully complete basic training at the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Academy and all portions of the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office probationary deputy training program.

Knowledge of and ability to apply the technical and operating principles and techniques used in law enforcement and crime prevention, and corrections.

Knowledge and ability to apply federal, state and local laws pertaining to the duties performed including those with reference to search and seizure, arrest, prosecution of persons and the rules of evidence.

Knowledge of and ability to enforce and apply departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and general orders.

Knowledge of the use of Sheriff’s Office records and their application to the solution of problems/issues.

Knowledge of and ability to perform input and retrieval functions utilizing a variety of computer programs pertaining to the duties performed.

Knowledge of Sheriff’s Office responsibilities and ability to use independent judgment in the performance of duties.

Knowledge of the geography of the county.

Ability to enforce departmental policies, federal, state and local regulations with firmness, tact and impartiality.

Ability to maintain and utilize authorized weapons, including firearms, according to established procedures.

Ability to operate a motor vehicle in all types of weather and traffic conditions.

Ability to operate standard office equipment and other equipment relating to a comprehensive law enforcement program.

Ability to utilize sound independent judgment in stressful and emergency situations; analyze situations quickly and objectively and to adopt quick, effective and reasonable courses of action with due regard to the surrounding hazards and circumstances.

Ability to make complex, difficult decisions and to develop plans for the safe, efficient, effective and legal accomplishments of tasks required to protect life, safety and property of citizens, to enforce applicable laws and to serve the public.

Ability to prepare clear, accurate and comprehensive forms and reports utilizing correct grammar, spelling and punctuation.

Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.

Ability to maintain the confidentiality of all departmental communications, documents and correspondence.

Ability to deal with the general public in a courteous and tactful manner.

Ability to perform job duties efficiently while managing frequent interruptions.

Ability to plan and organize a personal work schedule, set priorities and meet deadlines.

Ability to understand and follow both oral and written instructions.

Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, in English.

Ability to operate Personal computer, including word processing and specialized software, phone, typewriter, calculator, fax machine, copy machine, county vehicle, law enforcement radio, authorized weapons, approved restraints, pager, first aid equipment, and all other assigned equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Deputies are often placed in a position of physical and mental stress and will be required to perform a variety of duties, which may require the incumbent to walk or run a long distance or sit for extended periods of time.  At times the work is performed indoors in an office setting and requires routine bending, lifting and carrying office supplies: books, files and other materials. 

Job duties are also performed outdoors with a considerable amount of physical activity including running, walking, standing, kneeling, bending, crouching, reaching, pushing, pulling, stooping, and climbing. While performing the duties, the incumbent is required to talk, hear, use hands to: finger, handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, equipment or controls, and must have the ability to transport himself or herself to and from various locations throughout the county and within the Sheriff’s Office and the County Courthouse.

Hand eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of equipment and vehicles.  The incumbent is required to work in all climatic conditions from extreme heat to extreme cold including all forms of precipitation.

The incumbent occasionally works near moving mechanical parts in precarious places, may be exposed to hazardous material, and is occasionally exposed to bodily fluids, fumes, airborne particles, toxic chemicals, and vibrations. Specific vision abilities, correctable to within normal ranges required by this job include adequate close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Communication abilities include the ability to talk and hear within normal ranges. Work hours may be required after daylight hours. The noise level may be moderate to intense depending on activity performed. Work requires extensive interaction with the general public and law violators and may be stressful when dealing with criminal incidents, irate citizens, and specific deadlines.