DEPUTY SHERIFF TRAINEE

Definition

Under close supervision, attends a California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) approved Basic Academy and successfully completes the Academy's course of study to acquire peace officer status in the State of California; and in a non-sworn capacity perform related duties as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Deputy Sheriff Trainee is the entry level trainee class in the Deputy Sheriff series. Incumbents are distinguished from the Deputy Sheriff I class in that the Deputy Sheriff Trainee attends a basic law enforcement academy, is a non-sworn class, has no police officer powers, and does not perform active law enforcement duties. Incumbency in this class is limited to a period not to exceed six (6) months and to individuals who have not completed a California P.O.S.T. certified Basic Peace officer academy within the last three years.

The Deputy Sheriff Trainee must successfully complete all academy courses including but not limited to academic course work, physical training, vehicle operation, and use of weapons. Incumbents failing to satisfactorily complete such training will be terminated from this classification.

Typical Duties

Attends a California Basic Academy to receive instruction in the interpretation and application of the Penal Code, Vehicle Code and other laws relating to the protection of life and property.

Receives instruction in basic criminal investigation procedures and techniques, including but not limited to police ethics, witness interrogation, and collection of evidence.

Receives and participates in firearm training, classroom instruction in enforcement psychology, enforcement tactics, effective writing and speaking.

Learns radio operations and methods of traffic, riot, and crowd control.

Participates in a physical training and testing program, and Emergency Vehicle operations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Ability to: understand and follow oral and written directions, and to speak and write effectively; read, learn,, and understand various laws, policies, rules, procedures, law enforcement techniques and first aid; analyze situations and/or problems and to rationally and calmly take quick, effective action in emergency and stress situations; undergo strenuous physical training; successfully complete a structured academic training program as required to successfully complete law enforcement recruit academy.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable General Education Development Certificate.

Experience: None

License: Possession of a valid California Driver's License and a good driving record.

Background Requirement: Incumbents shall not have been convicted of a felony in this state or any other state or in any federal jurisdiction, or of any offense in any other state or in any federal jurisdiction, which would have been a felony if committed in this state, nor be under current formal probation supervision.

Citizenship Requirement: Permanent resident aliens who wish to be employed as peace officers must apply for citizenship prior to application for such employment. Permanent resident aliens must cooperate with the U.S. Department of immigration in meeting all requirements for U.S. citizenship, or he or she shall be disqualified for peace officer status.

Greg Fillebrown