Deputy (Peace Officer), Sheriff's Department

A Texas Peace Officer is responsible for maintaining law and order, protecting life and property, and enforcing the laws of the State of Texas, as well as applicable local laws and regulations. Duties include patrolling assigned areas, preventing and investigating crimes, making arrests, responding to emergencies, assisting the public, and promoting community safety through crime prevention programs and public education. Peace Officers are expected to exercise sound judgment, demonstrate integrity and professionalism, respect and uphold the rights of all individuals, and perform their duties in a manner that promotes public trust and community safety.

NOTE: A Probationary Deputy does not work independently. Works under the close supervision of a field training officer.

• Patrols are assigned areas to deter and detect criminal activity, protect life and property, and maintain public order.
• Enforce traffic regulations, respond to calls for service, and ensure public safety.
• Enforce state laws, local ordinances, and court orders.
• Respond to emergency and non-emergency calls for service, accidents, disturbances, and natural disasters.
• Investigate criminal activity, gather and preserve evidence, interview victims, witnesses, and suspects, prepare detailed reports, and testify in court as required.
• Apprehend and process individuals suspected of criminal offenses while ensuring compliance with applicable laws, legal procedures, and constitutional rights.
• Prepare accurate and thorough incident, arrest, and activity reports in accordance with department standards and procedures.
• Conduct traffic stops, enforce traffic laws, issue citations, direct traffic, and investigate vehicle crashes.
• Provide first aid and coordinate with emergency medical services.
• Serve warrants, subpoenas, and other legal documents in accordance with applicable laws, court orders, and department procedures.
• Provide court security.
• Work with other law enforcement agencies, emergency responders, and community organizations to enhance public safety.
• Maintain proficiency with firearms and other law enforcement equipment.
• Engage with community members to assist, build trust, and promote positive police-community relationships and safety awareness.
• Supervise, instruct, and train Deputies on Probation.
• Maintain a professional, ethical, and reputable character at all times.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the Texas Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure, and applicable local ordinances.
• Knowledge of modern law enforcement methods and practices, federal, state, and local criminal and traffic laws and regulations, agency policies and procedures, officer and public safety practices, evidence identification, collection, preservation, and handling, and court systems, legal processes, and procedures.
• Ability to care for and use weapons, firearms, and other standard police equipment.
• Ability to operate law enforcement vehicles.
• Ability to use appropriate physical and defensive tactics.
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, such as foot pursuits, physical restraints, and emergency responses.
• Ability to administer first aid.
• Ability to build rapport with individuals from diverse backgrounds, handle sensitive situations professionally, communicate effectively, and guide others.
• Ability to analyze situations, assess danger and risks, and make sound decisions under extreme stress.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment under pressure and maintain professionalism in all situations.
• Ability to decide the appropriate use of force and use of deadly force.
• Ability to carry out duties with integrity and honesty, maintaining high ethical standards in all actions.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing in the English language and orally in the Spanish language when interacting with the public, gathering information, and preparing reports.
• Must have a High School Diploma or GED from an accredited institution.
• Must hold a valid Texas Peace Officer License issued by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE).
• Must meet the minimum age requirement of twenty-one (21) years of age on the date of probationary appointment to the position of Deputy. There is no maximum age limit.
• Must complete psychological testing, physical exam, and drug screen.
• Any conviction or probation for a felony at any time or for a misdemeanor within the past 10 years will disqualify. Criminal history records will be examined.

Complexity/Scope of Work

• The work involves varied, complex duties that require making quick, sound decisions under pressure in situations that may be life-threatening.
• The role requires analyzing situations, assessing risk, and responding appropriately to unpredictable and stressful conditions with limited supervision, demanding a high level of judgment, integrity, and discretion.

Physical Demands/Work Environment
Occasionally

• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
• Operating machinery and/or power tools.
• Working in low temperatures.
• Working in high temperatures.
• Working in outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.
• Working in noisy environments.
• Working in poor ventilation.
• Working in small and/or enclosed spaces.
• Working in adverse environmental conditions is expected.
• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.

Constantly

• Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, etc.
• Moving oneself in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments, including tight and confined spaces.
• Moving to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
• Adjusting or moving objects up to 50 pounds in all directions.
• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• Repeating motions that may include the use of wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.
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