Otsego County Sheriff's Department: Deputy Sheriff Closing Date: September 30, 2023

Supervised By: Sergeant and/or assigned command officer
Supervises: No supervisory responsibility 

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of an assigned command officer, patrols the county in order to enforce the laws, investigates criminal activities, polices accident scenes, responds to domestic and other disputes, and answers requests for a variety of services. Performs a variety of functions related to protecting lives and property within the county. Transports prisoners. May receive specialized training in accident reconstruction, evidence/property management, crime scene processing, and other areas.

Essential Job Functions:

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. These examples do not include all of the duties, which the employee may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.

1. Patrols the county to enforce traffic and other laws. Utilizes radar and laser speed measuring equipment. Stops traffic violators and issues citations as appropriate, assists stranded motorists, provides assistance during hazardous conditions and serves as a deterrent to crime.
2. Responds to a variety of citizen complaints such as robbery, breaking and entering, assault, vandalism, and domestic disputes. Maintains radio communications with the central dispatch to seek necessary information, request additional assistance and coordinate activities.
3. Initiates investigations of misdemeanor and felony criminal cases. This includes searching for physical evidence, collecting and preserving evidence, interviewing victims and witnesses, taking photographs, and protecting crime scenes. 
4. Makes arrests and takes individuals into custody as appropriate and advises suspects of their rights.
5. Responds to citizens? calls for assistance and may provide initial medical assistance Attempts to resolve disputes, provides for citizen protection, and provides general assistance.
6. Makes arrests on warrants authorized by the courts. Confers with prosecutors to explain circumstances and events for the purpose of determining appropriate charge. Obtains additional information and conducts additional investigations as appropriate.
7. Responsible for the security and transportation of arrested and incarcerated subjects, special needs juvenile offenders, and psychiatric patients in need of secure transport. Transports include from jail to court, medical facilities to court, and jail to treatment as well as long-distance transports to correctional and treatment facilities.
8. Reports to accident scenes to police the scene, render first aid, request medical service and transportation as appropriate, direct traffic, and investigate the cause of the accident. May take photographs, measurements, and statements as part of the investigation.
9. Prepares detailed reports of activities, including complaints, accidents, and arrests to provide an accurate documentation of events. Forwards reports to command staff and a prosecutor for review.
10. Appears in court to present information and evidence as the case officer or witness.
11. Provides crowd control services at major incidents and civic and special events. Provides traffic escorts as needed.
12. Provides school and community service education, includes speaking to community groups and the media on specific safety and preventative issues.
13. Provides court security as assigned and responds to incidents upon request of the court.
14. Serves civil process papers.
15. Attends various training sessions on topics related to law enforcement.
16. Performs various emergency and potentially life-saving functions such as providing initial medical response such as CPR, rescuing people from hazardous conditions, and conducting searches.
17. Performs general upkeep and maintenance on assigned vehicles.
18. Performs other duties as directed.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Minimum Qualifications:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.

Requirements include the following:

• Associate's Degree in criminal justice or related field and one year of prior experience in law enforcement. Additional related experience may substitute for the college requirement if there is demonstrated knowledge, ability and skills to perform the work
• The county, at its discretion, may consider an alternative combination of formal education and work experience.
• Michigan Vehicle Operator's License.
• Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) certification.
• Certification in CPR and First Aid required following employment. 
• Must not have been convicted of a felony or crime that might question the person's credibility.
• Must be a minimum of 21 years of age.
• Must successfully complete the employment screening process, which may include written and oral evaluations, psychological and physical screening, as well as a complete background investigation. 
• Must be in good health and able to perform the necessary duties, including ability to pursue, apprehend, restrain and control individuals.  
• Will be required to successfully complete the Michigan Breathalyzer Training Program after employment with the department.
• The successful candidate must complete a one-year probationary period.
• Through knowledge of state, federal, and local laws and ordinances governing limitations on police authority.
• Substantial knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of modern police science to establish and maintain effective law enforcement operations.
• Knowledge of scientific methods of crime detection and prevention.
• Skill in the operation of police vehicles, surveillance and communication equipment, firearms, breathalyzers, chemical sprays, and restraints and other implements used in the line of duty.
• Skill in assembling and analyzing data and preparing comprehensive and accurate reports.
• Skill in effectively communicating ideas and concepts orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgment, initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with county employees, contractors to the county, representatives of other governmental units, professional contacts, elected officials, and the public.
• Skill in the use of office equipment and technology, including Microsoft Suite applications, database use and the ability to learn new software programs applicable to the position. 
• Ability to work non-traditional shifts and schedules.
• Ability to respond to emergencies or service needs on a 24-hour basis.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee?s environment can range from an office setting to highly dangerous law enforcement situations.  Physical demands, therefore, range from sitting in an office or vehicle to exercising the strength, mobility, dexterity and stamina associated with apprehending unruly persons and criminals.  The employee is regularly required to communicate with others in person and on the telephone or radio, use sight to review documents and assess public safety scenes, and must regularly travel to other locations.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to adverse weather conditions, extreme heat, high, precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, explosives and other dangerous situations. The noise level in the work environment can range from quiet to very loud.