Civil Service Deputy Minimum Standards
Any person desiring to qualify as an Iowa Law Enforcement Officer in the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office shall be required to meet the following standards:
U.S. Citizen and Iowa resident
18 years of age (there is no maximum limit)
Possess a valid Iowa Driver’s License
Not be addicted to drugs or alcohol
Is of good moral character, determined by a thorough background investigation and not have been convicted of a felony or crime involving moral turpitude
Must successfully pass a physical test
Not by reason of conscience or belief, be opposed to the use of force, when necessary to fulfill that person’s duties
Be a high school graduate or have a GED equivalency certificate
Has an uncorrected vision of not less than 20/100 in both eyes, corrected to 20/20. Has color vision consistent with the occupational demands of law enforcement
Must have normal hearing in each ear
Must be examined by a licensed physician meet the physical requirements necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of a law enforcement officer
Must complete psychological testing
Must pass POST exam or have current score available
Shall participate in an oral interview held by the Fayette County Sheriff and the Civil Service Commission if selected for interview
Anyone intentionally falsifying answers to application or examinations, oral or written, may be disqualified from eligibility
Deputy Job Description
BASIC FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under the supervision of the shift supervisor, deputy sheriff’s may by division assignment be responsible for protection of lives and property, prevention of crime, apprehension of criminals, enforcement of laws, service of civil processes, supervision and security of inmates of the county jail, responsible for courthouse security and training of probationary employees. The deputy sheriff takes official action whenever and wherever required in a professional manner, within the bounds of the law and in accordance with the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office policies and procedures.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Applies physical force in situations necessary to maintain the orderly operation of the jail, apprehension or arrest of a suspect, or any other application of force in compliance of Fayette County Policy or the law of the State of Iowa. Each of the following duties and responsibilities of the Deputy Sheriff are performed on an on-going basis. The duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not necessarily limited to:
- Must be capable of regular and predictable attendance at a specified location in order to perform assigned tasks.
- Enforcing the laws of the County and all other pertinent local, State and Federal Laws;
- Managing and overseeing the custody and care of prisoners and new arrests.
- Escorting prisoners from jail to the courthouse or other facilities.
- Patrolling an assigned area checking doors, windows and examining premises of unoccupied buildings or residences in order to detect any suspicious conditions.
- Investigating suspicious conditions, complaints and making arrests of persons who violate the law.
- Making traffic arrests and issuing citations to those who break traffic laws, aiding motorists and investigating traffic accidents;
- Assisting in cases of fire, accidents, rescues, hazardous materials, and disorders in assigned areas as directed.
- Restoring order, regulating traffic and preparing necessary reports; Conducting investigations of serious crimes and accidental deaths;
- Preserving the scene of a crime and interviewing victims, witnesses and suspects;
- Follow-up leads and presenting cases to the County Attorney’s Office;
- Serving warrants, subpoenas, and legal papers;
- Handling and supervising evictions, performing repossessions and placing liens as necessary;
- Appear in court as an arresting officer;
- Assisting on medical calls with CPR and first aid;
- Maintaining records and prepare reports;
- Performing all other related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Supervision is received from Fayette County Sergeants, Lieutenants, or another designated supervisor.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- High school diploma or general education degree (GED);
- Knowledge of relevant policies, procedures related to public safety and enforcement. Regulations related to inmate’s rights.
- Knowledge of English language and the meaning and spelling of words.
- Knowledge of Computer software and applications including, but not limited to: Internet Browser Software, Microsoft Word, Excel, MACH, TRACS, Shield Ware, Shield Ware Mobile and the Jail Security Control System.
Skills:
- Active listening, speaking and writing skills
- Mathematical skills to include adding/subtracting numbers and counting
- Conflict resolution skills
- Social perceptiveness skills
- Monitoring/Assessing skills
- Judgment and decision-making skills
Abilities:
- Establishing and maintaining good working relationships with co-workers and management.
- Concentrating on a task over a long period of time without being distracted.
- Recognizing when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
- Observing information or human behavior and analyzing and evaluation to choose the best solution to solve problems.
- Inspecting facilities or inmates to identify any potential threats to security.
- Operating equipment including, but not limited to: handheld radios, video surveillance equipment and monitors, sidearm, shackles, hand-cuffs, fax/copy machine and computers.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Individuals must be of good moral character as determined by a thorough background investigation including a fingerprint search conducted of local, state and national fingerprints files and has not been convicted of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude. Moral turpitude is defined as an act of baseness, vileness or depravity in the private and social duties which a person owes to another person or to society in general, contrary to the accepted and customary rule of right and duty between person and person. It is conduct that is contrary to justice, honesty or good morals. The following nonexclusive list of acts has been held by the courts to involve moral turpitude: income tax evasion, perjury or its subornation, theft, indecent exposure, sex crimes, conspiracy to commit a crime, defrauding the government and illegal drug sales.
Various factors, however, may cause an offense which is generally not regarded as constituting moral turpitude to be regarded as such. For example, a record of a number of convictions for simple assault would involve moral turpitude, whereas a singular act would not.
Individuals must not:
- Be addicted to drugs or alcohol.
- Have a history of drug use; use of marijuana or any of its derivatives within the past three (3) years, and/or any prior use of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine or any of its derivatives.
- By reason of conscience or belief opposed to the use of force, when necessary, to fulfill that person’s duties.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The work environment and physical demand characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. It is a high probability for exposure to violence and potential physical harm while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Applicants who are extended a job offer will be examined by a licensed physician or surgeon and must meet the physical requirements necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of a law enforcement officer.
- Near and Far Vision is required as the Civilian Detention Officer is responsible for conducting searches and scanning inmate activity at a distance.
- In order to physically detain an inmate, an individual must be able to: Coordinate the movement of your arms, legs and torso; Exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull or carry objects;
- Use short bursts of muscle force;
- Quick reaction/response time to triggers
