Deputy Sheriff - Trainee

This is a limited recruitment. This recruitment will remain open until either the first 250 applications have been submitted or until the filing deadline, whichever occurs first.

Applicants for Deputy Sheriff Trainee will be required to pass the physical agility and written examinations, both of which are scheduled for Thursday, June 13, 2013 and Friday, June 14, 2013. 

To attend a course of study necessary to complete the Basic Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Academy to become a Peace Officer.

The Deputy Sheriff Trainee is a recruiting and training level classification established to qualify candidates for duties as a Deputy Sheriff I in the Placer County Sheriff's Department.  Incumbents of this class undergo a formal and comprehensive training program in a P.O.S.T. certified academy.  Incumbency in this class is limited to a period not to exceed twelve months and to those who have not completed the basic POST academy.  Positions in this class are distinguished from Deputy Sheriff I in that the Deputy Sheriff Trainee position is a non-sworn classification which has no police officer powers.  Upon satisfactory completion of the training and graduation from the academy, the trainee will be sworn in as a Deputy Sheriff I with full police powers.  Failure to successfully complete training as prescribed and therein graduation from the academy will result in termination.

Receives immediate supervision from supervisors and training staff.

As a trainee, receive instructions and perform the following duties in a learning capacity:

• Identification and utilization of principles and techniques that promote community service, crime prevention and appropriate behavior; enforcement and procedural aspects of criminal laws and the legal obligations inherent in enforcement of those laws.
• Proficient application of the rules of evidence; effective and professional communication through written, oral and mechanical media.
• Operation of an emergency vehicle which includes skid training, high speed pursuit, defensive driving and emergency driving; firearm training in order to learn good judgement and competency in the use of deadly force, ancillary police weaponry and weaponless defense.
• Safely and effectively accomplish the patrol function consisting of patrolling a designated area of the County in a patrol car in order to preserve law and order and to prevent and discover the commission of crimes; effectively dealing with common vehicle violations by learning to recognize the violations, locating the violations in the Vehicle Code and safely and professionally contacting the violator.
• Basic criminal investigation processes and techniques, including the identification, collection and preservation of evidence, courtroom testimony, witness interrogation.
• Processing, confining and caring for adult and juvenile prisoners in such a manner as to protect the prisoner's rights and welfare.
• Physical fitness and defense techniques program; first aid, including cardio-pulmonary resuscitation techniques; and other related course or programs as required.

Experience: No experience is required.

Training: Completion of the twelfth grade or G.E.D.

License or Certificate: May need to possess a valid driver’s license as required by the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

Knowledge of:

• No previously related law enforcement knowledge is necessary.

Ability to:

• Acquire, through training, a knowledge of modern approved law enforcement principles, practices and procedures; state laws, local ordinances and first aid.
• Write clearly, accurately, concisely, legibly and with correct English grammatical construction and spelling.
• Demonstrate an aptitude for law enforcement work.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instruction; observe, assimilate, remember, record and recall pertinent facts and details.
• Learn standard broadcasting procedures of a radio system.
• Apply selected knowledge (i.e., laws, statutes, court decisions, Department policies, criminal investigation theories, etc.) in collecting, organizing and analyzing diverse information in order to decide upon an appropriate and reasonable course of action.
• Analyze problems and have the potential to rationally and calmly take appropriate action in emergency and stressful situations; exercise good judgement and make sound decisions within a variety of circumstances.
• Plan and effectively present material to large and diverse groups of people.
• Work courteously, but firmly, with the general public.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Develop skill in the use of firearm and other law enforcement tools.
• Undergo strenuous physical conditioning.

Performance Examination (PASS/FAIL)

The performance examination will consist of a series of job related exercises.

Written Examination (100%) 

The written examination may include multiple choice, true/false, fill-in, matching, and/or essay type questions directly related to the required knowledge and abilities for this classification.

NOTE:  Applicants who have taken the PELLETB exam within the past six months may be eligible to forward their T-scores in lieu of taking the written exam by completing an Advance Score Forward form and attaching verification from P.O.S.T. of your T-score.

Click here for the Advance Score Forward form.  Save this document to your computer (File/Save As) and then fill in the appropriate information.  Once the form is complete, you can scan and attach it to your application (preferred) or print it out and email (click here) / fax to (530) 886-4609 / mail to Placer County Personnel, 145 Fulweiler Ave, Suite 200, Auburn, CA 95603 / or drop off the hard copy at our office.   In order to forward your score, this form must be received in our office no later than Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at 5:00 p.m.

Prior to the date of hire, applicants for this classification must complete and pass a background check (which may include a voice stress analysis and/or a polygraph) and pre-employment psychological and medical examinations, including a drug screening, prior to appointment.  All applicants must sign a constitutional oath, submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S., and be fingerprinted. For some positions, applicants may also be required to submit proof of age or be bonded.

All new permanent employees, with the exception of sworn law enforcement and management, shall be required to join the employee organization or pay an 'Agency Fee' as a condition of employment.

Thank you for your interest in employment with Placer County. Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that harassment and retaliation is prohibited and that all employees and applicants shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All recruitment, hiring, transfer and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of sex, sexual orientation, race, color, ancestry, religious creed, national origin, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, or any other classification protected by federal, state or local laws or ordinance. Please contact the Personnel Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.

The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change.  It is advisable that applicants inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Personnel Department.

Please note that, due to recent California legislative action, your CalPERS pension formula is dependent upon your hire date with Placer County.  Employees in the Deputy Sheriff Trainee classification are covered under the Miscellaneous retirement formula.  See link below for more information or to view the Memorandum of Understanding with the Placer County Deputy Sheriff's Association.

Click here to view benefits for the Deputy Sheriff's Assoc - Safety Bargain Unit