JOB SUMMARY
Competitive candidates are encouraged to apply for a limited number of paid sponsorships to a law enforcement academy. A strong candidate has a good work history and a low incident rate of substance abuse.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS & ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Good verifiable work history.
Accredited high school or GED diploma. (Will not accept a certificate of completion.)
Must be able to comprehend and communicate fluently in verbal and written English.
At least 21 years of age.
Once selected for processing, candidates for academy sponsorship must take the Basic Abilities Test (BAT) available at any law enforcement academy in the State of Florida.
Processing time on average is 3-5 months.
Deputy Sheriffs are responsible for the protection of life and property and the enforcement of laws and regulations. This work involves an element of personal danger and frequent contact with the public during routine and emergency situations.
TRAINING:
Recruits hired for sponsorship to the law enforcement academy attend the award winning program at the Valencia College Criminal Justice Institute. This 20-week course is one of the most challenging in the State, both academically and physically.
Academy graduates are sworn-in as deputy sheriffs and begin Basic Recruit Training (BRT). This extensive 9-week program covers all high liability areas, including driving, shooting, defensive tactics, and agency policies and procedures. After successfully completing Basic Recruit Training, new deputies will complete an additional 14 weeks in the Field Training and Evaluation Program (FTEP). This one-on-one training with a certified Field Training Officer ensures that all new deputies are fully prepared to be a solo deputy.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
Physical Demands:
Cardiovascular strength and stamina including the ability to chase subjects on foot through various terrains (i.e. up/down stairs, around buildings, on city streets, through or in between natural barriers such as water, trees, bushes, etc., or a combination of these, etc.)
Must be able to engage in violent and physical confrontations including physical fighting with subjects and/or re-directing them to the ground.
Must be able to physically secure a resisting subject with the appropriate restraints after a physical confrontation.
Visual depth, distance, and color perception, night and peripheral vision.
Must be able to meet the agency’s hearing standard established by the agency’s Occupational Medical Physicians.
Must meet visual requirements of at least correctable to 20/40 in each eye.
Must be able to use both hands simultaneously and have manual and finger dexterity.
Flexibility of upper body and limbs and ability to reach with hands and arms.
Strength in upper and lower body, legs, back, arms, and hands.
Must be able to wear a utility equipment belt capable of carrying multiple pieces of required equipment for extended periods of time (on average, weighing approximately 20 pounds).
Coordination in legs, arms, hands, eye-hand; steadiness of hand/arm.
Physical speed; quick reflexes; balance/equilibrium; able to stand for long periods of time.
Ability to run, jump, climb, walk, sit, bend/lean over, twist/turn, and maneuver into and out of small spaces and vehicles. Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely and appropriately.
Ability to coordinate rhythm of compression and breaths during CPR.
Ability to accept acute pain
Work Environment:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee may encounter the following: chemicals, fumes, toxic substances, dogs/animals, insects, noise, vibrations, slippery surfaces, lightning, explosives, oil, tobacco smoke, radiation, radar, allergenic substances, electrical hazards, possible burns, confined or cramped body position for extended periods, irregular or extended work hours, irregular eating and sleeping schedules, bodily injury, contact with blood, bodily fluids, infectious or contagious diseases. Ability to work and function in a variety of weather conditions that can quickly change. Weather conditions may include but are not limited to any combination of the following: humidity, low temperatures, high temperatures, heavy rain, exposure to sun, sudden temperature changes, hail, high winds, tornadoes, flooding, and hurricanes, etc. Ability to walk and run in various terrains that can quickly change. Various terrains may be encountered including high grass, woods, ditches, muck, sand, and small hills, as well as water sources such as lakes, rivers, and streams. Depending on assignment the employee may be required to work evening, midnight and/or weekend shifts. Shift times may vary.
