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Job Specification

SHERIFF'S OFFICER

DEFINITION:

Under direction, performs one or more functions in the following
areas:  maintaining order and security in the courtroom, serving
court processes, criminal identification, ballistics, investigations, 
apprehension of violators of the law; forensics and other related 
assignments which may include Emergency Management. 
As required by the operational needs of the jurisdiction 
(County), may be assigned to perform other law 
enforcement or public safety related duties outside the 
parameters of a courtroom environment, which may 
include criminal investigations, patrol duties, dispute 
intervention/resolution, public safety/service assistance, 
traffic control and enforcement, motor vehicle accidents, 
etc., and/or other assignments as determined by the 
appointing authority.
 
Provides the above services to the general population as 
well as that portion of the population whose basic language 
is Spanish; does other related duties.

NOTE: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative
purposes only.  A particular position using this title may not
perform all duties listed in this job specification.  Conversely,
all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

NOTE:  Appointments may be made to positions requiring 
bilingual skills.

03695@ - Bilingual in Spanish and English
SPECIAL SKILL
Applicants must be able to read, write, speak, understand, or 
communicate in Spanish and English sufficiently to perform 
the duties of this position.

EXAMPLES OF WORK:

(These examples of work are to be performed by utilizing English
and Spanish as required). 

COURTROOM RELATED DUTIES:

Makes arrangements for the sequestering of juries such as
arranging for their lodging, food, and general welfare during
trials.

Executes bench warrants when issued by the court in the failure 
of a witness who has been subpoenaed to appear in court and 
who has failed to obey said subpoena.

Guards prisoners in a courtroom and subdues, restrains, and
physically removes unruly individuals from a courtroom.

Performs the office and field work necessary to serve and execute
writs and other legal papers and documents such as court orders,
summonses, subpoenas, writs of attachment, writs of replevin,
writs of arrest and indictment, and such other documents directed
to the Sheriff.

Executes writs requiring the detention of chattels or goods as
directed by the court.

Executes complaints directed by the Court.

Collects monies to satisfy legal debts as ordered by the court.

Posts notices of public sales, records daily writs, papers and
documents processed, served, and executed.

Serves warrants.

COURT TESTIMONY: PREPARATION AND APPEARANCE

Prepares to testify in court or grand jury by collecting documents, 
reports and other evidence related to the case, reading all reports 
and notes, and talking with other officers, supervisors, attorneys, 
and witnesses, in order to insure accuracy and 
effectiveness of testimony.

Notifies and/or subpoenas witnesses and victims of crime before
scheduled court hearings to insure their availability to testify.

Testifies in court or grand jury proceedings by presenting facts 
and/or evidence related to the case and by answering attorney's 
and judge's questions in order to help insure the proper disposition 
of the case.

MOTOR VEHICLE INVESTIGATION:

Inspects and/or operates devices (lights, brakes, steering, tires,
etc.), of vehicles involved in accidents to determine if their
operating condition contributed to the cause of the accident.

At the scene of a motor vehicle accident, interviews operators,
occupants, and witnesses, using simple interviewing techniques 
and writing notes of important information in order to help determine 
how, when, and why the accident occurred.

Explains procedures that motor vehicle operators should follow
concerning insurance claims and filing accident forms.

Evaluates statements, facts, and evidence gathered at a motor vehicle
accident scene in order to determine if a summons should be issued.

Summons ambulance, wrecker, or other emergency equipment 
needed at an accident scene.

Ensures accident scene is safe from disturbance.

May assist in removing dead or injured from wrecked and/or
overturned vehicles by manually lifting them.

May transport motor vehicle accident victims to the hospital when 
no other emergency vehicle is available.

Measures the distance from the accident vehicles and markings 
made by the vehicles to fixed points to determine the exact location, 
and possible cause of the accident.

Sketches a rough diagram of the accident scene, showing movement 
of vehicles and pedestrians before and after impact and location of
physical evidence in order to record this information for future
investigation.

Completes accident report forms in order to officially record the 
results of the investigation and to provide information 
to all parties involved.

Transports blood or urine samples of motor vehicle operators 
to police labs in cases of suspicious auto accidents in order to 
obtain evidence as to whether the operator was driving under 
the influence of drugs or narcotics.

TRAFFIC CONTROL AND ENFORCEMENT OF TRAFFIC LAW

Drives patrol car in an unspecified pattern and at varying speeds 
in order to increase police visibility and to discourage traffic
violations and other such occurrences.

Operates radar equipment in patrol unit in order to apprehend 
traffic violators and/or criminals.

Pursues detected traffic violators and/or criminals, according 
to legal guidelines.

Interviews or interrogates motor vehicle operators.

Evaluates statements, facts, and evidence to determine if a traffic
summons should be issued as a result of an operator's actions.

Warns motor vehicle operators of observed traffic violations by orally
informing them of their actions and explaining related provisions of
the motor vehicle code, in order to discourage future violations.

Issues traffic summons to observed traffic violators, and explain 
the violation and procedure for compliance, in order to enforce 
traffic regulations.

Observes behavior and administers appropriate test(s) to suspected
violators in order to determine whether they are under the influence
of drugs, narcotics, or alcohol.

INVESTIGATION:

Interviews persons for physical descriptions and information for
recording on fingerprint cards, criminal records, alias cards,
and other required records.

May take, analyze, index, classify and file fingerprints and other 
information for investigative purposes and/or processing purposes.

Takes and processes photographs, develops negatives and 
makes prints and enlargements; makes video recordings with 
or without audio; photocopies records, documents and the like.

Take photographs of crimes; searches for and lifts latent prints.

Fingerprints dead and partially decomposed bodies for
identification purposes.

May assist with the exchange of information between federal,
state, county, and municipal law enforcement authorities by
receiving, transmitting, and preparing records and reports,
using a variety of communication techniques and equipment.

Enters, retrieves, and provides information about persons and
vehicles to law enforcement agencies via a computer terminal.

Testifies in court as a subject matter expert.

May take the lead over clerical or other personnel assigned 
to an identification unit.

Maintains investigative files of identification cards, photographs, 
criminal records, alias cards, fingerprint records, wanted circulars, 
modus operandi files, and other similar records.

May examine bullets, bullet fragments, cartridge clips, and other
evidence to determine make and caliber of weapon.

Test fires weapons in evidence and compares test bullet with that
found at the scene of crime.

Makes microscopic examination of bullets for comparison purposes.

Conducts test firings to ascertain effect of bullet on material hit 
or the depth of penetration.

Traces ownership of guns.

Attempts to restore obliterated serial numbers.

Repairs defective guns when necessary to test.

Writes reports on tests made.

Maintains records and files.

May operate a motor vehicle for transporting prisoners or other 
official purposes.

Is responsible for the care, custody, and security of prisoners.

Makes certain that prisoners are properly manacled or otherwise
restrained.

Locates and apprehends violators of the law.

Conducts investigations of suspected criminal activities and
prepares reports of same.

Participates in raids.

May operate or serve as crew member on a boat, other vessel 
or aircraft engaged in patrol, law enforcement, emergency 
management, search and rescue or other official purposes.

May ride a horse in performance of duties. 

Conducts special and regular investigations as assigned.

Prepares property report on items to be used as evidence in 
order to document its existence, characteristics, and availability.

Prepares investigative reports, or supplements for each phase 
of an investigation in order to provide an official running record 
of the investigation.

Completes request for examination of evidence forms, including 
a narrative description of the crime and a checklist of evidence in
order to insure a thorough analysis of the evidence.

Collects and preserves evidence and/or various substances and
Materials.

Conducts classes and lectures on such matters as the use and
abuse of dangerous drugs such as narcotics, forensic topics, or
other departmental functions.

Gives talks before various groups on a variety of law 
enforcement matters.

On assignment, may work with a task force which may require 
undercover assignments.

Pursues individuals attempting to avoid apprehension.

May assist in the control of crowds at various gatherings or in
civil disorder control.

Provides security to persons and/or property at public functions
and/or other facilities.

Moves equipment associated with riot control such as tear gas
generator, barricades, weapons, ammunition, and so forth, and
other materials and supplies.

Operates   a variety of communication equipment to   provide
continuity in communications and proper flow of information
between law enforcement and public safety agencies.

Directs flow of vehicular traffic.

Conducts crime scene searches for physical evidence

May conduct search and rescue operations using trained 
dogs and/or other methods and equipment.

May investigate all areas involving explosives 

May become certified as a bomb technician through a 
Federal Agency

May require to be capable of taking x-rays, processing evidence, 
interpreting x-rays, knowledge of electrical components, and using 
equipment to defuse an improvised explosive device, or any other 
explosive element.  

May become knowledgeable with all activities involving being a 
bomb technician

May become knowledgeable involving all areas involving terrorists 
both international and domestic.

May serve on a Federal Task force

May serve as a working group on a Federal, State, County, or local 

May be involved in a Federal, State, County, or Local Special Weapons 
and Tactics (SWAT) Sheriff's Emergency Response Team (SERT) 
or related group.

As a member of a SWAT, SERT or related group must become 
proficient in shooting. 

May be involved in all areas of training that will allow for this task 
to be completed.  

ARRESTS

In accord with state statutes, may apprehend or arrest suspected
offenders.

Restrains individuals who make or attempt an attack, assault, or
an aggressive act against the judge, court personnel, or
litigants, and other parties in a courtroom and
adjacent areas.

May train and handle dogs used in gaining information concerning 
a crime, tracking criminal suspects, searching for missing or lost
individuals, searching buildings, controlling crowds to prevent
death or injury, affecting the arrest or preventing the escape of
suspected criminals, locating and detecting evidence, explosives, 
or accelerants.

Apprehends and subdues suspects by chasing them on foot, or in 
patrol car or other means and by using physical force and applying 
handcuffs, if necessary,in order to take suspect into custody and to 
prevent injury to the officer or others.

Searches the body and clothing of suspects for possible weapons, 
using visual and physical means in order to insure the safety of the 
officer and others.

Transports arrested persons to headquarters, or detention facility,
using handcuffs and other security measures necessary in order to 
book them according to proper procedures.

Advises parents of juvenile offenders in custody of procedures
relative to the case in order to insure that parents understand 
their responsibilities.

Refers juvenile cases to the Youth Officer (juvenile department) 
by submitting known details in order to have the case handled by
appropriately trained personnel.

Reads "Constitutional Rights" to suspect and obtains signature from
suspect on the written statement of the rights in order to effect a
lawful arrest.

Identifies suspect by inspecting his driver's license or similar
document(s) in order to assist in determining if suspect has a prior
arrest on record.

Completes reports necessary to substantiate an arrest by printing, or
typing all required information (including a narrative description) on
appropriate forms in order to document an arrest.

Contacts appropriate court authority by telephone in order to
determine the amount of bail or bond required to release the 
accused.

Transports arrested persons according to appropriate criminal 
code (juvenile, adult, female, etc.) in order to situate detained 
parties at required locations.

PREPARATION FOR WORK

Attends roll call in proper uniform.

Inspects, maintains and inventories patrol car and assigned
Equipment.

Maintains uniforms and all issued equipment.

FIGHTS AND DOMESTIC DISPUTES

Physically intervenes in a dispute or altercation in order to 
gain control of the situation and maintain order.

Attempts to calm parties involved in a fight situation. 

Discusses possible solutions with parties involved in a dispute 
by referring parties to appropriate services and explaining 
legal recourse, in order to fully resolve the dispute or prevent 
its recurrence.

GENERAL PATROL

May train new officers

Patrols throughout assigned area and records patrol activities.

Maintains radio communications with headquarters.

Assesses situations by utilizing information in order to make 
decisions concerning choice of actions and equipment.

Issues summonses properly.

Facilitates the remediation of miscellaneous hazardous conditions.

Questions suspicious people following legal guidelines

Attempts to disarm threatening persons.

Secures the scene of a crime or emergency.

SERVICE CALLS

Promotes good will by talking with people.

Assists in evacuation of buildings and/or other areas.

May be required to administer the appropriate first aid treatment.

Provides assistance to operators of disabled vehicles. 

Blocks suicide attempts.

SUPPORTIVE DUTIES

Processes incoming calls by listening to caller and identifying
important information, determining what action to take (i.e.,
dispatching a patrol car to investigate, or referring caller to
another agency) and initiating this action in order to insure an
appropriate response.

Dispatches patrol cars via radio by selecting and contacting 
available units and by transmitting the location and nature of 
problem to the selected cars in order to respond to incoming 
calls, or to provide support for primary units.

Maintains log of all incoming calls and radio transmissions by
recording information (i.e., time call is received, unit dispatched,
unit arrives, unit leaves, and location and nature of emergency) on
appropriate forms in order to provide documentation of activities.

Operates computer terminal by entering or reading information on
screen in order to transmit, or to receive data from N.C.I.C,
S.C.I.C., or other central information source.

Guards prisoners and arrested persons by appropriately positioning
self in relation to prisoners, and by using handcuffs when necessary
in order to prevent escape and to protect the prisoners from harm.

Makes a check of jailed prisoners by touring the facility at regular
time intervals, and by making a notation on each cell sheet in order
to account for the presence and safety of all prisoners.

Communicates with those who are not knowledgeable of both 
English and Spanish.

Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic 
and/or manual recording and information systems used by the 
agency, office, or related units.

REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION:

High School Diploma or equivalent.

AGE:

Minimum of eighteen (18) years of age.

CITIZENSHIP

United States citizenship.

NOTE: At  the  time  of appointment,  applicants  for  this
position  must  submit acceptable proof of meeting the  indicated
requirements.

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Appointees will be required to successfully complete an accredited 
training program mandated by the New Jersey Police Training 
Commission within 18 months of appointment.  Such training includes 
successful attainment of a satisfactory level of proficiency in the use 
of firearms. Appointees to this position must successfully qualify 
semi-annually in the use of firearms. 

NOTE: Appointees to positions in SWAT, SERT or related units 
must additionally qualify quarterly in the use of all weapons 
used by the unit.

SPECIAL SKILL

Applicants must be able to read, write, speak, understand,
and communicate in English and Spanish sufficiently to perform
duties of this position.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

As a prerequisite for appointment, appointees  may  be  required  to 
pass  a  thorough  medical  and psychological  examination to be 
administered by  the  appointing authority.  Any psychological, 
medical, or physical condition  or defect which would prevent efficient 
performance of the duties of the   position,   cause  the  appointee 
to  be   a   hazard   to himself/herself or others, or become 
aggravated as  a  result  of performance  of  these  duties,  will  be  
cause  for  rejection. Appointees  may be required to undergo a 
psychiatric  examination prior  to appointment. Failure to demonstrate 
sufficient capacity to  perform  the  duties  of  this  position  may  
be  cause  for rejection.

LICENSE:

Appointees must possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey. 
Appointees may also be required to possess a valid Commercial 
Driver's License (CDL) and applicable endorsements for the class 
and type of vehicle being operated.

NOTE: The responsibility for ensuring that employees possess
the required motor vehicle license, commensurate with the 
class and type of vehicles they operate, rests with the 
Appointing Authority.

Appointees may be required to possess the following:
 
    A valid Motor Boat  Operator's license issued by 
    New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission

                               AND

    A valid Boating Safety Certificate issued by the 
    New Jersey State Police

NOTE: An Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels License or
a Master's License issued by the United States Coast Guard, currently 
valid for the type and size vessel being operated, may be substituted 
for the Boating Safety Certificate.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge  of  court  practices  and  procedures,  and   of   the
techniques  which  would  be  useful  in  maintaining  order  and
security in the courtroom after a period of training.

Knowledge  of the methods likely to be effective in dealing  with
varied types of persons after a period of training.

Knowledge of human behavior after a period of training.

Knowledge   of   the  laws,  regulations,  standards,   policies,
techniques,  and  procedures used in  serving  legal  papers  and
documents and in conducting criminal investigations and executing
warrants after a period of training.

Knowledge of the methods involved in  taking  and  classifying
fingerprints of persons for identification purposes after a period 
of training.

Knowledge of  interviewing and photographing persons for
investigations and identifications after a period of training.

Knowledge of the procedures used in ballistic testing and of the
proper  methods  and  procedures  for  gathering  and  preserving
evidence after a period of training.

Ability to understand, remember, and carry out oral and written
directions.

Ability to learn quickly from observation, oral and written
explanations, and from demonstrations.

Ability to take and maintain a firm and correct stand when
controversial matters arise.

Ability to work harmoniously with associates and the public.

Ability to perform varied investigation work.

Ability to serve warrants and processes.

Ability to maintain custody of prisoners.

Ability to make home visits under varying conditions and 
to talk to varied types of persons.

Ability to analyze identification problems.

Ability to prepare reports and keep records.

Ability to note significant conditions, and take the proper
action in accord with prescribed procedures.

Ability to physically subdue and restrain violent individuals.

Ability to lift and move heavy objects.

Ability  to run up and/or down stairs under stressful conditions,
and  to  run short sprints and long distances in a minimum amount
of time.

Ability to pursue individuals on foot and climb obstacles.

Ability  to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual
recording and information systems used by the agency, office,  
or related units.

Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate 
in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position.
American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered 
as acceptable forms of communication.

Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in
English and Spanish sufficiently to perform duties of this
position.

Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long 
as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without 
reasonable accommodation.  If the accommodation cannot be 
made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such 
persons may not be eligible.

This job specification is applicable to the following title code(s) which
are different work week or work month and/or variants of the job class title:
Job
Spec
Code
VariantState,
Local or
Common
Class of
Service
Work
Week
State
Class
Code
Local
Class
Code
Salary
Range
Note
03694@LC N/A12-
03695@Bilingual In Spanish And EnglishLC N/A12-

This job specification is for local government use only.
Salary range is only applicable to state government.
Local salaries are established by individual local jurisdictions.

9/01/2010