DEPUTY SHERIFF (CUSTODY)
40810
(Competitive)
The work involves responsibility for supervising and interacting with inmates held in the Onondaga County Justice Center or other facilities as determined by the Sheriff, as well as enforcing rules, regulations and laws within the facility. Under the direct supervision of a Deputy Sheriff Sergeant (Custody), an employee in this class supervises inmates, maintains security, investigates incidents and performs other assigned duties at the Onondaga County Justice Center, a maximum security holding facility that houses recently arrested, pre-trial, federal, parole and state sentenced and county sentenced inmates awaiting transfer to other correctional facilities. Supervision of subordinate employees is not typically exercised by this class.
Work requires the supervision of and interaction with detainees and inmates while held in housing pods, dormitories, court holding areas and other locations within and outside the facility, wherever inmates may be located. Prior to assignments, candidates are required to complete formal training required under the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, the New York State Commission of Correction, the Onondaga County sheriff’s Office (OCSO) Recruit Academy and the OCSO Field Training and Evaluation Program. Upon completion of course requirements, the employee may be required to exercise considerable independent judgment in emergency situations. Assignments are received orally or in writing from the Deputy Sheriff Sergeant (Custody) or higher-ranking superior. Special orders, such as directives for increased surveillance of an inmate or a pod, are communicated both in writing and electronically from a superior officer. Work is reviewed by observation, inspection, investigation and written or electronic communication by a Sergeant (Custody) or higher-ranking officer. Periodic evaluation of the employee’s performance is conducted by their immediate superior. Does related work as required.
Supervises and interacts with the inmate population in a direct supervision setting, to insure safety and security in addition to compliance with rules, regulations and laws in housing pods, classrooms, inmate work sites, recreation, visitation and any areas requiring secure supervision.
Escorts and supervises inmates at activities and work programs which require them to be out of their pods; interacts with inmates on a continual basis.
Searches and inspects inmates, cells and facility areas for contraband.
Orients new inmates to what is expected of them by reviewing the rules, regulations and routines.
Records in a logbook and/or on a computer all details of activity within a pod, cell or activity area including, but not limited to, visits for and by inmates, consultations with inmates, surveillance checks by staff and any unusual incidents, disturbances or illness.
Investigates unusual circumstances, including altercations and other incidents, and reports, orally and in writing to a superior officer by describing the facts and actions of all involved persons surrounding the event and the employee’s role in the incident.
Transports inmates to and from clinics, courts, and other destinations when authorized by a superior officer or court.
May be assigned to perform light maintenance work.
Required to work a significant amount of overtime throughout the year.
Completes booking forms and computer entries as assigned, conducts computer checks for warrants and other court information as assigned, enters charges against persons to hold them within the facility awaiting disposition of the charges.
Accepts, searches and inventories inmate property received; fingerprints and photographs inmates as assigned.
Checks incoming clothing and packages to insure that they do not contain contraband.
Listens to inmate problems and concerns and when unable to resolve, refers to appropriate staff.
Responds to and takes appropriate actions for inmate disturbances, medical emergencies, fire situations and other emergencies/incidents.
Keeps abreast of changes with the rules, regulations, facility procedures and state laws and standards.
May act as a member of a special response team to correct problems found within various areas of the facility or other area involving emergency situations.
Answers questions for the public and other service providers, protects visitors and civilian employees from harm.
Ability to become skilled and proficient in the use and care of a firearm and other less lethal/nonlethal defense weapons.
Ability to establish and maintain good relationships with the general public.
Ability to use a computer.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle.
Ability to follow commands and to exercise independent judgment in emergencies.
Ability to understand and carry out complex oral and written instructions.
Ability to be in physical contact with inmates in confrontational and non-confrontational situations.
Ability to read and understand a variety of written instructions, rules, regulations, procedures and apply them to a variety of actual circumstances.
Ability to communicate effectively with superiors on what was seen, heard and actions taken in a variety of situations.
Ability to observe and interpret inmate activity.
Ability to stand, climb and walk for extended periods of time on assigned security tours.
Ability to relate to inmate and inmate rights groups.
Ability to exercise sound judgment in all instances based upon knowledge and training gained through employer sponsored programs minimizing potential harm to inmates and oneself.
Ability to adhere to the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics.
Ability to work significant amounts of overtime.
Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
Age: Candidates must not be less than twenty-one (21) years of age.
Education: Candidates must be high school graduates or holders of a high school equivalency diploma issued by an education department of any of the states of the United States or holders of a comparable diploma issued by any territory, commonwealth, or possession of the United States or by the Canal Zone or holders of a report from the United States Armed Forces certifying successful completion of the tests related to general education development, high school level at time of appointment.
Citizenship: Candidates must be citizens of the United States.
Driver's License: Candidates must possess a valid New York State Driver's license.
NOTE:
Conviction of a felony or of any offense in any other jurisdiction which if committed in this State would constitute a felony will bar appointment. Conviction of a misdemeanor or of any offense in any other jurisdiction which if committed in this state would constitute a misdemeanor may bar appointment.
SPECIAL NECESSARY REQUIREMENT: Successful completion of The New York Division of Criminal Justice Services basic training prior to the completion of the probationary period.
08/2019 Revised