Deputy Sheriff Application

Please use the following guidelines when completing this application. An applicant who fails to follow these guidelines WILL NOT be considered for an appointment. Read all directions and each question carefully.

(1) DO NOT submit a resume instead of this application. However, you may upload a resume and/or cover letter as an attachment to your application email.

(2) The full application will be provided to candidates who successfully complete the initial physical ability test and written test.

(3) ALL questions must be answered completely.

(4) Submit completed applications to [email protected]

• Enforces local, state, and federal laws by implementing effective policy for the prevention and investigation of crimes to protect the lives and property of the people.

• Actively conducts patrols in Vanderburgh County neighborhoods, businesses, schools, universities, parks, and other designated areas, ensuring the security of residences and businesses through high visibility, investigates and reports all suspicious or unlawful activities, and performs necessary actions to ensure the proper enforcement of applicable laws for the safety and well-being of all people within the County.

• Responds to citizens’ calls and complaints of alleged unlawful activity takes statements from victims and witnesses, and ensures the lawful arrest of criminal offenders, as required by law.

• Participates in the formal investigation of crimes and accidents, as required or assigned.

• Maintains the appearance and serviceability of police vehicle and all issued and/or required equipment and supplies.

• Transports individuals detained by the County to appropriate courts, detention, or medical facilities.

• Prepares and submits reports.

• Testifies in court as required.

• Assists county courts by serving all legal process (paperwork) as directed. Prepares and submits verification of all process so served.

• Provides security for county courts and other governmental buildings, as assigned.

• Attends prescribed in-service and/or training programs for certification in specialized law enforcement areas, as assigned or required.

• Performs related duties as assigned.

• Thorough knowledge of and ability to make practical application of the customary practices, procedures, rules and regulations of the Office to perform standardized patrol operations, investigations and other duties, and to take authoritative action as needed.

• Practical knowledge of area law enforcement demands, and ability to effectively respond to various circumstances while patrolling.

• Knowledge of and ability to use all assigned department equipment and weapons. Ability to legally operate department vehicles.

• Knowledge of the Bill of Rights and its fair and equitable application to all people. Knowledge of all relevant local, state and federal laws and their fair and equitable application.

• Knowledge of standard practices and procedures in administering first aid and CPR. Ability and willingness to engage in continuing education on laws and other topics.

• Ability to appropriately receive, maintains, and account for articles received in evidence. Ability to effectively prepare Office reports as required.

• Ability to speak at public events.

• Ability to qualify annually by obtaining a passing score in the Handgun Course of Fire and the Shotgun Course of Fire, as required by standards of the Indiana Law Enforcement Training Board.

• Ability to deal swiftly, rationally, and decisively with potentially violent individuals in precarious situations and to effect forceful arrest as situations demand.

• Ability to adapt to changing weather conditions, work environments, and irregular and/or extended hours. Ability to appropriately respond to emergencies from an off duty status as assigned or directed.

• Ability to physically perform the essential duties of the position, including but not limited to, pursuing suspects by driving vehicle at high speeds, running, climbing stairs, forcing entry, scaling walls, jumping fences, and physically restrain individuals.

• Ability to effectively listen, comprehends, and communicates with public, other officials and agencies by radio, telephone or in person.

• Ability to recognize the signs and symptoms of some communicable diseases, and be able to protect oneself from contamination.

• Certification or ability to be certified by the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, and ability to meet all departmental hiring and retention requirements, including not posing a direct threat to the health and safety of other individuals in the workplace.

• Ability to successfully complete the prescribed new deputy training program (Police Training Officer Program- PTO).

• Ability to follow all personnel policies and rules of the organization.

• Incumbent performs a wide variety of patrol duties according to established departmental policies and police procedures, making independent decisions and taking authoritative actions in response to situational demands. Errors in decision or work may not be readily detected by periodic supervisory review and may lead to loss of life to self, co-workers, or public, and have adverse effects upon Office operations, and inconvenience to members of the public.

• Incumbent maintains frequent contact with supervisors, offenders, and individuals detained in the County jail facility, representatives of other law enforcement departments and agencies victims of unlawful activities and/or accidents, and members of general public for a variety of purposes, including coordination and direction of police patrol operations, effective and safe transport of detainees, and enforcement of applicable laws.

• The Sheriff’s Office is a team-oriented and community-involved agency. The incumbent must commit to developing and maintaining positive, working relationships with co-workers, members of partner agencies and within the community, at-large.

• Non-routine relationships with law offenders to gain concurrence with full enforcement of laws in situations that jeopardize public’s and incumbent’s safety.

• Reports directly to a chain of command such as, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Major, Lt. Colonel, Colonel, Sheriff, respectively.

• Incumbent performs duties both in an office environment and in the field, and is frequently exposed to the normal hazards associated with enforcement of the law. Regularly patrols in automobile; and occasionally must exert strenuous physical effort during emergency situations.

• The following essential job functions comprise a summary of job duties, requirements, and responsibilities contained in the job description prepared for this position. The job description will serve as the primary document in the selection and hiring process; and constitutes the context for incumbent job performance and evaluation.

• Enforces laws by implementing effective policy for the prevention and investigation of crimes to protect the public; Patrols designated areas, ensuring the security of residences and businesses, investigates and reports suspicious activity, takes actions to ensure the enforcement of applicable laws;

• Responds to calls and complaints of unlawful activity, takes statements from persons involved, ensures lawful arrest of criminal offenders, as required by law; Participates in the investigation of crimes and accidents;

• Maintains the appearance and serviceability of police vehicle and all issued and/or required equipment and supplies;

• Transports individuals detained by the County to appropriate courts, detention, or medical facilities;

• Prepares and submits reports and summaries of activities; Testifies in court as required;

• Assists County courts by providing security and serving warrants, and related process papers, and prepares and submits all process papers so served;

• Attends in-service or training programs for certification in specialized law enforcement areas, as assigned or required;

• Performs related duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of and ability to apply the customary practices, procedures, and regulations of the Office to perform standardized patrol operations and take authoritative action; Knowledge of area law enforcement demands, and ability to effectively respond to various circumstances while patrolling;

• Knowledge of and ability to use all assigned Office equipment and weapons.

• Knowledge of standard practices and procedures in administering first aid and CPR; Ability to receive, maintain and account for evidence;

• Ability to deal swiftly, rationally, and decisively with potentially violent individuals in precarious situations and to effect forceful arrest as situations demand;

• Ability to adapt to changing weather conditions, work environments and irregular and/or extended hours;

• Ability to respond to emergencies from an off duty status;

• Ability to physically perform the essential duties of the position;

• Ability to recognize the symptoms of some communicable diseases, and be able to protect oneself from contamination;

• Ability to effectively prepare department reports as required;

• Ability to effectively communicate with the public, other officials, and agencies;

• Ability to follow all personnel policies rules of the organization and ordinances, state and federal laws.

• Ability to legally operate Office vehicles;

• Ability to qualify annually in the handgun, long gun and all other relevant qualifications;

• Certification or ability to be certified by the Indiana Law Enforcement Training Board, and ability to meet all departmental hiring and retention requirement

1. I declare and represent that I have received the applicant syllabus and that I have read and understand the physical assessment components and requirements. I further declare and represent that I am now in good health, that I am familiar with and under- stand the nature of the Deputy Sheriff Physical Ability Test being conducted by the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office, that I am physically and medically fit to participate in said test, and that my personal attire is safe and fit for participation in said test, I personally assume any and all risks of injury, including death, damage, or loss which I may sustain as a result of participating in any activities associated with said test.

2. I hereby consent and agree to all of the following terms and conditions:

A. Acknowledgement of Risk As a participant in the Deputy Sheriff Physical Ability Test, I recognize and acknowledge that there are certain risks of physical injury. I agree to assume the full risk of any injury, including death, damage or loss which I may sustain as a result of participating in any and all activities connected with or associated with said test.

B. Waiver of Liability and Release of All Claims

I do hereby and for myself, heirs, executor and administrators, or other parties claiming under or through me fully waive, relinquish, release, and or forever quit-claim and discharge the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office, the County of Vanderburgh and all of their elected officials, officers, agents, employees, servants, monitors, and examiners from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, and causes of action whatsoever arising out of or related in any way to any loss, damage, or injury (including death) that may be sustained by me while participating in the Deputy Sheriff Physical Ability Test, or upon the premises where said test is being conducted, whether said loss, damage, injury, or death result from negligence of the Government of Vanderburgh County and its elected officials, officers, agents, employees, servants, monitors, or examiners, or are otherwise caused.

C. Indemnity and Defense

I do hereby agree for myself, heirs, executors and administrators, or other parties claiming under or through me, to indemnify and hold harmless and defend the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office, the County of Vanderburgh and their elected officials, officers, agents, employees, servants, monitors, and examiners from any and all claims, suits, or demands, actions, or causes of action whatsoever arising out of or related in any way to loss, damage, or injury (including death) that may be sustained by me while participating in the Deputy Sheriff Physical Ability Test, or upon the premises where said test is being conducted.

D. No Trespassing

I hereby declare, acknowledge, and understand that I am granted a conditional license to be present upon the premises where the Deputy Sheriff Physical Ability Test is being conducted only to the extent and for the duration necessary for me to participate in said test, and I unequivocally agree not to trespass upon parts of these premises where my presence is not required for my participation in said test. I further agree to leave these premises promptly following my completion of said test activities.

E. Other

I understand that the test administration staff may remove me from the test if they believe that I might endanger my- self or be an endangerment to others.

• Be at least 21 years of age at the time of hire.

• Possess a valid driver’s license or be able to obtain an Indiana driver’s license prior to employment.

• No felony convictions.

• High school diploma or GED

• At least 60 college credit hours, OR at least two (2) years of full time work experience (the work does not have to be in law enforcement), OR military experience.

• No convictions* for hate crimes.

• No convictions* for domestic violence.

• No dishonorable discharges from any branch of military service.

• Visible tattoos/body art on the face, ears, bare scalp, neck and hands are prohibited, with the exception of a wedding ring tattoo.

• Visible tattoos portraying 1) discriminatory, 2) racially prejudicial, 3) sexually obscene/vulgar/sexist/suggestive, 4) gang-related, 5) hate-related, 6) violence and/or 7) death images/messages/symbols are prohibited. No tattoos shall be permitted that shall, in any fashion, diminish the professional image of the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office, or violate the standards of our non-discrimination, anti-hatred, and fairness policies.

• No more than five (5) traffic violations in the past five (5) years (does not include parking tickets).

• No active use of marijuana. No illegal/unlawful use of other drugs within the past two (2) years.

• Permanently disqualified from employment if ever engaged in the sale, dealing, or manufacture of controlled substances.

• May not have a conviction* for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in the past two (2) years and no more than one (1) conviction* in a lifetime.

• Must provide proof of registration for selective service (applicable under Federal law to males under the age of 26).Pass a post-offer of employment medical examination (including vision and hearing exams), drug screen, physical ability assessments and psychological interview.

• Pass a post-offer of employment background investigation, which includes: fingerprinting; photographing; criminal records checks; interviews with family, references, neighbors and past and present employers; credit history check and a lie detector examination.

• Attend and successfully complete a basic law enforcement training course approved by the Indiana Law Enforcement Training Board and our Deputy Training Program during your first year, if hired. Eligible applicants with prior law enforcement experience may qualify as a waiver student.

• Meet and successfully pass all academic, practical, physical training and retention requirements of the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office and the Indiana Law Enforcement Training Board.

• Possess the skills, knowledge and abilities required of all Vanderburgh County sheriff’s deputies, which includes, but is not limited to, a positive attitude, good communication skills, respect for the law, respect for your fellow citizens and respect for your fellow law enforcement colleagues.