The duties of this position require a constitutional law enforcement officer, requiring proficient use and the regular bearing of firearms. Preserves law and order and protects life and property. Deputies assigned to this position have the primary responsibility of conducting investigations of criminal activity, and make interpretations of federal and state law, and county ordinances. Must collaborate with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, along with other divisions within the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office. This position requires flexibility, including the ability to work irregular hours as needed, and the capability to testify in state and federal criminal trials. Investigators also apply specialized knowledge and investigative skills to effectively detect and solve crimes.

• Performs law enforcement duty in plain clothes and requires the use of considerable discretion and the application of specialized knowledge and abilities in the investigation and detection of crime.
• Receives assignments from deputies of a higher rank that consist of specific cases to be followed to conclusion.
• Must exercise considerable independent judgment.
• The ability to remember names and faces is beneficial.
• Must be able to deal firmly, but courteously with the public.
• Interview victims, witnesses and suspects of reported criminal activity.
• Documents progress on current investigations.
• Adheres to agency guidelines, policies, procedures and the law when conducting investigations.
• Must be able to work flexible hours and any overtime scheduled and unscheduled.
• Serves arrest or search warrants.
• Works with informants.
• Performs drug related investigations.
• Searches pawn tickets and compares them to items stolen.
• Attends schools or courses as required.
• Collects and preserves evidence/property.
• Requires regular and predictable attendance.
• Performs related duties as necessary.

Per General Order 15.01, candidates must: Full time Deputy Sheriff with at least three years sworn experience with the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office at the time of the test. An associate's degree (or higher) may be substituted for one year of experience. Candidates must also meet the good standing criteria outlined in OCSO General Order 11.03 and must have completed at least 100 full-duty days in the 12 months prior to the application deadline unless a waiver is granted by the Sheriff or Designee. (Verbal and written counseling are not considered disciplinary violations) Any member desiring to be promoted must have successfully completed the Field Training and Evaluation Program. The Sheriff/Undersheriff may waive certain eligibility requirements upon recommendation from all levels of the candidate's supervisory chain. Waiver requests must be submitted in a memo and processed through the chain of command. Do not submit the Notice of Intent to Test until any required waivers have been approved.

Knowledge of:

• Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office organization, operations, policies and procedures.
• State of Florida criminal and civil statutes, rules, administrative orders, policies and procedures, and applicable Federal rules and regulations.
• Duties, powers, authorities and limitations of a Sheriff's Deputy.
• Florida criminal justice and court procedures, and justice agency records management requirements.
• Tactics for management and deployment of law enforcement personnel and equipment.
• Modern law enforcement methods and procedures.
• Procedures and protocols for observation of critical details.
• Community policing techniques, procedures and applications.
• Principles of crime scene management, and the operation of specialized technical equipment.
• Geography, roads, and landmarks of Okaloosa County and surrounding areas.
• Local community issues and regional community resources available to citizens.

Skill in:

• Using initiative, discretion and judgment within established procedural guidelines.
• Working under stressful conditions and emergency situations.
• Evaluating facts and evidence, drawing logical conclusions and making proper recommendations.
• Exercising controlled discretion, communicating with violators, recognizing suspicious behavior patterns, mediating difficult situations, and using effective arrest & control techniques.
• Remaining alert at all times and reacting quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Operating motor vehicles and special police equipment during emergency situations.
• Following Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office General Orders when chasing, arresting, and transporting criminals and suspects.
• Soliciting information from emotional and angry individuals.
• Investigating, interrogating and interviewing suspects to deter, stop and resolve criminal activities.
• The care, maintenance and safe operation of a variety of law enforcement tools and equipment.
• Managing situations requiring diplomacy, fairness, firmness and sound judgment.
• Interacting with people of different social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Supervising and leading staff, and delegating tasks and authority.
• Following and communicating verbal and written instructions in the English.
• Working independently and as a team member, including working effectively with inter-agency teams.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.

Ability to:

• Maintain moral standards and integrity.
• Communicate in the English language by phone, police radio system, or in person in a group or one-to-one setting.
• Observe and monitor people's behavior or objects to determine compliance with laws, codes, and regulations, and recall details accurately.
• Remain in a standing or sitting position for extended periods of time.
• Comprehend and make references from material written in the English language and learn job-related material through observation, structured lecture, and oral instruction.
• Recognize and control sources of personal stress in order to perform class requirements.
• Apply first aid principles and practices.
• Work in a variety of weather conditions with exposure to the elements.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.
• Exercise judgment and make decisions as to appropriate action under pressure in accordance with rules, regulations and policies.
• Maintain a level of physical fitness to meet department standards.
• Work cooperatively, courteously, but firmly with all segments of the public.
• Produce written documents in the English language with clearly organized thoughts using proper sentence construction, punctuation, and grammar.
• Travel across rough, uneven or rocky surfaces.
• Use and properly care for firearms and related law enforcement emergency equipment.

Physical Requirements:

Must be physically able to safely operate a motor vehicle. Must be able to operate radio equipment, computer, copier, fax and telephone. Must be able to bend body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist, requiring full use of lower extremities and back muscles. Must be able to bend legs at knees to come to rest on knee(s). Must be able to bend body downward and forward by bending legs and spine. Must be able to move about on hands and knees or hands and feet. Must be able to reach, extending hand(s) in any direction. Must be able to handle, seize, hold, grab, turn, or otherwise work with hand(s). Must be able to stand at least 50% of the time. Must be able to lift 60 pounds or more. Must be able to drag 150 pounds 100 feet. Must be able to maintain personal fitness.