Patrol Deputy

Freeborn•Albert Lea, MN

10d•$37 - $49

About The Position

The Patrol Deputy performs general law enforcement work throughout Freeborn County to protect life and property, preserve law and order, and enforce state and local laws and ordinances. Under the direction of the Sheriff and supervisors, the deputy patrols county, township, state, and U.S. roads and highways, as well as cities and county parks, and may conduct boat and snowmobile patrols. The role responds to citizen complaints and emergencies, investigates crimes and vehicle crashes, assists other agencies, and performs court, prisoner-transport, and civil-process duties. The position also includes drone operation and training responsibilities, search and rescue, and maintaining proficiency with issued equipment and law enforcement practices. The work is primarily performed in field settings, inside and outside vehicles and in buildings, on roads, on water, and outdoors. Seasonal work may involve excessive heat or cold, and the role may encounter dangerous situations, angry or violent individuals, emotional conflicts, and physical altercations. Workdays may be unexpected or prolonged, and the position may require lifting or moving objects or people with up to 60 pounds of force on occasion. The advertised wage range is $36.62 to $49.13 per hour, with annual cost-of-living adjustments and step increases to the top wage. Freeborn County describes its benefits package as including vacation and sick leave, life, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability insurance, AFLAC, PERA, Nationwide Retirement, flexible spending, medical coverage with generous VEBA contributions, and a free clinic for employees and covered family members.

Requirements

High school graduation is listed in the initial qualifications; the detailed education requirement specifies a two-year associate degree in Law Enforcement or an equivalent approved by the Minnesota POST Board.
Must hold a Minnesota Peace Officer (P.O.S.T.) license or be eligible for licensure at the time of employment; the position requires acquiring and maintaining a Minnesota Peace Officer License.
Valid Minnesota driver's license is required; the detailed license list specifies a Class D driver's license or equivalent.
Must acquire and maintain Emergency Vehicle Operation Course certification.
Must acquire and maintain Firearms/Use of Force/Taser certifications.
Must acquire and maintain AED/First Aid and CPR certifications.
Working knowledge of laws, ordinances, rules, and policies effective in Freeborn County.
Knowledge of modern police practices and methods and of first aid methods and techniques.
Skill in operating and maintaining equipment and weapons used in the work.
Effective oral and written communication skills and ability to communicate with the office, outside agencies, and the public.
Ability to use a computer and various software programs effectively.
Ability to interpret written, oral, diagram, or schedule instructions.
Analytical ability and inductive thinking to adapt policies, procedures, and methods to unusual or complex situations and to evaluate and interpret information from multiple sources.
Ability to handle typical assignments and problems under moderate supervision within standard operating procedures.

Responsibilities

Patrol roads, highways, cities, and parks throughout Freeborn County to protect the public, preserve law and order, and prevent or discover crimes.
Respond to and prioritize calls for service, including citizen complaints, crashes, domestic assaults, fights, burglaries, alarms, fires, medical emergencies, and natural disasters.
Assist local police departments and other state and local agencies with incidents and special events when possible and practical.
Conduct routine patrol and traffic enforcement, including in cities and county parks; conduct boat and snowmobile patrol as needed.
Investigate crashes, crimes, deaths, and illegal activity; collect and preserve evidence and statements, and make arrests as needed.
Prepare timely reports documenting calls for service and incidents.
Serve civil and legal paperwork, including summonses and complaints, court orders, foreclosure notices, orders for protection, harassment orders, and subpoenas.
Testify in court and participate in preparing court cases.
Draft and execute search documents and handle property and evidence related to crimes.
Respond to critical incidents requiring the SWAT Team.
Investigate missing-person cases, including cases involving children and vulnerable adults, as required by law.
Conduct search and rescue for lost or stranded people and respond to incidents involving downed aircraft or stranded snowmobilers.
Provide security for and transport prisoners.
Work with other departments and agencies, including fire services, law enforcement, social services, and court services.
Train, maintain certification, and recertify under FAA regulations to operate a drone.
Prepare and instruct coursework and maintain paperwork associated with field training, firearms, use-of-force, and Taser training.
Maintain current knowledge of applicable laws, ordinances, policies, legislative updates, and court decisions.
Attend required training and maintain proficiency in issued equipment, weapons, tactical and technical duties, and knowledge of Freeborn County roads and geography.
Maintain cooperative working relationships, keep the immediate supervisor informed of important matters, and represent Freeborn County professionally.