LAW ENFORCEMENT - PATROL DEPUTY

La Crosse County • La Crosse, WI

10d • Onsite

About The Position

This is an entry-level law enforcement position within the La Crosse County Sheriff's Office. Employees in this class work under close to moderate supervision performing general duty police work connected with public safety through the enforcement of applicable County, State, and federal laws and ordinances. Employees in this class often exercise independent judgment in the field within State, local, and Federal laws and departmental guidelines, upon receiving appropriate training and experience. La Crosse County Sheriff's Office allows for lateral transfer for qualified officers, and our Patrol Deputies are issued their own take-home squad cars!

Requirements

• Must have completed the Basic Police Certification Training in Wisconsin within the last three years, or already be certified as a Law Enforcement Officer in the State of Wisconsin by the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board.
• Requires a minimum of 60 fully accredited college-level credits.
• Must pass criminal background check suitable for working in law enforcement, which includes no felony convictions and no convictions for domestic abuse.
• Must pass character background investigation as required by the Wis. Law Enforcement Standards Board which "attest to the applicant's fitness to discharge assigned duties and responsibilities of a law enforcement officer."
• All candidates for this position must pass the required written and oral examinations as established under the County Administrative Code or other County requirements.
• Must be a citizen of the United States.
• Must be a resident of the State of Wisconsin on the date employment is commenced and maintain that residency.
• Have five years of previous driving experience.
• Have and maintain a valid Wisconsin driver's license, and a good driving record.
• Successful candidates for the position must pass a physical and psychological examination and drug screening.

Nice To Haves

• Preference for Bachelor's Degree or Associate Degree or Bachelor's Degree in Police Science or Criminal Justice.

Responsibilities

• Patrols highways and designated areas to detect, apprehend and arrest violators of motor vehicle laws and criminal laws; operates traffic enforcement equipment and issues citations.
• Operates law enforcement vehicle for long periods of time during both day and night; in emergency situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits, in congested traffic and in unsafe road conditions caused by factors such as fog, smoke, rain, ice and snow.
• Performs rescue functions at accidents and emergency situations; lifts, drags and carries people away from dangerous situations; provides first aid, orders wreckers and ambulances and aids accident victims, stranded motorists and disabled vehicles.
• Directs and escorts traffic when necessary; escorts emergency and other vehicles such as oversize loads, etc.
• Observes and checks business and other property for unlocked doors or signs of criminal activity.
• Investigates accidents or criminal complaints received concerning violations of the law within guidelines of the department; investigates citizen complaints including suspected criminal activity, animal complaints, domestic disturbances, noise; prepares reports and handles related paperwork.
• Performs searches of people, vehicles, building and large outdoor areas which may involve feeling and detecting objects, walking for long periods of time, detaining people and stopping suspicious vehicles and persons.
• Makes arrests and apprehends suspects, effecting the arrest, forcibly if necessary, using handcuffs and other restraints, subdue resisting suspects using maneuvers and weapons and resort to the use of hands and feet and other approved weapons in self defense.
• Puts on and operates a gas mask in situations where chemical munitions are used.
• Protects scenes of crimes and collects and preserves evidence for investigative units; prepares evidence for court hearings and trials pursuant to established procedures; attends court whenever necessary to provide testimony and other evidence.
• Conducts video and audio surveillance for extended periods of time.
• Extinguishes small fires by using a fire extinguisher and other appropriate means.
• Assists all Law Enforcement agencies as needed.
• Serves civil and criminal processes, including sales upon executions, lawful seizures of goods, garnishments, etc.; makes proper return of all processes served and reports the service made.
• Maintains and checks police and personal equipment such as radios, cameras, firearms, handcuffs, uniforms, squad car and related equipment.
• Prepares reports, including sketches, using appropriate grammar, symbols and mathematical computations.
• Exercises independent judgment in determining when there is reasonable suspicion to detain, when probable cause exists to search and arrest and when force may be used and to what degree.
• Effectively communicates with people, including juveniles, by giving information and directions, mediating disputes and advising of rights and processes.
• Communicates clearly while testifying in courts or other formal settings.
• Loads, unloads, aims and fires from a variety of body positions handguns, rifles and other agency firearms under conditions of stress that justify use of deadly force and at levels of proficiency prescribed in certification standards.
• Reads and comprehends legal and non-legal documents, including the preparation and processing of such documents as citations, affidavits and warrants.
• In this public service position, employee is required to be courteous, cooperative and respectful at all times, with the public and clients.
• Establishes and maintains a courteous, cooperative and respectful working relationship with other employees, supervisors and public officials.
• Follows policies and procedures as established by the Sheriff's Office.
• Deputies may be assigned to special units within the Sheriff's Office or may be assigned to Court Services.

Benefits

• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS): A top-rated pension program.
• Affordable Insurance Premiums: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick, and 10+ paid holidays annually.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible schedules and wellness programs.
• Take-home squad cars

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree