Sheriff's Protective Services Officer

County of Santa Clara•San Jose, CA

About The Position

Under supervision, the Sheriff’s Protective Services Officer secures and protects property owned, operated, or administered by the County and directs and assists people conducting business at County facilities. Officers patrol assigned areas, monitor security systems, respond to routine and emergency calls, and take appropriate action within their authority. The role may also involve assisting peace officers and medical personnel, supporting facility access control, and providing basic first aid or emergency medical services within the scope of training. Candidates meeting the employment standards will be invited to take an online examination tentatively scheduled to open December 16, 2026. Candidates who pass will be invited to a physical agility test scheduled for the morning of January 23, 2027. Employees must complete specified POST training, impact-weapon, OC spray and handcuff courses, and an in-house Field Training Program within nine months of employment or vacate the position. All County employees, including extra-help employees, are designated Disaster Service Workers and must complete assigned training and return to work as ordered in an emergency.

Requirements

Education, training, and experience equivalent to completion of high school or equivalent.
Two years of full-time experience as a security guard and/or peace officer, or completion of 60 semester units (90 quarter units) of college may substitute for the security or peace officer experience.
Alternatively, attendance at a Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office POST Basic Academy or Adult Corrections Academy within the last six months.
Ability to travel to alternate locations in the course of work.
If driving, possession of a valid California driver’s license before appointment and ability to qualify for and maintain County driver authorization.
Pass a comprehensive criminal history and background check, including a polygraph examination and contact with prior employers and personal references; applicants will be fingerprinted for local, state, and national fingerprint files.
Complete the POST-prescribed introductory training course described in Penal Code Section 832, excluding the firearm portion, within nine months of employment or vacate the position.
Complete a POST-approved course in carrying and using an impact weapon, Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray, and handcuffs within nine months of employment or vacate the position.
Complete the in-house Field Training Program within nine months of employment or vacate the position.
Knowledge of property, personnel, and facility security measures; fire and safety regulations; basic security principles and techniques; common computer systems and software applications; report-writing principles and techniques; basic law enforcement principles and techniques; applicable rules, regulations, codes, and laws; basic first aid and CPR; and English usage, style, grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
Ability to implement security measures; understand fire and safety regulations; apply security principles and techniques; use common computer systems and software; write reports; understand basic law enforcement principles and techniques; follow applicable rules, regulations, codes, and laws; administer basic first aid and perform CPR; read and understand material safety data sheets and other safety communications; communicate effectively orally and in writing with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures; and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, the public, and representatives of other agencies.
Wear personal protective equipment, including a gas mask, ballistic vest, and hazardous materials decontamination suit, as appropriate.
Perform physical tasks requiring strength and endurance.

Responsibilities

Patrol assigned areas, watch for security breaches and criminal or suspicious activity, document observations, and report them to appropriate authorities.
Log security events and prepare accurate, concise reports in accordance with departmental policy.
Warn violators or notify appropriate authorities about violations of County rules and suspected criminal violations.
Make rounds of designated areas and report relevant observations.
Maintain physical security of County buildings and property by checking doors, windows, lighting, alarm systems, and surveillance devices.
Provide information to people conducting business at County facilities.
Control access to secured areas by confirming the legitimacy of access requests and the identity of requestors; issue authorized badges and passes.
Watch for and report fire threats, water leaks, electrical hazards, equipment failures, and other hazards.
Assist Deputies and other peace officers during emergencies as directed.
Regulate use of County facilities and grounds and ensure compliance with applicable policies, procedures, and regulations.
Respond to routine and emergency security-related calls, complaints, and unusual conditions on County property, taking appropriate action within the scope of authority.
Direct traffic, enforce parking regulations, and issue County parking citations or warnings as necessary.
Create and maintain computer databases and files for tracking and information retrieval, as assigned.
Maintain communication with the dispatch center and other Officers using a two-way radio.
Testify in legal proceedings.
Conduct handheld-wand metal detector searches or oversee metal detector operations at entry points, as assigned.
Provide first aid or emergency medical services to County employees or guests within the scope of training, as assigned.
Inventory, safeguard, and return patient valuables.
Assist medical personnel with transporting or escorting psychiatric patients.
Conduct property searches of 5150 patients pursuant to law and apply behavioral restraints in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.
Report criminal activity and, if necessary, participate in a Private Person’s Arrest in accordance with California law and departmental policy while awaiting other law enforcement assistance or action.
Use reasonable force to protect self, staff, and the public as allowed by departmental policies and procedures.
Serve as a Disaster Service Worker when assigned and perform other related duties as required.