Job Description

Deputy Sheriff I

WEST CHESTER, PA – The Chester County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) announces a change in qualification requirements for its Deputy Sheriff I positions. Effective immediately, Act 120 or Act 2 certification is not required in advance of a career as a Chester County Deputy Sheriff. The County will now offer paid-for certification training from the hiring start-date.

Those seeking to be hired at the entry level Deputy Sheriff position with Chester County government will receive a Deputy Sheriff 1 salary and benefits and must complete the Act 120 or Act 2 certification within one year of employment. The County will cover the cost of training alongside the salary.

The move to offer paid-for training as a Chester County Deputy Sheriff follows the recent extensive review of salaries for all positions in the CCSO. Combined with valuable County benefits, the paid-for training offers good career opportunities for those seeking to work in law enforcement.

The Deputy Sheriff I is responsible for performing a variety of law enforcement and security duties within the Chester County Sheriff's Office (CCSO). This includes maintaining public safety, enforcing laws, transporting inmates, providing courtroom security, and executing legal process. Deputies must ensure compliance with all applicable statutes, regulations, and Sheriff's Office policies while upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.

New Certification Policy: Act 120 or Act 2 Law Enforcement Certification No Longer Required to Start as Deputy Sheriff; County to Pay for Training Once Hired. Law enforcement recruits must complete 919 hours of coursework and training, typically over nine months, to become Act 120 certified. Act 2 certification requires recruits to complete 760 hours in a six-month residential program.

Essential Duties

• Respond to public safety incidents, enforce laws, and uphold court orders.
• Write reports, maintain logs, and ensure proper documentation.
• Stay informed of changes in laws and legal mandates affecting assignments.
• Maintain proficiency in issued equipment, including weapons, ammunition, and tactical gear.
• Assist during emergencies such as natural disasters, civil unrest, or tactical situations.
• Provide security and order enforcement in the Chester County Justice Center and other county facilities
• Serve writs, court orders, and warrants as required.
• Process and enforce legal papers, including civil and criminal matters.
• Issue licenses to carry firearms and complete related administrative tasks.
• Conduct extraditions within and outside of Pennsylvania.

Prisoner Holding Facility and Court Facility Assignments: Supervise inmates in holding areas and maintain security in the courthouse. Conduct searches of inmates and facilities to prevent contraband. Monitor and manage inmate movement in compliance with security protocols. Respond to emergencies, inmate disturbances, and medical incidents. Oversee access to secure locations, including attorney rooms and visitation areas. Transport inmates to and from correctional facilities, medical appointments, and courts.

Specialized Assignments & Additional Duties: Deputies may be assigned to specialized units, including but not limited to: Fugitive Apprehension Unit, Protective Intelligence Unit, Gun Permits Unit, K-9 Unit, Training Unit, Motorcycle Unit, Field Force Operations Unit, Emergency and Exercise Planning Unit, Ceremonial Unit.

Qualifications/Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED)
• No prior Act 120 or Act 2 certification required; the County provides paid training
• Act 120 Police Academy training certification not more than five years prior to the employment date, or five years of law enforcement experience ending not more than five years prior to the employment date.
• Successfully complete Act 2 Waiver training within one year after employment date.
• Continuously maintain Act 2 certification after employment.
• Complete all state and Sheriff's Office required certifications and/or qualifications.
• Maintain firearms qualification.
• Maintain CPR and EMS provider-level certifications.
• Exhibits sound and accurate judgement.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Must pass a pre-employment polygraph examination as directed by the Sheriff.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical fitness test and maintain physical fitness standard as directed by the Sheriff.
• Ability to create a positive work environment.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team and proceed with objectives.
• Exhibit tactful behavior with strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position.
• Accurate and detail oriented with strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish priorities and remain focused on daily operations.
• Easily adapts to changes in the work environment.
• Ability to follow protocols to handle and resolve recurring problems.
• Flexible, with an ability to carry multiple tasks to completion
• Exhibits a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn new tasks.
• Professionalism, integrity, and honesty with an ability to handle confidential matters.

Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience: Corrections or law enforcement background. One year of customer service experience. Prior law enforcement experience. Prior military experience. Knowledge of criminal and civil law. Training in defensive and security tactics. Emergency Medical First Aid certification. Firearms qualification. First aid and CPR training.

Additional Information

Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is given per County policy. Computer Skills: To perform this job successfully, an individual should have: Basic Office Suite Skills, (Word and Explorer). Basic Outlook Skills (Email and Calendar)

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; bend at the waist or work bent at the waist; kneel, stoop, crouch or squat; climb stairs; work with machinery; drive a vehicle; and talk or hear. Occasionally, the employee will need to reach above shoulders; work with arms above shoulders; and push or lift heavy objects. On rare occasions, the employee will need to smell, and work with an uncommon level of noise. The specific vision requirements listed for this position are: Close and distant vision. Depth perception (three-dimensional vision ability to judge distances and spatial relationships). Ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus (driving and firearms handling). Peripheral vision (ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left and right while eyes are fixed on a given point) due to criminals approaching from the side. Ability to qualify yearly for night shooting.

Work Environment: The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. Will work around criminals a minimum of eight hours a day. Must be on the defensive at all times due to the nature of the profession.

Other: Ability to work extended hours, as necessary. Driver's license may be required.

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