CORPORAL – BASIC
Pay Range 336

INTRODUCTION

This classification performs 1) law enforcement duties to ensure protection of life, property, and civil rights of citizens by investigation of crimes, complaints and other matters that relate to public welfare, or 2) security duties associated with the care and custody of inmates incarcerated within the correctional facility; maintain appropriate recordkeeping. Corporal functions as watch commander in the absence of a sergeant.

To promote enforcement of the law by improving competence of police officers and corrections officers, Department of Police Safety and Standards Training establishes, 1) training standards for physical, emotional, intellectual and moral fitness, and 2) reasonable minimum training for all levels of career development, basic through executive certifications. Furthermore, all appropriate employees are required to participate in mandatory department training in areas of new law updates, physical fitness and firearms.

EXAMPLES OF PRINCIPAL DUTIES

(Duties assigned to this classification include, but are not limited to, the following examples. Any one position may not perform all listed tasks.)

1. In the absence of a shift sergeant, serve as watch commander. Perform lead responsibility for patrol and correction deputies; maintain knowledge of deputy locations; respond to questions from staff concerning legal or procedural issues. Initiate appropriate law enforcement response to emergency calls and routine citizen complaints. Assist in orientation and training of new deputies.

2. Patrol roads, highways, business areas, rivers and lakes in the enforcement of traffic and criminal law, water safety laws and regulations, vehicle weight and oversize regulations assuring the safety and orderly use of County roadways. Inspect and locate hazardous road conditions. Remove or correct road hazards when possible. Report road hazards to public works.

3. Enforce state and local laws and ordinances. Investigate violations to completion, make arrest, transport prisoners to institutions, prepare written reports and testify in court. Assist deputies in investigations. Provide backup up to deputies in emergency situations.

4. Maintain order, discipline and security of inmates within the correction facility; check physical condition of inmates and arrange for medical attention; accompany inmates to court appearances, physicals, hospitals, etc.

5. Book, search, fingerprint and photograph incoming prisoners; issue personal property receipts; release inmates at the end of sentence; process security deposits and releases; maintain appropriate logs and records.

6. Answer questions and interpret laws, policy and procedure for law enforcement officials, attorneys, inmates and families and the public.

7. Participate in department and community functions and public relations, includes speaking at citizen and school functions.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY REQUIRED BY THIS POSITION

Knowledge of: Considerable knowledge of policies, procedures and practices of modern law enforcement in areas of crime prevention, criminal investigation, identification and apprehension, civil rights, laws of search and seizure, rules of evidence and the care, control, custody and transportation of prisoners; considerable knowledge of federal, state and county rules, regulations and ordinances that govern law enforcement and correctional activities; considerable knowledge of general procedure used in court system and of the nature of legal evidence; considerable knowledge of principles, methods and techniques of effective supervision including public relations and personnel management to coordinate activities of a shift. Skill in: Meeting and dealing with a wide variety of people; safe use of firearms, vehicles, mobile radio, computer and other communication equipment, and similar department equipment; report writing and statistical data compilation. Ability to: Communicate effectively in both oral and written forms; analyze complex law enforcement problems in the area of assignment, to enforce laws, and to think and act quickly, adjust to priority changes and remain calm during confrontational situations; make decisions independently in accordance with established policy and procedures and use initiative and judgment in completing tasks and responsibilities; lead a staff of professionals and participate in a wide variety of law enforcement work; courteously meet and deal effectively with other employees, other agency representatives, law enforcement agencies, judges, district attorney, community leaders, committees, correctional facility inmates and the public.

Education, experience and training: Two years continuous and progressively responsible work experience with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office in law enforcement. Incumbent must possess intermediate certification issued by Department of Police Safety Standards and Training. At time of appointment, must possess a valid Oregon driver’s license.

To promote enforcement of the law by improving competence of police officers and corrections officers, Board on Public Safety Standards and Training establishes, 1) training standards for physical, emotional, intellectual and moral fitness, and 2) reasonable minimum training for all levels of career development, basic through executive certifications. Furthermore, all appropriate employees are required to participate in mandatory department training in areas of new law updates and firearms. Minimum standards for employment as a law enforcement officer as well as experience and training requirements for certification levels are established in the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training Act, ORS 181.610 - .690, and reprinted in the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training Policy and Procedures Manual.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS OF THIS POSITION

This classification works with supervision from a shift sergeant. Recurring routine assignments are independently performed by employee on basis of past experience. Employees estimates and manages time efficiently. Employee uses initiative and judgment in completing routine assignments and interpretation of general administrative or operational policies and procedures is sometimes necessary. Significant deviations require prior approval. Work is checked at completion of projects. Employees may or may not work in proximity of supervisor.

GUIDELINES

Work is performed within established department policy, procedures and directives; federal, state, county and local statutes, rules, regulations and ordinances; union contract; court rulings; DPSST reference manuals; inmate rule book; accepted procedures within law enforcement profession; equipment and vehicle manuals. Incumbent has to remain current on guidelines and uses considerable judgment in interpreting laws or guidelines and determining which laws to enforce then follows procedures and laws closely due to nature of work.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Regular and consistent attendance is required.  Work is performed both in an office environment and in the field and may require physical demands of climbing, climbing stairs, color identification, gripping with hands and fingers, hearing alarms and voice conversation, jumping, keyboarding, typically lifting up to 60 pounds but may be lift and move an unconscious person, running and apprehending and restraining violent people and walking rough terrain. Work involves everyday risks and discomforts and sometime adverse weather conditions requiring safety precautions. A substantial amount of daily driving is required.