Sheriff’s Office Resolution for 2008: We Want You!

 

Last year I wrote a piece in the Post about the need of the Sheriff’s Office for qualified individuals that want to serve their communities. To be selected as a Peace Officer or Correctional Officer by a police agency is a significant accomplishment in which the person can take great pride. We continue to have a significant need for folks that want to MAKE A DIFFERENCE in their community and neighborhoods. Naturally, we hire qualified candidates but are always on the "look-out" for local residents that have ties and an investment in our county.

At community meetings, I am frequently asked why police service seems so sparse in the unincorporated areas at times or why we are not "cracking down" on a certain neighborhood crime issue. It is directly related to the large amount of job vacancies that results in fewer deputies on patrol. At present, we have openings in the following jobs:

§ Deputy Sheriff - 26 vacancies

§ Correctional Officer – 10 vacancies

The selection process can consist of up to seven phases depending on the position sought. They consist of a written examination, physical agility test, selection interview, polygraph exam, personal history investigation, psychological exam and a medical examination. This process can seem daunting but our recruiters can help a qualified candidate through the process.

The Sheriff’s Office is the largest law enforcement agency in Santa Cruz County, employing 330 deputies, correctional officers, community service officers, security officers, and administrative staff. The Sheriff’s Office is responsible for law enforcement in all unincorporated areas of the county, the operation of all jail facilities, protection of judges and the court system, and the service of civil process papers. We have a number of dynamic specialized units in the Sheriff’s Office, including Crime Scene Investigations, SWAT Team, Bomb Team, Rapid Response Tactical Unit, Police K-9 service dog program, School Resource Officer, Correctional Emergency Response Team, Parks Patrol, Search and Rescue Team, Air Squadron, narcotics enforcement, detectives, and others. This agency can provide you with many avenues for development throughout your police career. But most importantly, you will provide a service that is the First Duty of Government- to Provide for Public Safety. We are always looking for qualified candidates that are bilingual/ bicultural and/or women.

If you decide that you truly want to help your community and become a member of the Sheriff’s family, a next step is to talk to one of our recruiters about the position that may be a right fit for you. We do continuous testing. Please visit our website at www.scsheriff.com for more information or consult a Sheriff’s recruiter who will be glad to talk to you about a public safety career. Please call (831) 454-2996 and leave a message so that we can contact you. We look forward to you or someone you know to become part of our team.

Are You Prepared for Winter?

Local law enforcement and fire agencies are geared up for the advent of the winter season where the weather can typically cause power outages, slick roadways with accompanying vehicle accidents, flooding and land slippage. We hope you are prepared.

As a reminder, please make sure you:

§ Slow down in your cars in windy and wet weather. Drive safely and courteously taking into consideration the current traffic conditions.

§ Have sufficient number of flashlights and batteries on hand for power outages.

§ Don’t run a generator in an enclosed or partially enclosed area or use a charcoal barbecue as your heat or cooking source in a home.

§ Keep your refrigerator closed as much as possible to keep food fresh. Store non-perishable food that requires no refrigeration (American Red Cross recommends a 3-day supply) for such emergencies.

§ Have a sufficient amount of drinking water on hand, especially in areas where you rely on an electrical pump to supply household water.

§ Have first aid supplies readily available so you’re not searching for them in the dark. Make sure you have sufficient blankets and warm clothing in case you lose your heat.

§ Get a portable radio for news and weather updates.

§ Local business owners should also have a back-up plan should they lose power or be forced to move to another location.

§ Have a communication plan. Cordless phones require electricity to keep charged so have the cellular phone fully charged for an alternative means of communication.

§ If you take rural roads to work or school, remember that there may be trees down or small slides on the road around a blind curve. Please be careful.

We hope these tips help this winter. Additional information is available from your local Red Cross or fire departments. Happy 2008!