Sheriff's Operations Deputies

Patrol Deputy

Position Summary

The Patrol Deputy promotes and preserves order, investigates crimes and criminal activity, conducts traffic violation enforcement, defends persons from imminent physical harm, responds to requests for service and resolves conflicts between individuals and groups. Deputies are the protector of constitutional guarantees and an enforcer of county resolutions, state statutes, and federal laws.

Requirements

  • Enforces county resolutions; state and federal statutes, and traffic laws.
  • Carries out court orders (Civil Section as well as criminal).
  • Investigates criminal and non-criminal cases.
  • Prepares and executes detailed arrest and search warrants.
  • Conducts crime scene investigation and processing.
  • Prepares cases and testifies in court.
  • Assists with search and rescue efforts.
  • Works closely with other law enforcement agencies, social workers, legal professionals, volunteers, EMS personnel, and other governmental agencies.
  • Required to complete detailed offense and incident reports.
  • Makes arrests based upon probable cause.
  • Maintain firearms proficiency and P.O.S.T. required standards.
  • Operates emergency vehicles and equipment.
  • After additional training and experience, deputies may be assigned to specialized units or hazardous duties, e.g., SWAT, Hostage Negotiations, Explosive Ordinance Disposal, Canine, Mountain Deputy, Investigations, and Traffic Enforcement.
  • Must be 21 years old and a United States Citizen, or have or possess an active green card or legal permanent resident status required for P.O.S.T. certification.
  • Must have completed a State Certified Law Enforcement Training Academy and be Colorado P.O.S.T. Certified. or possess a P.O.S.T. provisional certificate (out of state applicants.)
  • Must not have any felony convictions. Committed no felonies, including illegal drug use, in the past three years.
  • Must not have any domestic violence offense related convictions or domestic violence related restraining orders.
  • Must not have any DUI/DWAI convictions or driver’s license suspensions or revocations within 24 months prior to application or more than one DUI/DWAI conviction in lifetime.
  • Must have a good driving record.
  • A history of excessive use of illegal drugs, or other offenses could disqualify an applicant.
  • High school diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.) required.
  • State Certified Law Enforcement Training Academy.
  • Must be able to complete an in-service recruit training program.
  • Must have ability to accurately perceive, soundly reason, and correctly judge situations and circumstances.
  • Must have good communications skills and be able to express clearly and precisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Must be able to deal with stressful situations and have the ability to perform under pressure.
  • Must possess the following personality traits: maturity, honesty, integrity, adaptability, compassion, common sense, patience, wisdom, reliability, self-discipline, creativity, fortitude, assertiveness, initiative, dedication to public service, and problem-solving skills.
  • Must be a resident of Colorado and possess a valid driver’s license at time of appointment.
Boulder County is an equal opportunity employer.

Physical Demands of the Job

Dual vision is required. 20/20 minimum, natural or corrected, in both eyes and have minimum peripheral vision of 700 in both eyes. Frequently uses peripheral vision to observe and monitor multiple persons and activity. Constantly uses vision (day and night) to observe criminal and non-criminal activity as well as drive motor vehicles. Constantly uses visual acuity to distinguish objects such as license plates and people at long distances. Constantly is required to differentiate, distinguish colors, shapes, distances and sizes of objects, people, and animals.

Dual hearing is required. Good hearing is required in performing a majority of the tasks. Constantly uses hearing to detect sounds of criminal and non-criminal behavior. Constantly uses hearing to distinguish source and content of a wide variety of sounds. Constantly uses hearing to monitor and use a police radio, radio telephone and the standard telephone to communicate with the dispatch center, other officers, and the public.

Must be able to fluently speak and understand English. Constantly uses voice to communicate with other persons.

Sitting is performed on a frequent to a constant basis. Sitting occurs during briefing session and while driving assigned patrol car 4-6 hours/day.

Standing occurs on an occasional to frequent basis depending on the shift assignment, the area patrolled, and the season. Job tasks that require standing include traffic stops, suspicious activity investigation, crime scene investigation, detaining suspect, directing traffic, and various security assignments.

Essential Job Demands Test

The participant will run an obstacle course that begins:

  1. Sprint a distance of 100 yards from a sitting position on a chair simulating the driver’s seat, within which you will ascend and descend two flights of stairs, ascend and descend a step ladder, crawl underneath a six foot long obstacle course and complete the course within 101 seconds.

In any order, the participant will then:

  1. Climb over a five-foot wall, fence, or barrier from a standing position.
  2. Lift a 35-pound weight and place it on top of the five-foot wall, then return this weight to the ground.
  3. Carry a 60-pound weight 25 feet.
  4. Drag a 150-pound dummy 25 feet.
  5. Push a patrol car 10 feet on a level surface.
  6. Run a quarter mile in 162 seconds.

Hiring Process

  • The hiring process is designed to identify the best candidates. Applicants may be tested using different methods including: a written test, interview, polygraph, psychological assessment, physical fitness assessment, medical evaluation, and drug screening. The testing and application process can last multiple weeks. The hiring process will vary depending upon the position.

Selection Process

For positions such as deputy, detention specialist, animal protection officer, etc., the selection process is as follows:
(Applicants will be provided status updates throughout the hiring process)

  1. Initial Screening – Upon receipt, a completed application will be reviewed for qualifications.
  2. Written Test – Written tests are required for all deputy positions. Testing covers problem solving, personality traits, and writing skills.
  3. Interview – Interviews assess suitability for a position. Applicants should be willing to disclose all relevant information. Interviews evaluate communication skills, demeanor, self-confidence, maturity, and general knowledge.
  4. Polygraph Examination – Polygraphs are required for all positions.
  5. Job Suitability Assessment – Administered by a psychologist who assesses personality traits and attributes essential to a position.
  6. Background Investigation – Background investigations will include employment history, criminal activity, character references, credit check, prior residences, military service record, driving history, education verification, and any other areas of interest determined by the investigation.
  7. Essential Job Demand Evaluation – An essential job demand evaluation is required for all deputy positions. This test is a combination of a physical assessment, obstacle course, job function simulation and maximum physical effort testing (quarter-mile run).
  8. Division Chief Review – A division chief will review the background investigation to determine the applicant’s overall suitability for the position.

If the applicant is deemed suitable after Phase I, they will move on to phase II.

  1. Conditional Offer of Probationary Employment (COPE) – The individual selected will be given a COPE and proceed to final testing. The COPE may be withdrawn at any stage of the process if the applicant is deemed unsuitable.
  2. Psychological Assessment – Applicants will be required to complete psychological testing to evaluate mental health and psychological suitability.
  3. Medical Examination – Applicants must have a medical examination at a contracted medical facility to determine if they meet the functional requirements of the position. This may include a hearing test, doctor’s examination, and drug screen.

If the applicant is deemed suitable after Phase II, they will move on to phase III.

  1. Final Selection – A start date of employment will be set if the applicant passes all testing.
  2. Introductory/Probationary Period – A period of at least 12 months. During the introductory / probationary period employees will be required to meet the training and performance standards of the position. Employees who fail to meet these standards within the introductory period may be dismissed or reassigned.

Additional Information

All information provided or discovered through the selection process becomes the property of the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office and will be kept confidential. Applicants may be eliminated from further consideration at any stage in the process. The results of the testing and investigation are confidential and will not be disclosed to the applicant.

Contact

Sheriff Personnel
Email: sheriffpersonnel@bouldercounty.gov
Phone: 720-564-2833

Submit Your Information

Have more questions? Our recruiters are available Monday-Thursday 7a.m. – 5 p.m. and happy to answer any questions you have.
Simply submit your information below and we’ll reach out as soon as we’re available!

Contact Us

Sheriff's Headquarters

5600 Flatiron Parkway
Boulder, CO 80301
Directions
Monday-Friday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Main: 303-441-3600

Email bcso@bouldercounty.gov

Boulder County Jail

3200 Airport Road
Boulder, CO 80301
Directions
Monday-Friday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Main: 303-441-4600

Communications Center

3280 Airport Road
Boulder, CO 80301
Directions
Non-Emergency:
303-441-4444

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