• Regular attendance is an essential function of this position.
• Performs a wide range of duties in order to maintain a safe environment within Lea County; control criminal activity; enforce various laws and ordinances; protect and serve the public; and preserve individuals' constitutional rights as provided for under County, State, Tribal, and Federal laws.
• Duties include but are not limited to patrol of assigned areas; response to calls for assistance, emergency and non-emergency; investigation of reported crimes; reporting of observed or discovered crimes; preparation and correct processing of work-related paperwork; traffic enforcement; crime prevention; and other similar duties falling within the scope of law enforcement.
• Maintains radio contact in accordance with regulations.
• Duties may involve routine traffic control in areas not afforded normal police protection.
• Routine traffic control may involve the apprehension of persons disobedient to traffic laws and regulations.
• Assists in the operation of check points and road blocks to apprehend escaped or wanted criminals, DWI offenders, unlicensed or otherwise illegal vehicle operators, drug traffickers, etc.
• May also be called upon to respond to and investigate domestic difficulties, highway accidents, and other situations needing immediate attention.
• Coordinates and cooperates as necessary with other police agencies. This may include special conditions such as interacting with undercover personnel and assisting with investigations of homicide and other felony offenses.
• Must be able to correctly judge situations and determine the appropriate level of force to be utilized.
• Prepares various reports in an adequate manner, assuring proper details.
• Transports detained persons to court and to detention centers.
• Protects or escorts witnesses or victims as assigned. May also be assigned to provide escort services for parades or in the movement of major vehicles or projects over highways where safe passage is required.
• Delivers summonses and other writs and documents.
• Maintains updated knowledge of various laws and related changes, making investigations within own authority and communicating information to higher authority, and protecting evidence until released.
• May serve in the area of animal control and disposal, perhaps impounding animals and setting up traps. May be required to euthanize animals.
• May be required to administer first aid and/or CPR.
• Must perform all duties with a minimum of supervision.
• As necessary, off duty personnel may be called in to work, appear as a witness in a court of law, prosecute minor and misdemeanor offenses such as traffic violations and DWI offenses.
• Shift work on a rotating schedule is required. Employee may also be required to work irregular hours, attend job related meetings and perform other duties,
• May be assigned temporarily to duty as an investigator or a narcotics specialist.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Some college hours or Associate's Degree preferred with emphasis in law enforcement.

Experience:

• Previous law enforcement experience or reserve training preferred.

Certifications, Skills and Licenses:

• Ability to communicate orally and in writing in English. Bilingual (English/Spanish) helpful.
• Valid New Mexico driver's license.
• Completion of police academy training and law enforcement certification within one year of hire.
• Ability to qualify and maintain proficiency with firearms both day and night.
• Any and all requirements set by the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy.

Physical Functions/Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative and not necessarily exhaustive of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• 20/20 vision with or without corrective lenses preferred.
• Ability to sit up to four hours at one time and eight and one-half hours total per day with intermittent walking and standing.
• Ability to stand and/or walk up to four hours at one time and eight and one-half hours total per day with intermittent opportunities to sit.
• Ability to climb, crawl, crouch, kneel, bend, rotate at the waist and remain in a prone position as needed to perform essential duties, including during an emergency situation.
• Ability to carry 10 lbs. on waist and 5 lbs. on chest all day.
• Ability to work with arms bent or extended for up to four hours at one time and up to eight and one-half hours total per day.
• Ability to push/pull with arms with a force up to 50 plus lbs. during emergency situations. In addition, must be able to twist/rotate arms during an emergency situation.
• Ability to lift and pull such items as shotgun, first aid kits, fire extinguisher, etc. to and from vehicle.
• Employee may be expected to lift and carry other items, objects, or people in an emergency situation.
• Must be able to operate a patrol vehicle with an automatic transmission up to all day.
• May be expected to balance, twist/rotate or push/pull with legs during an emergency situation.
• Ability to grasp and manipulate objects all day in order to perform essential duties.
• In order to achieve certification in New Mexico, a deputy sheriff must meet all physical agility requirements required by the New Mexico Law Enforcement Basic Training Academy. Individuals may be required to perform the following tasks, which may be subject to change by the Law Enforcement Academy:
  • Safely and without coronary arrest, climb upon and walk a balance beam four inches wide, four feet high and ten feet long.
  • Scale a six-foot wall.
  • Crawl through an open window.
• Scale an eight-foot chain link fence.
• Run 440 yards wearing 10 lbs. in under two minutes.
• Run 1.5 miles in the time allowed in the fair category of fitness, as adjusted for age and gender.
• Drag 165 lb. dummy fifteen feet.
• Pull in a downward motion a weight of 40 lbs. on one side and 60 lbs. on the other.

A certified deputy must maintain adequate agility to perform the essential functions of the position and to retain law enforcement certification.

Mental Functions/Requirements:

• Must be able to understand and follow oral directions and instructions.
• Must be able to read, understand and follow written directions and instructions.
• Must be able to give oral and written directions and instructions.
• Must be able to read and understand such items as reports, regulations, procedural manuals, complaints, subpoenas and other documents. In addition, must be able to read and understand safety rules pertaining to the operation and maintenance of County vehicles and equipment.
• Must be able to write reports and other documents using proper format and correct punctuation, spelling and grammar.
• Must be able to speak before a group of people using correct grammar.
• Must understand such concepts as ratios, proportions and percentages.
• Must be able to read accurately all gauges on tools and equipment and make correct judgment on equipment operations.
• Must be able to accurately estimate distances in order to maintain safety while operating equipment and weapons.
• Must be able to plan and direct own work in an efficient manner.
• Must be able to effectively safeguard confidential information.
• Must be able to use tact and courtesy in working with a wide range of individuals, including the public, often in tense circumstances.
• Must demonstrate stable emotional and mental health.
• Must be knowledgeable of all traffic laws and regulations.

NOTE: Unresolved psycho-social and emotional disorders may be grounds for disqualification.

Other:

• Ability to perform essential duties and adapt to working conditions.
• No history or pattern of reckless driving, DWI, or irresponsible driving in the last five years.
• Must not possess felony convictions or misdemeanor convictions involving moral turpitude, violence, dishonesty or illegal use of controlled substances.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative but not necessarily exhaustive of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Performs work indoors and outdoors.
• Employee may be exposed to temperature extremes depending on weather conditions.
• Employee is exposed to intermittent high noise levels such as from sirens, gunfire and other loud noises. May be exposed to vibration of body on an intermittent basis from firing of shotgun, off-road travel or a physical confrontation. May be exposed to exhaust fumes, human and animal odors, dusts and mists.
• Indoor work may be performed on even or uneven carpeted, tiled, concrete or asphalt surfaces. Outdoor work may be performed on even or uneven natural ground, asphalt or concrete surfaces and non-level surfaces including inclines, ramps, catwalks or scaffolding, stairs and ladders. Surfaces may be dry, wet, slippery, or contaminated with body fluids and other substances.
• Duties may be performed at any time during the 24-hour day depending on shift requirements and emergency call-out. Employee is subject to call-out at any time.
• Employee may work alone with or without direction or as part of a select team. At times may work with a large group of people.
• Employee is exposed to the following hazards: physical confrontations, driving hazards, high speed chases, animals, gunfire, rescue attempts in difficult terrain and hazardous material spills.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid New Mexico Drivers License
• Background check.
• Driving record check.
• Written examination may be given.
• Alcohol/drug screen; positive results are disqualifying.
• Physical and back x-ray in compliance with essential duties and physical and mental requirements.
• Polygraph - by a licensed polygraph operator; results may be disqualifying.
• Psychological examination by a certified psychologist; results may be disqualifying.
• Possible physical agility and physical capacities tests.