Deputy Sheriff Cadet

This position is represented by the Stanford Deputy Sheriff’s Association (SDSA) and the collective bargaining agreement between the university and the SDSA governs the terms and conditions of employment.

Founded in 1891, Stanford University is among the top academic institutions in the country, excelling in a wide range of fields from the humanities to information technology to the health sciences and medicine. The university is located near Palo Alto, 35 miles south of San Francisco, on an 8,800-acre campus.

Job Purpose

Employees hired into the entry level, non-sworn Deputy Sheriff Cadet (trainee) position will be assigned to attend a California P.O.S.T. certified basic police training academy or a regular basic academy requalification course, if applicable.  Candidates who meet department performance expectations and successfully pass the basic police academy or meet the requalification criteria will be sworn in as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff for Santa Clara County in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding between the University and the Sheriff of Santa Clara County.  This agreement provides for the deputization of Stanford Deputies as sworn peace officers, having full law enforcement powers to make arrest and enforce state laws and county ordinances pursuant to section 830.6 of the California Penal Code.  Upon deputization, the incumbent will enter the Field Training program as a probationary Deputy Sheriff.

At the academy, the Deputy Sheriff Cadet will receive basic training that complies with the standards set by the California Commission of Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T).  The basic training program includes approximately 920 hours of academic classes, hands-on training and physical conditioning.  Knowledge-based training includes, but is not limited to: Criminal Law, Patrol Procedures, Cultural Diversity, Investigative Procedures, Report Writing, Defensive Tactics, Firearms, Leadership, Ethics, Community Policing, Police Vehicle Operations, Traffic Enforcement, Accident Investigation, Handling Emotional Situations and First Aid/CPR.  Hands-on training includes, but not limited to: weapons training, role playing scenarios, patrol procedures, emergency vehicle operations, and arrest and control techniques. Recruits are required to complete 80 hours of instruction in defensive tactics which includes ground control, baton training, control holds and take downs.  The physical conditioning program consists of specific performance tests and a program of physical training.  The training includes running (distance and speed), push-ups, sit-ups, weight training and calisthenics.

During the course of their work, the Deputy Sheriff Cadet will be exposed to potentially dangerous and adverse conditions.  The Deputy Sheriff Cadet must be willing and able to work in emergency situations, confined spaces, and intense life-threatening conditions.  Cadets will be exposed to persons whose actions may place them in harm’s way.  Cadets will be exposed to bodily fluids, fumes, moving objects, and noise.  Candidates must be physically able to work in circumstances requiring running, jumping, walking, crawling, kneeling, climbing, stooping, pulling and moderate lifting. 

The Deputy Sheriff Cadet must be willing and able to work in inclement weather conditions and able to work irregular work hours and able to work all shifts.  SUDPS personnel are considered “essential” or “required” University personnel and shall respond to campus when directed to do so, even with little advanced notification. 

Failure to complete the Academy or meet performance expectations will result in termination of employment. 

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Candidates for the position of Deputy Sheriff Cadet must possess the following qualifications and/or skills:

Leadership

•          Promote and model the department’s Core Values, R.O.O.T.S. philosophies and department/university performance and behavioral standards.

•          Motivate and inspire others to model the department’s Core Values, R.O.O.T.S. philosophies and department/university performance and behavioral standards.

•          Motivate, inspire and mentor others to accomplish departmental and individual objectives.

•          Work ethically and collaboratively with others to accomplish the fundamental public safety mission of the department.

Ability to:

•       Adhere to academy / agency policies, procedures and methods.

•       Establish and maintain effective community and public relations within a culturally diverse population visiting or working special details on the Stanford University campus.

•       Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

•       Work both independently and as part of a group, maintaining effective interpersonal working relationships both within and external to the department.

•       Use sound judgment and independence in determining priorities.

•       Assimilate and understand information in a manner consistent with the essential job functions.

•       Work in fast-paced environment and complete work in a timely and accurate manner.

•       Take appropriate actions in emergency and stressful situations.

•       Perform assigned duties and responsibilities while attending the basic academy which may include test taking, physical training, defensive tactics, weapons, scenario, etc. training and examinations.

•       Use computers and supporting applications. 

Personal Characteristics

•       Honesty, conscientiousness, dependability, integrity and initiative.

•       Ability to maintain emotional control.

•       Ability to effectively deal with personal danger which may include exposure to hazards of emergency driving, chemical exposure, fire arms training, etc.

•       Ability to maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for making observations, communicating with others, reading and writing, and operating assigned equipment and vehicles.

•       Ability to maintain mental capacity which allows the capability to exercise sound judgment and rational thinking under dangerous circumstances.

•       Acceptance that one’s behavior off-duty impacts one’s on-duty credibility and ability to function effectively; in the event an officer’s off-duty conduct is determined through an academy inquiry or department investigation to have violated academy / department policies and procedures governing behavior, the Deputy Sheriff Cadet may be subject to discipline, up to and including termination.

Academy Requirements

As entry level law enforcement candidates attending a basic police academy, recruits (cadets / trainees) are expected to demonstrate total commitment towards successfully meeting the academic and physical requirements set by the academy.  Throughout the academy, recruits will be expected to adopt a demeanor that encompasses pride, professionalism, maturity, and self-discipline.  Work ethic will be defined and serve as a guide to each new recruits’ professional conduct. 

• Ability to prepare self mentally / physically to approach the basic academy with an eagerness to learn and develop the discipline and skills required to become a peace officer for the State of California.
• Meet or exceed the expectations set by the Academy.
• Ability to understand and accept the Academy chain of command.
• Successfully pass approximately 41 Learning Domains and practical exercises with a score established by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.
• In addition to P.O.S.T. testing requirements, the Deputy Sheriff Cadet must successfully pass numerous additional academy specific objectives in order for the recruit to graduate from the basic academy.
• Recruits are required to attain an acceptable level of physical fitness during the basic academy.  In accordance with P.O.S.T. regulations, recruits who are unable to complete 30 hours of physical training during the first twelve to fourteen weeks of the basic academy must be recommended for removal from the basic academy.
• Maintain a mature and professional attitude.
• Engage tactfully and courteously with the academy staff and classmates.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of attending the academy.
• While attending the academy, the incumbent may be required to attend additional training outside of the academy at the Stanford Department of Public Safety.
• While attending the academy, the incumbent may be required to work special events as a Deputy Sheriff Cadet on the Stanford University campus.
• Wear a uniform issued by the academy and the Stanford Department of Public Safety.
• Upon approval by the academy coordinator, wear a utility / duty belt (approximately 40 pounds) during training, other police equipment weighing up to an additional 40 pounds during special training.
• Attend the academy during irregular hours set by the academy curriculum, including weekends, evenings, and holidays.
• The Deputy Sheriff Cadet must meet or exceed written performance evaluations from the Recruit Training Officer at the academy in the following areas:

1.     Appearance

2.     Integrity / Credibility

3.     Acceptance of criticism

4.     Ability to follow directions

5.     Promptness / Dependability

6.     Class demeanor / compatibility

7.     Bearing / officer presence

8.     Interest in people / interpersonal sensitivity

9.     Self confidence

10.  Learning ability / judgment / adaptability

11.  Ability to communicate / report writing

12.  Knowledge – Test / Learning ability

13.  Officer Safety / Observations skills

14.  Scenario testing

15.  Firearms / Range

16.  Control of Conflict

17.  Arrest / Control Techniques

18.  Operation of Motor Vehicle

19.  Physical Training

20.  Overall Evaluation