Deputy Sheriff I (K-9)

Summary

The K-9 Deputy Sheriff is responsible for performing a variety of law enforcement and security duties within the Chester County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) with a specialized focus on K-9 operations. This position involves utilizing a trained police service dog to assist in searches, tracking, apprehensions, narcotics or explosive detection, and public demonstrations. The K-9 Deputy must ensure the proper care, training, and deployment of their assigned canine partner while maintaining public safety and enforcing laws. This position requires 24/7 on-call availability, including weekends and holidays, to respond to emergencies and operational needs.

New Certification Policy
Act 120 or Act 2 Law Enforcement Certification No Longer Required to Start as Deputy Sheriff; County to Pay for Training Once Hired.
Law enforcement recruits must complete 919 hours of coursework and training, typically over nine months, to become Act 120 certified. Act 2 certification requires recruits to complete 760 hours in a six-month residential program.

Essential Duties

• Responds to emergency calls, including criminal incidents, missing persons, and public safety threats.
• Performs general law enforcement duties such as patrolling, enforcing laws, making arrests, and writing reports.
• Assists in securing courtrooms, government buildings, and county facilities.
• Maintains current knowledge of policies, laws, and regulations affecting law enforcement duties.
• Provides backup support to other deputies and law enforcement agencies as required.

• Utilizes the assigned K-9 for tracking, searches, narcotics or explosives detection, and suspect apprehension.
• Responds to incidents requiring specialized K-9 intervention, including warrant service, searches, and public safety threats.
• Ensures the proper daily care, feeding, and maintenance of the K-9, including medical checkups and exercise.
• Conducts routine and ongoing training for the K-9 to maintain proficiency and compliance with certification standards.
• Deploys the K-9 for detection purposes in accordance with department policies and legal standards.
• Provides public demonstrations and community engagement regarding K-9 operations and law enforcement practices.
• Prepares and presents K-9-related reports and documentation for legal proceedings.
• Testifies in court regarding K-9 searches, detections, and apprehensions as required.
• Works in conjunction with detectives, prosecutors, and other agencies in K-9-related investigations
• Maintains and inspects all issued K-9 equipment, including leashes, muzzles, bite sleeves, and training gear.
• Follows all safety protocols related to K-9 handling, deployment, and transportation.
• Ensures proper vehicle modifications for K-9 transport, including temperature control and secure containment.

• Maintains 24/7 on-call status, including nights, weekends, and holidays, to respond to law enforcement incidents requiring K-9 deployment.
• Must be able to report to duty immediately when called upon for emergency situations.
• Coordinates with supervisors and dispatch to determine appropriate K-9 response in critical incidents.
• Ensures the availability of transportation for the K-9 at all times.

Qualifications/Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED)
• No prior Act 120 or Act 2 certification required; the County provides paid training
• Act 120 Police Academy training certification not more than five years prior to the employment date, or five years of law enforcement experience ending not more than five years prior to the employment date.
• Successfully complete Act 2 Waiver training within one year after employment date.
• Continuously maintain Act 2 certification after employment.
• Must be willing to undergo and complete K-9 handler training and certification
• Must be physically capable of handling and restraining a trained police K-9
• Must ensure the proper off-duty care and housing of the assigned K-9 in accordance with office policies.
• Complete all state and Sheriff’s Office required certifications and/or qualifications.
• Maintain firearms qualification.
• Maintain CPR and EMS provider-level certifications.
• Exhibits sound and accurate judgement.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Must pass a pre-employment polygraph examination as directed by the Sheriff.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical fitness test and maintain physical fitness standard as directed by the Sheriff.
• Ability to create a positive work environment.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team and proceed with objectives.
• Exhibit tactful behavior with strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position.
• Accurate and detail oriented with strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish priorities and remain focused on daily operations.
• Easily adapts to unpredictable environments and work under pressure.
• Ability to follow protocols to handle and resolve recurring problems.
• Flexible, with an ability to carry multiple tasks to completion
• Exhibits a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn new tasks.
• Professionalism, integrity, and honesty with an ability to handle confidential matters.

• Corrections or law enforcement background.
• One year of customer service experience.
• Prior law enforcement K-9 experience
• Knowledge of K-9 training techniques and behavioral management.
• Experience with narcotics or explosives detection K-9s.
• Experience in public speaking and community engagement.
• Knowledge of search and rescue operations.
• Prior military experience.
• Knowledge of criminal and civil law.
• Training in defensive and security tactics.
• Emergency Medical First Aid certification.
• Firearms qualification.
• First aid and CPR training.

Additional Information

Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is given per County policy.

Computer Skills:
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have:

• Basic Office Suite Skills, (Word and Explorer).
• Basic Outlook Skills (Email and Calendar)

• Close and distant vision
• Depth perception (three-dimensional vision ability to judge distances and spatial relationships)
• Ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus (driving and firearms handling)
• Peripheral vision (ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left and right while eyes are fixed on a given point) due to criminals approaching from the side.
• Ability to qualify yearly for night shooting

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.
• Will work around criminals a minimum of eight hours a day.
• Must be on the defensive at all times due to the nature of the profession.

• Ability to work extended hours, as necessary
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.