Part-Time Deputy Constable - Security bei Brazoria County, TX

About the Department

Under general supervision, they provide law enforcement activities within the County. Directly responsible for the security of the Justice Courts while in session and overall security of Brazoria County annexes and properties, buildings, employees and citizens.

Position Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills.  This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodation will be made as required.  Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• May perform patrol and traffic control as assigned.
• Shall perform security sweeps of the Justice Court building premises each morning and at the end of each day; additionally, they perform a security sweep of the courtroom prior to, and after, all court dockets.   Random searches of premises may also be performed as needed.
• Deputies shall ensure the judge and court staff is never without armed protection whenever court is in session and is never to leave the court room for any reason besides an emergency that requires the deputy to act immediately. 
• Deputies shall not leave the court room to perform clerical related duties.
• Deputies shall always remain in view of all courtroom attendees.
• Deputies will staff a courtroom security checkpoint consisting of a Walk-Through metal detector and may also require use a hand-held wand detector.   Additionally, they will inspect all purses, bags, wallets, etc. prior to permitting anyone to enter the courtroom. Anyone exiting the courtroom is required to go back through security process upon returning.
• Deputies assist citizens by answering questions, and directing them where they need to go
• Transports offenders when circumstances dictate, processes documentation regarding transportation.
• Performs warrant service; contacts defendants to advise them of the status of outstanding traffic warrants.
• Provides judicial office duties and court room security for the Justice courts; maintains order, makes necessary arrests in court; aids attorneys, plaintiffs and defendants within the court.
• Receives civil and criminal documents from courts, law firms and the public; performs data entry prior to service of such documents.
• Executes civil processes issued by any court.
• Conducts property seizures with property owners, attorneys, landlords and other parties.
• May conduct traffic stops; issues citations and/or warnings; assist stranded motorists.
• Assists in emergency and disaster situations, at the requests or activation of Emergency Management.
• Serves as a liaison with local, state and federal law enforcement and/or criminal justice agencies.
• Works with school districts, law enforcement agencies, county and state agencies and civic groups as necessary.
• May need to interview witnesses, victims and suspects.
• Serves subpoenas, writs and arrest warrants.
• Receives criminal warrants from the courts and apprehends/assists in the apprehension of named suspects.
• Performs research of various databases for current addresses of violators who have outstanding warrants; mails warrant notification cards.
• Prepares and submits requested reports of activities.
• Oversee routine vehicle and equipment maintenance, radio and computer programming or updates.
• Serves on special committees or task forces as assigned and may assist in organizing and preparing for community events.
• Inspect departmental equipment and supplies to ensure proper operation and availability. Maintain walk-through and wand metal detector. Ensure metal detector is charged and properly calibrated.

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have current and active TCOLE license as a peace officer
• Must have active Texas Drivers License or if from out of state, show proof of transfer
• High School diploma or equivalent
• 21 years of age or older.
• Vision that is no more than 20/200 vision, and correctable to 20/20.
• No past convictions for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI or DUI);
• No more than three (3) moving violations within the last five (5) years.
• No felony convictions.
• No misdemeanor convictions for any offense involving moral turpitude or family violence.
• United States citizenship (born or naturalized);
• Honorable discharge from any past military enlistment.
• Be prepared to purchase regulation departmental uniforms (a minimum of $300).
• Good mental and physical health.

LICENSE & CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Basic Texas Peace Officer license.
• Compliance with Section 217 of the Texas Administrative Code.
• TCIC/NCIC certification
• Bailiff/Security duties must obtain TCOLE Court Security certificate within 1 year of appointment.  This basic certification is a legislative requirement for any deputy performing bailiff duties. It is preferred they also become certified as TCOLE Court Security Specialist.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES:

• Should be current in mandated TCOLE training.
• Prefer at least five (5) years of law enforcement experience; OR,
• An acceptable combination of education, training and experience as determined by the Constable and Human Resources.   

WORKING KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Principles and practices of law enforcement.
• Texas criminal, civil, finance, government, family, property, penal, and transportation codes at a minimum along with other state, local, county and federal laws and regulations.
• Criminal case reporting and preparation methods and techniques.
• Interview and interrogation techniques and Investigative practices and procedures.
• Basic knowledge of criminal and civil rights of individuals.
• Basic knowledge of the proper use and deployment of lethal and non-lethal weapons and devices.
• Basic first aid and emergency responder medical practices and techniques; preferred.
• Mediation, intervention, and de-escalation methods and the ability to maintain calm and self-control in highly stressful, potentially dangerous situations 
• Legal principles, terminology, practices, and procedures regarding the court system.
• Knowledge of using maps and understanding County geography,
• General knowledge of procedures and regulations covering specific areas of assignment.
• Ability to understand and interpret reports, memorandums, and other correspondence

SKILL IN:

• Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with elected officials, supervisors, employees, external public agencies and organizations, judges, attorneys, crime victims, witnesses, family members of defendants, jurors and the public.
• Using initiative, discretion and decision making within established procedures, guidelines and rules.
• Solving problems, collecting data, establishing facts and drawing valid conclusions.
• Providing efficient customer service.
• Operating a personal computer, various software applications, and job-related electronics.
• Firearms proficiency.
• Ability to grasp and manipulate with one or both hands protective equipment such as a baton, firearms, flashlight, handcuffs, fire extinguisher and radio equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Work is typically performed indoors; however outdoor work environments may be assigned.  May be exposed to dangerous machinery, extreme weather conditions, potential physical harm, hazardous chemicals and infectious diseases.  May be required to lift and carry items weighing up to 100 pounds.  May be required to climb ladders.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear.  The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, run, climb, jump, and use hands to handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms.   Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Other Qualifications

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.