Deputy Sheriff - Patrol

A Law Enforcement Division Deputy Sheriff (Deputy Sheriff - Patrol) is a sworn police officer and is responsible for the enforcement of laws, the protection of life and property, and the arrest and prosecution of law violators.

A Patrol Deputy’s work primarily entails routine patrol operations in an assigned area of the county. The work consists of investigations, apprehension of criminals, and related police duties in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Oneida County Sheriff's Office.

A Patrol Deputy works under the supervision of a Corporal, Sergeant, or higher-ranking officer. The senior officer oversees the work performed by the deputy, and assistance and instructions are provided as special problems arise.

Duties of a Patrol Deputy include, but are not limited to:

• Maintains motorized or walking patrol within an assigned area or building in Oneida County.
• Conducts traffic enforcement operations and motor vehicle stops.
• Responds to, and investigates crime in progress calls, criminal activities, suspicious activities, and complaints.
• Makes arrests and/or issues appearance tickets for violations of federal, state laws, and local laws and ordinances.
• Conducts searches and seizures.
• Arrests and detains suspects, which includes advising persons of their constitutional rights (Miranda Warning), arresting persons pursuant to a warrant, conducting warrantless arrests (non-traffic), and inspecting vehicles for weapons and/or contraband.
• Conducts interviews, interrogations, and obtains and records confessions and statements.
• Controls civil disorder, which may include the use of chemical agents and non-lethal weapons (electronic control devices, pepper spray, beanbag projectiles), and wears a gas mask during the performance of such.
• Collects and preserves evidence and personal property from crime scenes, documents chain of custody for evidence, protects and secures crime scene, records location of physical evidence and fingerprints at the scene, and labels evidence.
• Uses physical force to: break up fights, carry an immobile child, pull persons out of vehicles to effect rescue or arrest, subdue physically attacking person, use weaponless defense tactics, subdue person resisting arrest, disarm violent armed suspect, search for persons in darkened building or environment, strike person with a baton.
• Possesses knowledge of, and uses physical force and deadly force, including cleaning and inspecting weapons, discharging firearms, drawing weapon to protect self or third party, participating in firearms training, securing firearms when off-duty, firing a weapon in dark environment with the aid of a flashlight.
• Attends court, presents evidence in connection with arrests made or cases investigated, and testifies in court proceedings.
• Operates various agency motor vehicles under various difficult conditions.
• Takes custody of mentally deranged or deficient persons for their own protection.
• Transports prisoners, inmates, and defendants to various courts and transports juvenile defendants to and from Division for Youth facilities and courts, and maintains security of defendants.
• Conducts motor vehicle accident prevention.
• Conducts Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) Enforcement.
• Conducts emergency preparedness and disaster control.
• Possesses knowledge of, and provides emergency medical assistance, such as basic first aid, negotiations with suicidal persons, use of protective gear to prevent contact with infectious diseases, and use of blood-borne pathogen clean-up kit.
• Executes and serves warrants provided by various courts, including Governor's and Fugitive Warrants, and serves court subpoenas and court orders.
• Maintains order of crowds, parades, funerals, and other public and private gatherings.
• Makes daily reports of activities.
• Speaks to groups about police procedures and activities, in an effort to foster greater understanding and cooperation with the public.
• Answers questions and directs the public in law enforcement-related matters.
• Handles other mandates of the Sheriff, as directed.

Candidates for the position of Deputy Sheriff - Patrol are selected from a Civil Service List, which is compiled from the results of a written exam.

Prior to taking the exam, one must have graduated from high school or possess a high school equivalency diploma and be no greater than 35 years of age (six years allowance for military duty or terminal leave) as of the date taking the exam.

Prior to appointment, candidates for the position of Deputy Sheriff - Patrol must:

• Be at least 20 years of age.
• Possess a valid New York State Driver's License.
• Be a citizen of the United States and a resident of New York.
• Meet all current requirements of Section 58 of the Civil Service Law.
• Pass a background investigation, psychological exam, voice stress analysis exam, and drug test.

The starting salary for a Deputy Sheriff - Patrol in 2019 is $47,795. A recruit deputy's salary is 85% of the starting salary until completion of Basic Police Academy training.

Additional information and test dates for the position of Law Enforcement Deputy Sheriff can be obtained from the Oneida County Personnel Department.

Uniform Deputy Sheriffs patrol the county’s 2,332 miles of county, state, and town roadways; providing services to three cities, 17 villages, and 26 townships. The patrol service area covers 1,250 square miles.

Deputy Sheriffs are charged with the preservation of public peace, protection of life and property, and the arrest and prosecution of violators of the varied laws of the state, county, and local municipalities. Deputies respond to citizen’s requests for service, provide complaint and motor vehicle accident investigation, and handle patrol-observed incidents. Deputies also provide services and assistance to Oneida County’s seven village, three town, and three city police departments, and 59 fire departments. Uniformed Patrol squads are scheduled 24 hours per day, seven days a week, for countywide zone patrols. Uniform deputies patrol their assigned zone with marked and semi-marked (no lightbar) patrol vehicles.

The Uniform Patrol is assisted by support units of Deputies with specific expertise and equipment to be utilized as needed. These units include the Emergency Response Team, Underwater Search and Rescue Team, Hostage Negotiators, K-9 Teams, Navigation Unit, and Snowmobile Unit.