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
Under general supervision, a Stanford University Department of Public Safety deputy sheriff provides all aspects of general law enforcement and public safety services to the community.
Principal duties include responding to emergencies, general and directed patrol, investigation of crimes and other non-criminal incidents, traffic / bicycle enforcement and control, assisting in crime prevention activities, and other law enforcement/public safety services and duties as required. A significant degree of initiative, independent judgment, and discretion is required of incumbents to develop, maintain, and successfully perform in a community oriented, problem solving approach to policing.
A Stanford Department of Public Safety deputy must possess, maintain proficiency, and exercise the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform law enforcement functions. The knowledge base and skills required for this position include, but are not limited to: an understanding of pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations, including laws governing the apprehension, arrest, and custody of persons who are believed to have committed violations of the law; rules of evidence pertaining to search and seizure and preservation of evidence in traffic and criminal cases; techniques and applications of self-defense and proper use of force; operation and maintenance of police equipment (including, for example, a police radio system), vehicles and tools (including a variety of firearms); department policies and procedures; and institutional policies and procedures.
Deputies have the opportunity to participate in a number of assignments such as patrol, investigations, special events, traffic, K-9, off-road motorcycle / bicycle patrol, range master, field training officer, and various lead officer positions and potential promotional opportunities. Deputies will be assigned to rotate between units and / or other units, as appropriate, at the discretion of the Director of Public Safety.
During the course of their work, deputies will be exposed to potentially dangerous and adverse conditions. Deputies must be willing and able to work in emergency situations, confined spaces, and intense life-threatening conditions. Deputies will be exposed to persons whose actions may place them in harm’s way. Deputies will be exposed to bodily fluids, fumes, moving objects, and noise. Deputies must be physically able to work in circumstances requiring running, jumping, walking, crawling, kneeling, climbing, stooping, pulling and moderate lifting.
Deputies 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.
Recognizing that Public Safety is an evolving profession, persons holding the rank of deputy must be able to respond to technological, political and social changes. Accordingly, the job responsibilities will change over time. As such, the job responsibilities of a deputy and this job description are subject to modification. Absent a higher ranking officer, the responsibility to assure shift operational efficiency shall be the primary responsibility of a deputy.
Stanford Deputy Sheriffs derive their peace officer authority through a Memorandum of Understanding between Stanford 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.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
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 collaborate with others to accomplish departmental and individual objectives.
• Work ethically and collaboratively with others to accomplish the fundamental public safety mission of the department.
Law Enforcement
• Maintain the peace through the effective use of diplomacy, affecting arrests and issuing citations, and controlling violent persons in accordance with the law.
• Exercise sound judgment and rational thinking under dangerous and stressful conditions; think clearly and act quickly in a variety of situations.
• Interpret, apply, and make decisions in accordance with applicable federal, state and local policies, laws and regulations.
• Properly and effectively use firearms and other police equipment and vehicles; meet weapons qualifications for pistol, shotgun, rifle, baton and other weapons as required; meet emergency vehicle operations qualifications; meet department, county and state requirements for peace officer training and general university employment conditions.
• Maintain contact and preserve good relations with the public; respond to calls for service from students, staff, and visitors regarding criminal and non-criminal matters relating to the safety of the community.
• Assist community members, give directions and promote community relations; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Keep sensitive information strictly confidential at all times.
• Gather, assemble, analyze, evaluate, and use facts and evidence.
• Obtain information through observation, investigation, and the interviewing of victims, complainants, witnesses, and suspects.
• Conduct a variety of criminal and special investigations and effectively document information into written form.
• Monitor traffic to prevent accidents, enforce California Vehicle Code laws and promote safe traffic movement throughout the university; make traffic stops, issue warnings, and write traffic citations; investigate traffic accidents.
