Deputy (Judicial/Court Services)

Job Purpose

Ensures civil process, criminal warrants, detention orders, mental transports, bond court, court security, and other duties assigned to the Judicial Services Division are completed in a professional, timely, and efficient manner.  Provides a safe environment for all visitors, staff, and others at the Lexington County Judicial Center or a Magistrate’s Court.  Enforces all local, federal and state laws relating to public safety and welfare. Works under stressful, high-risk conditions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Enforces all local, federal and state laws relating to public safety and welfare; performs all duties in compliance with applicable policies, procedures, laws, regulations and standards of safety.
• Provides security during court proceedings.  Monitors all persons for signs of potential disruptive behavior.  Monitors and maintains control of inmates during all phases of court proceedings.  Maintains position between the judge and litigants.
• Responds to and obeys any orders given by the presiding judge such as searching for and bringing before the court any missing jurors, taking individuals into custody, etc.
• Maintains the security and integrity of the court house or magistrate court.  Conducts building inspections to ensure ongoing facility security by physically testing all security entrances and alarms for proper operation.  Monitors the parking areas and court house grounds for any suspicious activity and/or suspicious items.
• Monitors the court entrance/exit and conducts screenings of incoming individuals, packages, and personal items using x-ray scanners, metal detectors, visual detection, and other approved security practices.  Detects and confiscates all weapons, contraband, and/or suspicious items.
• Detains or arrests individuals as provided by South Carolina Law and processes accordingly.
• Interacts with court house visitors, and directs individuals to the proper area.  Responds to public/staff inquiries, and requests for assistance.  Investigates and resolves complaints from the public and staff.  Provides personal security escorts to and from vehicles, upon request.
• Monitors and controls inmates who are receiving treatment at a medical facility.   Maintains constant surveillance of inmate.  Maintains alertness during long periods of inactivity.  Enforces the detention policies and procedures as it relates to inmate visitation.  Briefs replacement at shift change on the inmate/patient status.
• Transports inmates from detention center to/from court house.
• Executes psychiatric orders and transports.
• Executes, reviews, and facilitates processing of civil paperwork.  Includes rule to vacate, summons and complaint, claim and delivery, subpoenas, family court rule to show cause, and common pleas hearing.
• Investigates, tracks, and executes criminal warrants.
• Provides staff escorts with daily bank deposits to and from financial institutions.
• Serves criminal warrants, civil process papers, and other court documents.
• Works overtime as necessary, including overtime in other duty areas, as well as the detention center.
• Acts as a liaison between the local magistrates and the Sheriff’s Department.
• Provides court testimony as necessary.
• Participates in special operations as assigned.
• Maintains assigned equipment and vehicles.
• Attends periodic training sessions; maintains required level of proficiency in the use of firearms.
• Prepares various documents including incident reports, accident reports, investigative reports, pursuit reports, warrants, subpoenas, and case documentation.

Job Specifications and Qualifications:

Education/Experience:

• High School diploma or equivalent

 Licensing and Certifications:

• Valid South Carolina Driver’s License, and
• Class I Law Enforcement certification from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy (if applicant is certified law enforcement in another state, the applicant will become certified in SC after hire).

Qualification for Deputy:

Must be 21 years old or older.

Must be a United States citizen.

Must be a South Carolina resident, or will move to SC upon hire.

MUST have one (1) of the following:

• Certified Class 1-LE from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy, or
• Certified law enforcement from another state.

If you are not already a certified law enforcement officer in South Carolina or another state, please consider applying for Patrol Deputy or Detention Deputy.

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements:

• Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.
• Positions in this class typically require, talking, hearing, seeing, grasping, fingering, standing, walking, repetitive motions, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, climbing, balancing, pushing, pulling, and lifting.  Positions in this class may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, odors, dusts, poor ventilation, chemicals, oils, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, and intense noises.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.