902 - Underfunded Special Assignments and Promotion Criteria
902.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for promotions and for making special assignments within the Hartwell County Sheriff’s Department.
902.2 PROMOTIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Requirements and information regarding any promotional process are available at the Hartwell County Sheriff’s Department of Human Resources.
902.2.1 PROMOTIONS & APPOINTMENTS
The Hartwell County Sheriff Department is committed to providing a fair and equal approach to all promotion opportunities. Interested candidates may submit in writing a letter of interest to the Sheriff or Undersheriff who will then seek performance reviews and/or evaluate performance, training and standards, and time-in-grade consideration. Once a decision has been reached, a letter and/or notice will be issued in response to the decision. All standard promotions must be approved by the Sheriff and Undersheriff who shall also retain the final decision on any appointments and promotions.
Promotion Criteria
902.2.2 PROMOTION CRITERIA
DEPUTY SHERIFF: Applying through approved portal. Meeting criteria of California POST. Passing IC and OOC interviews. Swearing or affirming Oath of Office before The Sheriff. Deputized as a Deputy Sheriff upon hire date. Obtains WAZ uniforms and tools at own cost. Begins Deputy Sheriff career in unassigned at-large district Patrol Deputy Sheriff post.
Deputy Sheriffs will also be utilized as Jail/Detention/Correctional Deputies when the need arises and when assigned by Supervisors, Administration Bureau, other Bureau Commanders or Division Commanders inside the HCSD Jail.
SENIOR DEPUTY/CORPORAL: Passed HCSD Deputy Sheriff In-Service/On-The-Job Training/Training Blocks to Satisfactory standards. The role of Senior Deputy bearing the rank of Corporal is compulsory upon completion of In-Service Training. Corporals exist and function as Field Training Officers and advisors to Deputy Sheriffs.
Further ranks continue are stated, understood, and are discretionary and are only promoted at the pleasure and will of The Sheriff, Undersheriff, and the Administrative Bureau. Further ranks also require passing the HCSD Deputy Sheriff In-Service/On-The-Job Training/Training Blocks to Satisfactory standards and were promoted to Senior Deputy/Corporal and have served in that job for a length of time.
DETECTIVE: Detective/Investigator Interview if seeking detective grade; DETECTIVE CORPORAL, DETECTIVE SERGEANT, DETECTIVE LIEUTENANT.
SERGEANT: Candidate is granted Supervisor Interview.
LIEUTENANT: Candidate is granted Administrative Interview.
CAPTAIN: Candidate is granted Chief Deputy Interview.
902.2.3 PROMOTIONAL PROCESS ADMINISTRATION
The Sheriff and Undersheriff or an authorized designee is responsible for administering the promotional process.
902.2.4 PROMOTIONAL PROCESS ANNOUNCEMENT
The Department will publish written promotional announcements that include the following:
- Promotional opportunity classification and description
- Requirements for participation
- Description of the evaluation and selection process
- Schedule and location of testing
902.2.5 PROMOTIONAL PROBATIONARY PERIOD
All newly promoted members shall serve a minimum time-in-grade performance-based probationary period which is determined by the Administrative Bureau.
902.2.6 PROMOTIONAL TRAINING
All newly promoted supervisors shall receive job-related training prior to or within their first year of assuming new responsibilities.
902.3 POLICY
The Hartwell County Sheriff’s Department determines assignments and promotions in a nondiscriminatory manner based upon job-related factors and candidate skills and qualifications.
Assignments and promotions are made and determined by The Sheriff.
Underfunded, Special Assignment Positions
902.4 UNDERFUNDED, SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT POSITIONS
Due to slow/low hiring and staffing as well as budgetary concerns, the following positions are examples of currently underfunded assignments, necessary to carry out the Office of The Sheriff. These, for now, until further notice are special assignments. All special assignment personnel serve at the will and the pleasure of The Sheriff.
A review of the assignment based on performance and the needs of the department will be conducted by the Sheriff and the Administration, to determine if an extension is appropriate and determine if these positions are valid to be permanent.
- Coroner Deputy/Chief Medical Examiner/Physician
- Armorer/Gunsmith/Firearms Instructor
- Background Investigator
- Concealed Carry Staff/Firearms Instructor
- Jail/Detention/Correctional Deputy
- Court Protection Unit/ Court Correctional Deputy/Baliff
- Department Trainer/Training Coordinator/Instructor
- Detective/Investigator/Inspector
- Evidence Technician
- Explosive Ordinance Detail Specialist/Bomb Squad
- Field Training Deputy/Officer
- Canine Handler/K-9 Deputy
- Livestock Deputy
- Marine Deputy/Search and Rescue Team
- School Resource Officer/Deputy
- SWAT Team
- Patrol/Traffic Deputy
- Aviation Deputy/Drone Pilot
- Non-Sworn Office Employee (t) (u) (v) (w) (x) (y) (z)
902.4.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
The following requirements should be considered when selecting a candidate for a special assignment:
- Relevant experience
- Off probation
- All areas of the previous yearly evaluation at, or above, minimum standards.
- No disciplinary actions within the previous year.
- Possession of or ability to obtain any certification required by POST or law
- Exceptional skills, experience, or abilities related to the special assignment
902.4.2 EVALUATION CRITERIA
The following criteria will be used in evaluating candidates for a special assignment:
- Presents a professional, neat appearance.
- Maintains a physical condition that aids in his/her performance.
- Expressed an interest in the assignment.
- Demonstrates the following traits:
- Emotional stability and maturity
- Stress tolerance
- Sound judgment and decision-making
- Personal integrity and ethical conduct
- Leadership skills
- Initiative
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Ability to conform to office goals and objectives in a positive manner
902.4.3 SELECTION PROCESS
The selection process for special assignments is determined by the Sheriff and may, by way of example, include any of the following:
- Submission of a memorandum of interest outlining qualifications, skills, experience, goals etc.
- Each supervisor who has supervised, or otherwise been involved with the candidate, maybe asked to submit a recommendation.
- Candidates may be interviewed by an individual supervisor, manager, executive, community member or combination thereof. The interviewer(s) will provide a recommendation to the Sheriff for consideration.
- Candidates may be required to complete an examination, project, presentation, or exercise.
- Candidates may be assigned by the Sheriff.
The selection process for all special assignment positions may be waived for temporary assignments, emergency situations, training, and at the discretion of the Sheriff.
902.4.4 SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT OPENINGS
Special assignment openings within the Office shall be advertised by written office-wide announcement, dispatch, or in staff group. All qualified members will be allowed to apply and compete for positions. Members selected shall meet all applicable POST minimum standards and required training for the assignment.
Grievance Procedure