DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: Work involves professional investigation of major
crimes, offenses and criminal complaints. Responsibilities include securing crime scenes and
evidence, researching facts and information by interview, observation and investigation, and
recording information and preparation of reports and related documentation. Duties require
extensive field work, attention to detail and professional level handling of information intended
for use in criminal proceedings. Work is performed under direct supervision of a Senior Criminal
Investigator or other higher-level staff. Supervision may be exercised over deputies as assigned.
Performs related work as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative only)
Investigates all felonies including narcotics, burglaries, homicides, rapes, arson, fraud, assaults
and grand larcenies;
Interviews suspects, witnesses and complainants in an effort to obtain relevant information
relating to the investigation and offenses against the law;
Secures evidence such as statements of witnesses, documents, records, latent fingerprints,
exhibits, photographs and affidavits required for the arrest of individuals and the
indictment and prosecution of cases;
Evaluates information gathered and makes conclusions based upon it;
Conducts surveillance of suspected criminals and criminal locations from unmarked and
surveillance vehicles, at times in an undercover capacity;
Executes warrants as directed by the courts, arresting suspects or violators;
Processes crime scenes for latent prints;
Photographs crime and accident scenes and other incidents as directed;
Prepares reports and testifies in local, Superior and Federal Courts regarding the investigations
conducted and evidence collected;
Works with other law enforcement agencies (i.e., Federal, State) regarding investigations;
Compiles and maintains a variety of written factual reports and records in order to document
activities and retain information useful in future and/or continuing investigations;
May operate and maintain color and black and white photographic processing equipment;
May maintain and store all evidence, valuables and property held by the department;
Performs a variety of related activities as required.
Typical Work Activities are intended only as illustrations of possible types of work that might be appropriately assigned
to an incumbent of this title. Work activities that do not appear above are not excluded as appropriate work
assignments, as long as they can be reasonably understood to be within the logical limits of the job.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Good knowledge of modern police procedures, law enforcement and investigation techniques;
good knowledge of New York State Penal Law, Vehicle and Traffic Law, Criminal Procedures Law
and other applicable laws, regulations and ordinances; good knowledge of the techniques
utilized to preserved crime scenes during investigations; good knowledge of the geography of
the County, good oral and written communication skills; familiarity with the operation of radio
equipment; skill in the use of firearms; ability to comprehend written material; ability to
effectively deal with the public; sound judgment and keen powers of observation; initiative;
integrity; tact and courtesy.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Three (3) years of full-time permanent employment as a Putnam County Deputy Sheriff
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:
Possession of a valid, unrestricted, appropriate level driver’s license, and acceptable driving
record are required at time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT*: Deputy Sheriffs are Public Officers, therefore, New York State
residency in Putnam County, or a contiguous county to Putnam (Dutchess, Orange, Rockland,
Westchester), is required at time of appointment and throughout employment.
*Pursuant to New York State Public Officers Law Article 2, Section 3, 41
3/94; 9/97; 12/02; 1/09; 10/24; 3/26
Competitive Class
