Deputy Constable
JOB CODE: 2158
PAY GRADE: 1173
SALARY RANGE: $34,147 - $58,133
LOCATION OF WORK
City Constable's Office
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under the general direction of the Deputy Constable-Sergeant, performs responsible and specialized field and courtroom work in serving legal documents and performing in the capacity of a municipal court bailiff. Work involves responsibility for the routine serving of legal papers, the execution of court orders, and performing various special assignments. Irregular hours of work may be necessary in difficult cases. Employees of this class are required to exercise independent judgment, tact and discretion to successfully accomplish assignments. Work is performed in accordance with established laws, rules, regulations and procedures of the Constable's Office, the City of Baton Rouge and the State of Louisiana. Performs other work as requested.
ESSENTIAL WORK TASKS
Serves (executes) and explains the nature of court ordered documents, such as criminal and civil subpoenas, to appropriate individuals within the city.
Serves (executes) bench warrants and apprehends subjects of bench warrants in judgment debtor cases; serves and explains the nature of court ordered seizures and eviction notices; contacts attorneys and plaintiffs in order to explain, obtain and provide information on court orders that have been served.
Performs various special assignments (stakeouts, transporting of a prisoner) in order to assist local law enforcement agencies; picks up and retains livestock running astray in the city; conducts public constable sales in the absence of the Chief Deputy Constable; works with various community relations projects such as United Way, Special Olympics, etc.
Reads and announces all charges levied against an individual during arraignment proceedings; opens, recesses and adjourns court proceedings on a daily basis; swears in all individuals who are to testify in court; excuses all witnesses after cases have been decided; operates, adjusts and replaces tape in recording machines used in recording court proceedings.
Arrests or recommends the arrest of individuals who violate the law in and outside of the courtroom; approves or disapproves all communications or actions attempted between prisoners and individuals in the court audience; recommends the removal of prisoners and individuals in the courtroom whose conduct becomes disruptive.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of the geography of the City.
Knowledge of the legal guidelines involved in constable sales.
Knowledge of criminal and civil laws governing the City of Baton Rouge.
Skill in the use and care of firearms.
Ability to gain the confidence of and establish effective working relationships with other employees, affiliated departments and the public.
Ability to read and interpret routine legal documents, court dispositions and resolve any conflicts in said documents.
Ability to deal firmly, tactfully and impartially with people contacted in the course of work.
Ability to prepare routine reports and records and devise and maintain a simple filing system.
Ability to perform simple mathematical calculations, percentages and additions.
Ability to apply good work habits such as punctuality, reliability, preciseness, and dependability in order to effectively complete assigned tasks and contribute to the smooth operation of the department and division.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
High school diploma, GED, HiSET, or equivalent certificate of competency, and must not be less than twenty-one (21) years of age.
SUBSTITUTIONS
Any equivalent combination of education and experience.
CERTIFICATIONS / LICENSES / REGISTRATIONS
(Unless otherwise specified below, must possess at the time of appointment and must be maintained current throughout employment in this classification.) Must have a valid Louisiana driver's license at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment in this classification. Employees of this class are required to pass a Pre-Academy Evaluation and meet minimum physical standards as set forth by the Louisiana Council on Police Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.), and must successfully complete and pass a certified P.O.S.T. training program approved by the Louisiana Council within one calendar year from the initial employment or employee will be terminated. Passing the P.O.S.T. examination within one calendar year is a requirement of employment, therefore the probationary period will end after the employee has completed six (6) months of employment and passed the P.O.S.T. examination.
OTHER JOB ASPECTS
None.
NOTE:
The work examples described in this specification are intended only as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from job performance requirements if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the job.