Deputy Sheriff

Overview

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.

Stanford University is a leading research university located near Palo Alto, 35 miles south of San Francisco, on an 8,800-acre campus. Founded in 1891, the university excels in a wide range of fields from the humanities to information technology to health sciences and medicine.

Under general supervision, a Stanford University Department of Public Safety deputy sheriff provides general law enforcement and public safety services to the community. Principal duties include responding to emergencies, patrol, investigation of crimes and other incidents, traffic/bicycle enforcement, crime prevention activities, and other law enforcement/public safety services as required. A significant degree of initiative, independent judgment, and discretion is required to develop and maintain a community‑oriented, problem‑solving approach to policing.

The deputy must possess, maintain proficiency in, and exercise the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform law enforcement functions. This includes understanding federal, state, and local laws; rules of evidence and search and seizure; self‑defense and use of force; operation and maintenance of police equipment and vehicles; and university/department policies and procedures. Deputies may participate in assignments such as patrol, investigations, special events, traffic, K‑9, off‑road motorcycle/bicycle patrol, range master, field training officer, lead officer positions, and potential promotional opportunities.

Deputies will be assigned to rotate between units as appropriate at the Director of Public Safety's discretion.

Deputies work in potentially dangerous and adverse conditions and must be willing and able to respond to emergencies, work in confined spaces, and handle life‑threatening situations. They may encounter individuals whose actions place them at risk and must be physically able to perform tasks such as running, jumping, climbing, kneeling, lifting, and related activities. Deputies must be able to work in inclement weather and irregular hours on all shifts.

They are considered essential University personnel and shall respond to campus needs as directed.

Stanford Deputy Sheriffs derive their peace officer authority through a Memorandum of Understanding with the Sheriff of Santa Clara County, which deputizes Stanford Deputies as sworn peace officers with full law enforcement powers under applicable law.

Leadership

• Promote and model the department's Core Values, ROOTS philosophies, and performance standards.
• Motivate and inspire others to model these values and standards.
• Collaborate to accomplish departmental and individual objectives.
• Work ethically and collaboratively to fulfill the public safety mission.

Law Enforcement

• Maintain the peace through diplomacy, appropriate arrests and citations, and controlling violent persons in accordance with the law.
• Exercise sound judgment under dangerous and stressful conditions; think clearly and act quickly.
• Interpret and apply federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• Properly use firearms and police equipment; meet weapons and emergency vehicle operation qualifications; comply with training requirements.
• Maintain public relations and respond to calls for service from students, staff, and visitors; assist community members and establish effective working relationships.
• Keep information confidential and gather, analyze, evaluate, and document facts and evidence.
• Conduct investigations and document findings in writing; monitor traffic and enforce traffic laws; recover lost or stolen property.
• Decide between enforcement options under normal or stressful conditions; appear in court as required.
• Implement the Incident Command System as appropriate; interact with the public and other agencies professionally.
• Perform peace officer duties on campus by car, motorcycle, bicycle, or on foot to protect university people and property.
• Learn and apply university/department…