Patrol Sergeant

Job Title: Patrol Sergeant                  
Department: Sheriff’s Office               
Reports To: Patrol Supervisor         
Classification: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Compensation Range: $103,767 - $116,790 annually

• Based on years of experience as a certified law enforcement officer.
• 2026 Pay Scale:

Benefits: Employee Benefits | Lake County, CO
**Open until filled**

• Additional pay potential for fluency in Spanish, degrees in postsecondary education, certified field training officer, and other training certificate
• The Lake County Sheriff's Office is looking for a P.O.S.T certified Law Enforcement Officer, with a strong desire to serve our community with professionalism and honesty. Must possess good communication skills and a commitment to our core values of Integrity, Service and Excellence. The ability to connect with a diverse community in a rural setting, preferably with bilingual proficiency and a desire for public service.
• Overtime opportunities paid at time and a half, after 80 in hours in a 14-day work period.
• County employees can also receive an annual allowance for health and wellness costs.
• End of Year bonus. Based on months of service within the year.
• Duty Firearm will be provided. 
• All uniform, belts, holsters, and other equipment, including ballistic body armor and plates, with the exception of footwear, are provided. Ballistic armor is replaced every five years at no cost to the employee.
• Current P.O.S.T, applicable instructor skills certifications will be considered for incentive bonuses to salary. (Firearms, arrest control, driving skills, other)
• Culture of personal and professional development through skills instructor courses, education, higher learning, etc.

• Participates, plans, organizes, assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of staff on an assigned beat, substation, or other organization unit such as bailiffs and/or animal control, providing support to the Sheriff’s department and the organizational unit; trains staff in work procedures; evaluates employee performance, counsels employees, and effectively recommends initial disciplinary action; assists in selection and promotion.
• Participates in the development of goals, objectives, policies, and procedures for assigned services and programs; recommends and implements policies and procedures including standard operating procedures for assigned operations.
• Monitors activities of the work unit; identifies opportunities for improving service delivery and procedures; provides recommendations concerning process changes; reviews with appropriate management staff; implements improvements.
• Coordinates assigned services and operations with those of other divisions and outside agencies.
• Provides staff assistance to management; prepares and presents staff reports and other written materials; supervises the establishment and maintenance of reports, records, databases, and files; ensures the proper documentation of operations and activities.
• Answers questions and provides information to the public; investigates and responds to complaints and inquiries from citizens, other departments, and agencies; recommends corrective actions to resolve issues; responds to, investigates, and resolves citizen complaints regarding Sheriff’s Office activities, within established guidelines and authority. 
• Prepares and releases information to the public and media in accordance with department policy and applicable law. 
• Performs a wide variety of peace officer duties involving the protection of life and property, enforcement of laws and ordinances, criminal investigation, crime prevention and suppression, suspect pursuit and apprehension, case preparation and testimony and providing information and assistance to the public. 
• Provides formal training to staff on work and safety procedures and in the operation and use of equipment; assesses and documents employee fitness for duty; develops and implements training procedures and standards; serves as a positive role model for subordinate deputies. 
• Schedules work and authorizes leaves, ensuring the effective, efficient, and timely completion of all work. 
• Supervises by radio or in person and monitors deputy’s response to a variety of law enforcement situations; provides guidance and direction to deputies and interprets points of procedures, policies, and regulations; provides technical assistance in difficult situations as necessary. 
• Supervises and coordinates crime scene activities; guides and directs deputies; ensures crowd control and the protection of evidence and the scene. 
• Performs complex investigative work in a variety of areas; gathers evidence, interviews victims, witnesses, and informants; may participate in special projects to prevent crime or apprehend possible suspects. 
• Reviews all records and reports received from subordinate staff to ensure completion, accuracy, and conformance with regulations; prepares reports and statistical data; maintains a variety of records. 
• Conducts shift briefings as needed; inspects equipment and vehicles to ensure compliance with all regulations. 
• Reviews and approves cases for prosecution and provides testimony as necessary. 
• Represents the department and the County in meetings with members of other public and private organizations, community groups, contractors, developers, and the public.
• Ensures staff observe and comply with all County and mandated safety rules, regulations, and policies.
• Performs additional duties as assigned but not limited to K9 Sergeant, S.R.T. Team Leader/Assistant Team Leader, Crisis Intervention Team Leader/Assistant Team Leader, Administrative Sergeant, , and Public Information Officer.

• High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalency.

• Three (3) years of sworn law enforcement experience, including at least one (1) year of experience working in the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
• Or five (5) years of sworn law enforcement experience, including at least two (2) years of supervisory experience.

• Possession of a valid Colorado driver's license issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles at the time of appointment.

• Possession of an appropriate Basic Certificate issued by the Colorado State Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.), or an equivalent State examination that may be transferable to Colorado, to be maintained throughout employment.   

• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Principles and practices of leadership. 
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Basic principles and practices of budget administration and monitoring.
• Modern principles, practices, procedures, and terminology used in law enforcement and crime prevention, including patrol, courthouse operations and security, criminal investigation, pursuit and apprehension of suspects, arrest and custody, and related peace officer and detective duties.  
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility.
• Rules of evidence pertaining to search and seizure and the identification, marking, preservation, and presentation of evidence.  
• Functions, authorities, and organization of other departments and agencies involved in identification, investigation, and prosecution of criminal cases.  
• Operation and maintenance of equipment used in law enforcement. 
• Court procedures and operations.  
• Principles and procedures of record keeping, business letter writing and report preparation techniques.   
• Basic mathematical principles.  
• Techniques of effective oral and written communication. 
• County and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols pertaining to law enforcement work.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• Current equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

• Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Identify problems, research, and analyze relevant information, and develop and present recommendations and justification for solutions. 
• Organize, implement, and direct day-to-day law enforcement operations, programs, and activities; perform the most complex law enforcement activities. 
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Assess difficult or emergency circumstances and develop, implement, and direct appropriate response strategies.  
• Observe and accurately recall places, names, descriptive characteristics, and facts of incidents.  
• Work under stressful or dangerous conditions, often involving considerable personal risk or risk to others.  
• Safely use and care for firearms.  
• Keep abreast of trends, technology, and requirements in law enforcement supervision and operations.
• Plan and make effective presentations to authoritative groups such as courts; testify in court.  
• Respond to complaints or inquiries from citizens, staff, and outside organizations.
• Review and prepare clear, effective, and accurate reports, correspondence, and other written materials related to law enforcement operations.
• Review and prepare clear, concise and accurate reports, records, and other correspondence and documents. 
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. 

EOE Statement

Lake County is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. Assistance or accommodation during the application process due to a disability is available upon request.

Notice of Work Authorization Requirement

Applicants must be authorized to lawfully work for any employer in the United States. Lake County is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

Notice of Emergency/Disaster Responsibilities

All Lake County Employees may be required to work as a Disaster Service Worker when a local declaration of emergency or disaster is declared by the Board of County Commissioners. To be prepared for this role, all employees and emergency service function (ESF) leads will attend emergency management trainings and exercises as requested by the Director of Emergency Management. With advanced notification from OEM, employees will make reasonable efforts to attend training events in coordination with other employees and supervisors.

Other Duties

Please note that this job description does not intend to cover or contain a full comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Expected Duration of the Application Process

Due to the nature of the application and selection process for Lake County full-time positions, applicants can reasonably expect the application process to take a significant amount of time to complete before a decision is made to hire or not to hire. Typically, it takes approximately two (2) to four (4) weeks from the date of application to complete the entire selection process. The length of time it takes to complete the process can vary depending on a variety of factors. Please note that this is an estimated duration of the selection process.