HOT JOBS : Deputy Sheriff Likes to Interact With Residents

Tim Moy likes being a deputy sheriff because it gives him the opportunity to interact with the community, which he prefers to sitting behind a desk every day.

“I’m a people person and I like change. Being a deputy brings me in contact with the community and each day is different from the other,” said Moy, 29.

Moy was hired by the Sheriff’s Department at age 20. Like all new deputies, he spent more than a year working in County Jail, booking inmates and providing security. Even though he didn’t find working in the jail particularly exciting, it provided Moy with valuable experience that he needed on the street.

“That was my first real contact with the criminal element, and the experience paid off when I went out on patrol,” he said. “It’s impossible to be naive after being around prisoners. I can’t say enough about the quality of the training I got. The department tries to give us every advantage out on the street.”

After several years on patrol, Moy became part of a Special Enforcement Team, patrolling neighborhoods in San Juan Capistrano on foot and sometimes on bicycle. Moy and his partner investigate petty theft, burglaries and settle neighborhood disputes. They also spend a lot of time talking to kids, making sure they are staying out of gangs. “They know we are around and that we care about the community,” said Moy, who hopes to become an investigator.

An obvious drawback to being a deputy is the amount of stress involved. “It’s especially difficult when you are called into a situation that involves innocent victims, especially children, since I have three of my own,” Moy said. “But I have to constantly find ways to deal with it because if you don’t, it can bring you down. You have to keep a level head and maintain a proper attitude.”

HOT JOB

OCCUPATION: Deputy sheriff

* What’s involved: Deputy sheriffs are responsible for safeguarding the lives and property of citizens and to serve the needs of the community. They answer emergency calls, enforce traffic laws, investigate crimes and interact with the community.

* Qualifications: Deputy sheriffs must be at least 20 years old and U.S. citizens. The minimum education requirement is a high school diploma, but most have an associate of arts or bachelor of arts degree. They must be able to distinguish colors and their vision must be no worse than 20/80 and correctable to 20/20. Candidates must have no felony convictions as a juvenile or an adult and have received no form of probation. They must pass a written and oral exam, a physical agility test and an extensive background check.

* Prospects: One of the 10 fastest-growing job fields in Orange County.

* Outlook: By 1998, the number of deputy sheriffs is projected to increase by 21.6% to 1,860 positions.

* Salary range: Recent Sheriff’s Academy graduates receive $2,727 to $3,756 per month. Experienced patrol deputies receive up to $4,300 per month.

* Pros: Deputies work in an environment that is always changing and provides community involvement. Many report satisfaction in being able to make a difference by protecting citizens, apprehending criminals and working to improve problem neighborhoods.

* Cons: Deputy sheriffs often work evenings, weekends and holidays. The job involves a constant element of danger and the ability to cope with stressful situations.

* Advancement: Deputies begin their careers by working in County Jail, booking prisoners and providing security and transportation to and from court. Usually within two years, they advance to patrol level, where they respond to emergency calls and enforce traffic laws. Experienced deputies may join special enforcement teams or become part of an investigations unit. They may also advance in rank to sergeant, lieutenant, captain, under-sheriff and sheriff.

* Quote: “I patrol San Juan Capistrano and if something bad happens here, I get personally offended. I want criminals to stay out of my city.”--Tim Moy, deputy sheriff