There are times when deputies are called upon to do the unusual. Here Deputy Nate Hockett, also a U.S. Marine Reservist, prepares to rappel a 100' cliff during the investigation of a fatal fall in January 2000 . This is first-line duty in the protection of life and property. Deputies work to enforce laws and ordinances, preserve the peace, apprehend criminals, control non-criminal conduct and provide services to the community. Deputies must recognize the social importance of the police function, be tactful and courteous in their contacts with the public, and conscientiously and efficiently perform their duties with minimal supervision.
Deputies work a rotating schedule of four ten-hour days and are assigned their own patrol vehicles.
Starting salary for lateral deputies is dependent upon previous years of service. Stated salaries reflect the 1999 rate. The applicant must be certified by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission in basic law enforcement. The applicant must not have had more than a twelve-month break in service prior to applying for lateral entry to the Cowlitz County Sheriff s Office. Applicants must not have been discharged for cause by any law enforcement agency, whether in the State of Washington or elsewhere.