Deputy Sheriff

The Job

Sheriff's deputies enforce the law on the county level. Almost all sheriffs' offices executed arrest warrants, provide court security, and serve civil process. Most offices operate a jail, with some also utilizing a temporary holding facility separate from a jail. Sheriffs' offices may have countywide jail and court-related responsibilities, but their jurisdictions may exclude county areas served by local police departments. In some counties, some municipalities contract with the sheriff's office for law enforcement services. In counties and independent cities with a separate police department, the sheriff's office may have no primary law enforcement jurisdiction. In most jurisdictions, they are expected to exercise authority when necessary, whether on or off duty. A deputy sheriff in a large agency will have law enforcement duties similar to those of officers in urban police departments. Sheriffs' deputies who provide security in city and county courts are sometimes called bailiffs.

While on patrol, officers attempt to become thoroughly familiar with their patrol area and remain alert for anything unusual. Suspicious circumstances and hazards to public safety are investigated or noted, and officers are dispatched to individual calls for assistance within their district. During their shifts, they may identify, pursue, and arrest suspected criminals, resolve problems within the community, and enforce traffic laws. Regardless of job duties or location, officers at all levels must write reports and maintain meticulous records that will be needed if they testify in court.

Working Conditions

Like all police officer positions, a career as a sheriff's deputy has an element of personal danger. In addition to the obvious dangers of confrontations with offenders, deputies must constantly be alert and ready to deal appropriately with a number of other threatening situations. Many law enforcement officers witness death and suffering resulting from accidents and criminal behavior. A law enforcement career may take a toll on deputies' private lives.

Sheriffs' offices typically serve counties and independent cities. Nearly all sheriffs' offices used automobiles for routine patrol, although a few also use bicycle and horse patrols. Large offices may have separate investigative, patrol, and special operations.

Uniformed officers usually work 40-hour weeks, but paid overtime is common. Shift work is necessary because protection must be provided around the clock. Junior officers frequently work weekends, holidays, and nights. Officers are required to work at any time their services are needed and may work long hours during investigations. In most jurisdictions, whether on or off duty, officers are expected to be armed and to exercise their arrest authority whenever necessary.

Employment

Sheriffs' departments tend to be relatively small, most having fewer than 25 sworn officers and some fewer than 10. Some employees are part-time.

Qualifications, Job Training, and Promotions

• Applicants must be US citizens, be at least 21 years of age, and possess a high school diploma or GED. Some offices require at least some college.
• Applicants must possess a valid driver's license.
• Applicants must have vision correctable to 20/20.
• Sheriffs' offices employ a variety of screening methods when hiring new deputies, including personal interviews, medical exams, and drug tests. Some use psychological evaluations.
• Some offices require physical agility tests, written aptitude tests, and/or polygraph tests.
• Nearly all offices screened recruits through criminal record checks, background investigations, and driving-record checks.
• Recruits usually are required to complete some academy and field training, with long-term employees required to complete annual in-service training.
• Some offices operate their own training academies.

Earnings

Total earnings for sheriff's deputies may exceed stated salaries because of overtime pay. Police officers usually are covered by liberal pension plans, and many retire at half-pay after 20 or 25 years of service. By agency, the average base starting salary offered to entry-level deputies in 2000 was $23,700. In 2004, a North Carolina county offered recruits a starting salary of $28,103. In California, a deputy sheriff with experience could earn $5,000-$6,000 per month. An Ohio county offered deputies a starting salary of $32,000, increasing to $42,000 after one year of employment. Some offices offer education-incentive pay, special-skills pay, and/or hazardous-duty pay.