Deputy Sheriff Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a deputy sheriff. Feel free to use our deputy sheriff job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a deputy sheriff.
Who is a Deputy Sheriff?
Deputy sheriffs, or sheriff’s deputies, are responsible for enforcing county, state, and federal laws. Deputy sheriff officers protect the public by preventing and intervening in crime, which includes arresting and supervising detainees. Sheriff’s deputies are sworn-in members of law enforcement. They collaborate closely with other law enforcement agencies, social services, juvenile officers, court personnel, and other community organizations to safeguard the public from criminal activity. This guide discusses the duties of deputy sheriffs, the qualifications for the position, and the career prospects for deputy sheriffs. Typically, sheriff’s officers work for the county government. With enough experience, they may be able to advance into management positions, such as chief deputy sheriff.
Sheriff’s deputies patrol their assigned sectors, educate the public about crime prevention, make arrests, operate the county jail, prepare court documents, testify in court, and generally ensure the safety and security of their assigned county. Additionally, deputies serve as first responders to vehicle accidents, weather-related incidents, and medical emergencies, as well as serve court summonses, perform civil commitments in mental health cases, and enforce court-ordered property seizures. Typically, the sheriff’s office is also responsible for court security through the provision of bailiffs. Deputy sheriffs can be found conducting search and rescue operations and leading maritime patrols in some areas.
Certain deputy sheriffs act as the primary law enforcement agency in an area if the local police department is unable to do so. Additionally, a deputy sheriff may be known as a chief deputy sheriff, deputy, sheriff’s deputy, sheriff’s officer, or sheriff’s patrol officer.
Job specifications vary according to jurisdiction. Generally, individuals must have graduated from law enforcement academies to be hired. While experience is advantageous, it is not required. Numerous law enforcement academies have programs to assist students in obtaining employment with partner law enforcement agencies following graduation.
While incorporated areas typically have their police forces, unincorporated areas lack such forces and require individuals to patrol, respond to calls for assistance, and conduct investigations. All of these duties may fall under the purview of a deputy sheriff. Deputy sheriffs can also assist coroners with body collection and processing, as well as a crime scene investigation. They provide security at courthouses and jails in some regions and may also be available for event security. Deputy sheriffs can also patrol small communities that cannot afford their police force under special circumstances.
This is a highly variable job. While on patrol, a deputy sheriff may encounter a variety of situations, from medical emergencies to ongoing crimes, in addition to being diverted from patrol to respond to calls for assistance. Deputy sheriffs must possess strong interpersonal skills, as they interact directly with members of the public, and they must also be adept at making observations during investigations. Law enforcement officers are expected to uphold high ethical standards in general, but deputy sheriffs, in particular, are given a great deal of autonomy and must be able to work well alone.
Along with being out in the field, a deputy sheriff may work behind a desk. Generally, law enforcement officers are required to complete paperwork as part of their jobs, and they may also answer phones and handle walk-in requests for assistance. Sheriffs are sometimes tasked with serving legal documents on behalf of the court, which is another function that a deputy sheriff may perform.
Deputy Sheriff Job Description
Below are the deputy sheriff job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a deputy sheriff job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities of a deputy sheriff include the following:
- Conducting investigations into illegal or suspicious acts and accidents.
- Taking criminals into custody.
- Attending to incoming calls.
- Creating warrants.
- Patrolling a specific section of their county.
- Assisting the county jail’s operator.
- Assisting in the security of the county court.
- Maintaining records of operations.
- Patrolling highways in a county vehicle equipped with a radio.
- Responding to complaints and other calls via radio, telephone, and other communication devices.
- Assisting citizens or protecting threatened properties.
- Assisting at accident scenes and guarding disaster zones.
- Criminal activity detection, investigation, and deterrence
- Apprehending criminals and violators of traffic laws.
- Transporting and escorting detainees to and from the court, as well as involuntary commitments to psychiatric facilities.
- Maintaining the tranquillity and security of the courtroom.
- Serving and attaching court documents and property.
- Reporting to superior officers on assignments and requesting assistance and advice.
- Arresting individuals suspected of committing crimes such as burglary, theft, drug trafficking, larceny, homicide, and sexual offenses.
- Resolving emergency and non-emergency situations.
- Conducting pre- and post-investigation investigations.
- Apprehending fleeing suspects.
- Conducting sobriety tests on those suspected of driving while intoxicated.
- Conducting traffic stops and issuing citations to speeding vehicles.
- Preparing arrest reports and maintaining records.
- Serving subpoenas and warrants.
Qualifications
- Obtain a high school diploma, a GED, or an equivalent qualification.
- At the time of appointment, you must have a valid driver’s license equivalent to a non-commercial Class C.
- During the first year of employment, completion of an entry-level police training program.
- Conducting a background investigation, fingerprinting and polygraph examination, psychological examination, and drug test to ascertain the candidate’s moral character and emotional stability.
- Physical and medical examinations must be completed.
- Available to work on a short or no notice basis.
- Available for shift work, weekends, holidays, and inclement weather.
- Familiar with the county’s geography.
- Competent in the use and maintenance of firearms.
Essential Skills
- Listening skills
Active listening is the process by which an individual acknowledges their attention is on the speaker through nonverbal cues such as body position, smiling, head nodding, and small verbal gestures. Active listening is a critical ability for deputy sheriffs to possess because it enables them to communicate effectively with members of the public and other law enforcement professionals. Additionally, it ensures that they are aware of critical details and information to relay to detectives, emergency response teams, and legal teams in courtrooms.
- Persuasiveness
Persuasiveness is the capacity of an individual to persuade another person of the correct course of action. This is accomplished through effective verbal communication techniques. Daily, deputy sheriffs use persuasiveness to persuade members of the public to follow their instructions and obey the law. Additionally, they employ persuasiveness to deescalate situations and deter criminal activity.
- Detail-oriented
Attention to detail is the ability to notice and correct minor details, as well as change patterns of behavior. It is critical to have an eye for detail when working as a deputy sheriff because it enables you to identify potential evidence, prevent criminal activity, and identify the correct vehicle or suspect associated with a crime.
- Physical endurance
Physical stamina is a term that refers to an individual’s capacity to run or walk long distances. Additionally, it refers to an individual’s capacity to lift heavy objects. Deputy sheriffs must possess the exceptional physical stamina to pursue and apprehend suspects, patrol large areas on foot, and, when necessary, climb over fences and other obstructions to perform their job duties.
- Community awareness
Community awareness refers to the process by which individuals gain an understanding of their immediate surroundings. This includes a thorough understanding of resident demographics, poverty levels, crime rates, and other community-level factors. When deputy sheriffs have a strong sense of community, they can interact effectively with members of the community. Additionally, it enables them to support community-based initiatives and ensures they are aware of the types of crime that occur in the area.
- Critical thinking
Critical thinking refers to an individual’s ability to make complex decisions in a short period. Deputy sheriffs must possess superior critical thinking abilities, as they may be required to make quick decisions that affect their own and the public’s health and well-being.
- Communication skills
Interpersonal communication is the process by which an individual can modify their communication strategies and language to connect with and interpret information from others. Deputy sheriffs utilize interpersonal communication daily to ensure effective communication with other officers who possess a variety of personalities. Additionally, they employ interpersonal communication to assist members of the public in comprehending laws and regulations.
- Morality
Morality is the capacity of an individual to live by a moral code and to uphold moral practices in daily life. Deputy sheriffs should have a strong moral code because it enables them to make sound judgments. Additionally, it ensures that they support criminal justice initiatives both within their unit and throughout the community.
- First aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation
First aid and CPR are a collection of skills and practices that enable an individual to assess health concerns, treat spinal injuries, and administer life-saving CPR to those in need. Deputy sheriffs do respond to emergencies involving the injury or illness of a member of the public. This is typical because an ambulance crew has not yet arrived on the scene. As a result, deputy sheriffs must possess standard knowledge to treat patients before the arrival of paramedics and EMTs.
How to Become a Deputy Sheriff
- Earn a high school diploma or obtain a GED.
To pursue a career as a deputy sheriff, you must earn a high school diploma or GED. Take criminal justice or criminology classes if possible to equip yourself with the necessary knowledge for this career path. If you intend to pursue an undergraduate degree, you must maintain a minimum grade point average to be admitted to a college or university.
- Comply with all applicable requirements
The general requirements for deputy sheriff candidates are similar in most sheriff’s departments. Ascertain that you meet these requirements before applying for this law enforcement position.
- Fulfill any remaining educational requirements
While a high school diploma or GED may be sufficient, some sheriff’s departments prefer applicants who have completed law enforcement certification or criminal justice degree programs. Depending on the department, college credit may be required or accepted in place of a college degree. Examine the department’s educational requirements for the position for which you are applying. If a certification or degree is required, pursue it.
Consider majoring in criminal science, criminal justice, or law enforcement if you choose to pursue an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Psychology, public speaking, writing, and criminology classes may also be beneficial.
- Graduate from a police academy after completing police academy training
Bear in mind that each state has its own set of physical standards for candidates.
Once admitted to the academy, you will enroll in an 18-24 week program that combines a military-style boot camp with an educational curriculum.
- Acquire experience in law enforcement
Obtain valuable experience in another law enforcement position before applying for a deputy sheriff position. Typically, aspiring deputy sheriffs must have at least five years of law enforcement experience before running for election as a deputy sheriff. In the interim, consider becoming a police officer or corrections deputy.
- Apply to become a deputy sheriff
Complete and submit your application to the sheriff’s office of your choice. Bear in mind that certain departments may require you to submit documents such as transcripts from your college or employer recommendations. Ascertain that you have all of the required documentation ready to submit with your application.
- Adhere to the eligibility criteria
Each jurisdiction has its own set of qualifications for deputy sheriffs. Several of these requirements may include passing a variety of exams and evaluations, as well as submitting to a background check. To become a deputy sheriff, you must meet the following eligibility requirements.
While a standard written examination evaluates your reading, writing, and math skills, physical examinations assess your strength, stamina, and dexterity, and physiological evaluations determine your ability to handle the rigors of this line of work. Background checks verify that the information you provide during the application process is true and accurate. The following are some of the areas that a background investigation will examine:
- Criminal history
- Drug use in the past
- Infractions of the traffic laws
- Occupational history
- Financial background
Additionally, you may be required to submit to a polygraph examination to verify the information provided during your application, interview, and background check. Certain states may even require you to reside in the state for at least a year before running for sheriff.
- Pursue a position as a deputy sheriff in your county.
Once you have met the eligibility requirements, you may run for a deputy sheriff in an upcoming election in your county. Once your application has been approved, you can begin campaigning. Ensure that your campaign emphasizes your positions on a variety of issues.
Where to Work as a Deputy Sheriff
Deputy sheriffs report to the sheriff and are responsible for the enforcement of federal, state, and local laws within their jurisdiction. Sheriffs and deputy sheriffs work primarily at the county level patrolling different areas to ensure security.
Deputy Sheriff Salary Scale
In the United States, the national average salary for a Deputy Sheriff is $65,223 per year.