What Does a Deputy Sheriff Do?
A Deputy Sheriff works to protect a county’s property and citizens. They patrol highways and cities, investigating crimes and keeping records of different criminal instances. They also escort detainees from court proceedings and ensure the courtroom is peaceful and professional.
Deputy Sheriffs operate different communications devices, like radios and telephones to report and respond to emergency calls. They’ll also navigate the highway and county areas to ensure all drivers are following posted speed limits and adhering to other traffic laws. Many Deputy Sheriffs also serve court documents to individuals.
Deputy Sheriff Skills and Qualifications
A Deputy Sheriff has many skills, and the candidate you’re looking for should be no different. You want them to have communication skills so they can properly conduct investigations. They will need to interview witnesses and share evidence in court. Analysis skills will help them to determine likely suspects in a crime. Other important skills a Deputy Sheriff should have are:
- Physical strength to be able to defend themselves and others when confronted with a fight.
- Physical stamina and endurance to keep up with the rigor of the job.
- Perceptiveness to be able to understand things from another person’s point of view.
- Leadership skills to be comfortable in the eye of the public and keep the peace during emergency situations.
- Critical thinking skills in order to make quick decisions in the field when the need arises.
- Problem solving skills help when in a tough situation that requires immediate action.
Deputy Sheriff Salary Expectations
Though wages vary based on experience, a Deputy Sheriff’s average salary is $48,211 per year. This estimate is based on 584 salaries submitted to Indeed by employees and users, and collected from past and present job advertisements over the last 36 months. The tenure for a Deputy Sheriff is typically 4 to 6 years.
Deputy Sheriff Salary Expectations
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Common salary:
33.07 HOURLY -
Typical salaries range from
10.85 -67.20 HOURLY - Find more information on Indeed Salaries
*Indeed data –
Deputy Sheriff Education and Training Requirements
The requirements to become a Deputy Sheriff vary based on location because each state has its own preferences. Typically, a candidate only needs a high school diploma, to pass a civil service exam and some hands-on training. Having a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field can be an advantage in the hiring process, however. The candidate may also have to complete a training academy and is required to be at least 21 years of age.
Deputy Sheriff Experience Requirements
Most of a Deputy Sheriff’s experience is learned in the field, which means not too many requirements starting out, though having previous law enforcement experience is an advantage. In order to become a Deputy Sheriff, most locations only require a high school diploma, valid driver’s license and clean criminal record. A candidate may also need to complete a police training academy, law enforcement courses and field training, before becoming a full-fledged deputy. When they begin a new job, a Deputy Sheriff may be placed under a probationary period.
Job Description Samples for Similar Positions
If a Deputy Sheriff isn’t quite what you’re looking for, here are some job description samples of similar positions that may fill your needs:
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