Dedicated Deputy Sheriff Job Description

Deputy Sheriff Job Description

The job description of a deputy sheriff involves assisting the sheriff, who is an elected official, with maintaining order in the jurisdiction. A deputy sheriff works directly with the public in both a law enforcement and protection capacity.

Position Description

The tasks performed by a deputy sheriff generally revolve around enforcing the law in a rural or unincorporated area, escorting defendants to and from court, serving legal documents to individuals and providing security in courtrooms.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities of a Deputy Sheriff

• Places suspects in protective custody.
• Transports defendants to and from jails, courtrooms, attorneys’ offices, medical offices, hospitals and other places.
• Patrols specific areas in order to detect law violators.
• Issues various types of citations and makes arrests.
• Executes arrest warrants issued by judges and other law enforcement officials and locates and transports individuals into custody.
• Assists in managing jail operations.
• Questions individuals entering a courthouse or courtroom to determine their business in the building.
• Investigates suspicious or illegal behavior and activities.
• Notifies patrol units to pick up and transport law violators into custody.
• Directs traffic during rush hour or before and after special community events.
• Provides assistance or medical aid to individuals in trouble.
• Keeps daily activity logs and submits them to proper authorities.
• Serves summons, subpoenas and other court orders to individuals.
• Takes charge of accident scenes to control traffic flow, help accident victims and assist in determining the cause of the accident.
• Provides security in courtrooms and grand jury rooms.
• Locates and confiscates property as the court directs.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrates exceptional judgment and decision making skills.
• Shows the ability to be an active listener.
• Has strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Exhibits superior critical thinking skills and has strong social perceptiveness abilities.
• Possesses excellent reading comprehension skills.
• Displays strong organizational and reasoning abilities.
• Has good near vision and exceptional hand-eye coordination.
• Possesses knowledge of laws and government regulations in the area.
• Demonstrates excellent technological skills and is mechanically inclined.
• Has knowledge of how to operate, clean and properly maintain a firearm.
• Displays the ability to operate equipment associated with the job.
• Exhibits excellent conflict resolution skills.
• Possesses a valid driver’s license.

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma.
• Associate’s degree in criminal justice.
• Bachelor’s degree in psychology or criminal justice.
• Training required by the local Sheriff’s Department.
• Certification required by state, county or local jurisdiction.

Work Environment

• Works varying shifts.
• Spends a considerable amount of time in a vehicle.
• Carries a firearm and may have to discharge it in the line of duty.
• Processes a large amount of paperwork each day.
• Works with the general public on a regular basis.
• Faces dangerous situations from time to time when apprehending suspects.
• Spends part of most days at the local jail.
• Wears uniform at all times during work hours.
• Works in extremely hot or extremely cold conditions at times.
• Spends time standing and walking around.

Salary

• The salary of a deputy sheriff can range from $30,000 to $90,000 depending on years of experience, education, daily responsibilities and location of the department.