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What Does it Take to Be a Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff?
Example of Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff Job Enforce law and order in rural or unincorporated districts or serve legal processes of courts. May patrol courthouse, guard court or grand jury, or escort defendants.
List of Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff Job Duties
- Investigate illegal or suspicious activities.
- Drive vehicles or patrol specific areas to detect law violators, issue citations, and make arrests.
- Question individuals entering secured areas to determine their business, directing and rerouting individuals as necessary.
- Notify patrol units to take violators into custody or to provide needed assistance or medical aid.
- Record daily activities and submit logs and other related reports and paperwork to appropriate authorities.
- Serve statements of claims, subpoenas, summonses, jury summonses, orders to pay alimony, and other court orders.
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Qualities of a Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff
These are the skills Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs say are the most useful in their careers:
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Negotiation: Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Types of Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff
- Deputy Sheriff Generalist/Bailiff
- Deputy Sheriff Generalist
- Lieutenant/Deputy
- Deputy Sheriff, Building Guard
- Deputy Sheriff/Investigator
What Kind of Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff Job Opportunities Are There?
There were about 684,200 jobs for Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 7% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 47,700 new jobs for Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 49,500 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff are Utah, Texas, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in New Jersey, Maryland, or Alaska. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of a Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff
Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs make between $35,750 and $101,620 a year.
Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs who work in California, New Jersey, or Alaska, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs in different U.S. states.
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $45,930 |
| Alaska | $88,030 |
| Arizona | $64,640 |
| Arkansas | $39,560 |
| California | $101,380 |
| Colorado | $72,950 |
| Connecticut | $71,920 |
| Delaware | $70,000 |
| District of Columbia | $74,940 |
| Florida | $59,610 |
| Georgia | $42,990 |
| Hawaii | $74,040 |
| Idaho | $53,880 |
| Illinois | $75,720 |
| Indiana | $55,310 |
| Iowa | $58,340 |
| Kansas | $48,350 |
| Kentucky | $45,600 |
| Louisiana | $41,550 |
| Maine | $49,840 |
| Maryland | $68,230 |
| Massachusetts | $69,870 |
| Michigan | $56,270 |
| Minnesota | $69,060 |
| Mississippi | $35,550 |
| Missouri | $48,920 |
| Montana | $56,230 |
| Nebraska | $57,530 |
| Nevada | $70,450 |
| New Hampshire | $58,120 |
| New Jersey | $83,720 |
| New Mexico | $51,250 |
| New York | $74,860 |
| North Carolina | $48,420 |
| North Dakota | $57,190 |
| Ohio | $61,040 |
| Oklahoma | $46,120 |
| Oregon | $70,360 |
| Pennsylvania | $66,600 |
| Rhode Island | $60,890 |
| South Carolina | $42,280 |
| South Dakota | $48,550 |
| Tennessee | $44,600 |
| Texas | $61,870 |
| Utah | $53,890 |
| Vermont | $52,940 |
| Virginia | $56,710 |
| Washington | $77,670 |
| West Virginia | $43,590 |
| Wisconsin | $62,040 |
| Wyoming | $55,050 |
What Tools & Technology do Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Email software
- Word processing software
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Visio
- Database software
- ESRI ArcView
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
- IBM Lotus 1-2-3
- National Crime Information Center NCIC database
- Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System IAFIS
- Law enforcement information databases
- National Integrated Ballistics Information Network NIBIN
- Computer aided dispatch software
Becoming a Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff
Education needed to be a Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff:
How many years of work experience do I need?
Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff might also be interested in the following careers:
Are you already one of the many Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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