How to Become a Sheriff Officer

A Deputy Sheriff or Sheriff's Officer protects life and property through enforcement of local, state, and federal criminal laws, traffic laws, administrative rules, and county ordinances. A sheriff also provides deterrence, detection and investigation of crimes and apprehension of criminal suspects.

Requirements to Become a Deputy Sheriff or Sheriff Officer

You must be a U.S. Citizen, 21 years of age, have completed the GED or equivalent, and have at least an associate’s degree in criminal justice. A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice will set you even more apart from the rest of the applicants at any sheriff’s department.

Request free information from University of Phoenix School of Criminal Justice and see how a degree can help you succeed in a career as a sheriff.

Training to become a Sheriff

Once selected after the application process you will be sent to one of the many Sheriff’s training academies. At the Sheriff’s Academy you will learn the basics of law enforcement duties, investigating crimes and apprehending law violators. Once you time at the Sheriff’s training academy is completed you will continue to learn the many facets of law enforcement at the sheriff’s department and through your mentor.

Sheriff Officer Salaries

Sheriff’s Patrol Officers earned a median salary of $45,210 a year as of May 2004. The top 10% of Sheriff’s Patrol Officers made more than $68,880 a year. Sheriff salaries will vary by location of sheriff’s departments. Those in more affluent areas will earn significantly more than in less affluent areas. As would be expected the sheriff jobs in the more affluent areas are much more competitive and the need to set yourself apart is even more important. Learn more about a sheriff’s career from a criminal justice school near you by requesting free information today.

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