Career as a Sheriff

Sheriffs are highly trained law enforcement officers who enforce the law at the county level. Generally, they become elected to their posts by their respective communities and are also ranked as the highest law enforcement officers at the county. They serve as heads of their departments and are responsible for designating duties to their subordinates.

Sheriff Job Duties

The specific duties and responsibilities of sheriffs will vary depending on county but will usually include law enforcement, civil processes, court duties and correctional facility administration. They work to identify, inspect, and prevent criminal activity. And as a result, will arrest and detain any offenders of the law. Sheriffs also perform routine patrols and accident investigations. During public events, sheriffs are also responsible for controlling the crowds and directing traffic. Additional duties include: maintaining court security, attending court sessions to take charge in transferring prisoners and controlling the juries, serving warrants, writs, subpoenas, and summonses, managing correctional facilities, and collecting tax.

Sheriff Required Education

Candidates for sheriff and other law enforcement positions are typically distinguished by holding associate or bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. In order to reach the highest rank in the county, one must have at least a bachelor’s degree plus solid work experience.

Sheriffs can begin their careers as city police officers, probation officers, DEA agents or state highway patrol officers just to name a few. In order to serve as officers or agents, they will need to complete their training, pass the certification exam, and officially be sworn in.

Those who have previously sworn and are certified peace officers holding criminal justice degrees will have an added advantage over the new recruits who will need more sheriff’s training. Sheriffs will rise through the ranks and will garner special recognition when they participate in their community safety campaigns as well as their other efforts. Sheriffs are typically elected to their posts and so they must run their election campaigns by publicizing their platforms and their accomplishments to the electorate.

Sheriff Job Prospects

Job prospects for sheriff positions are expected to be bright especially for those who have completed college education and have had military experience. Employment of law enforcement officers is projected to grow as fast as the average for other professions, with an 11% increase from 2006-2016.

Based on a study done on July of 2009, the middle 50% of sheriffs’ earned salaries (annual) falls in between $89,744-$100,816.

Having a career as a sheriff is very ideal for those individuals who enjoy working with different kinds of people, and more importantly, protecting them. Strong leadership skills, integrity, honesty, sound judgment, ability to work with a team, are all traits of a good sheriff.  A sheriff must also be capable of handling stressful situations and must act quickly during emergencies.