How to Become a Deputy Sheriff Trainee

Deputy sheriff trainee is an entry level position of a law enforcement career. As with all law enforcement positions, the job is a dangerous one that requires much training. The deputy sheriff must work with the public at all times, whether she is doing traffic control or crowd control, pursuing a suspected armed robber or conducting crime prevention classes at a school or community organization meeting. She must have the ability to conduct herself in a professional manner in any situation but be prepared to defend against a drawn weapon or threatening suspect. She must be able to defuse domestic violence situations and control the drunken driver. The successful deputy sheriff must be capable of changing her behavior to suit any situation that she might be confronted with and do it with skill and diplomacy. The trainee is expected to begin learning during the minimum 24 week training academy and, upon completion, begin a career as a deputy sheriff. If you wish to pursue a career in law enforcement, be prepared to work all shifts, to work overtime and to put your career above your social and family life. This is a job that you must decide you really want before going after it. If you have made the decision to be a law enforcement officer, here are some of the ways to make your decision become reality.

Instructions

1. Prepare to undergo 24 weeks of academy training in all areas of law enforcement. To be accepted at the training center, you must have a knowledge of the English language and basic arithmetic concepts at the high school level.

2. Graduate from high school or have a GED from an accredited source.

3. Be 20 years and 9 months of age at the start of the academy, have a valid driver's license, be a citizen of the United States and meet vision and hearing requirements.

4. Pass a written examination. If successful on the exam, pass a physical agility test, a medical exam, a pre-employment drug and alcohol test, psychological evaluation, background investigation, polygraph test and physical conditioning assessment.

5. Be able to comprehend information regarding policies, rules, regulations and laws. You must be able to apply what is learned, analyze situations and data and draw conclusions leading to a proper course of action. You must have the ability to communicate both verbally and in writing.

6. Be prepared to carry out the following duties: crime prevention, suspect apprehension, traffic control, criminal and civil law enforcement. You will conduct preliminary criminal and civil investigations, take custody of and ensure safe storage of property and evidence and prepare daily activity reports.

Resources

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