A Deputy Sheriff in a black vest with "SHERIFF" in yellow letters stands outdoors at sunset, facing away from the camera.
A Deputy Sheriff wearing a vest labeled “SHERIFF” stands outdoors at sunset, facing away from the camera.

Sheriff and Deputy Sheriff

Human and legal services degree career guide
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What is a Sheriff?

Two Deputy Sheriffs in uniform and black vests stand outdoors with arms crossed, smiling confidently at the camera. The background is slightly blurred, featuring trees and city elements.

A sheriff is responsible for enforcing the law, typically at the county level. The role of a sheriff can vary depending on the country and its legal system, but in general, in the United States, a sheriff’s job scope includes:

  • Patrolling unincorporated areas of the county that lack local police forces.
  • Oversight of a county jurisdiction as an elected law enforcement officer, and a term of service that is typically four years long.
  • County jail management
  • Serving court papers (like subpoenas and eviction notices), and providing security for courts.

You can improve your employability in this competitive field with a degree such as the AAS Criminal Justice Studies degree from Bryant & Stratton College. Major requirements cover security in the 21st century, justice information systems, security administration, the science and practice of criminal investigations, and more.

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What is a Deputy Sheriff?

Deputy sheriffs work under the sheriff to enforce federal, local, and state laws within their jurisdiction. They are appointed or hired to assist the sheriff in carrying out their duties within a county or jurisdiction, and their job scope can include highly diverse responisbilities, including:

Law Enforcement:

  • Patrolling areas of the county, especially those without municipal police departments.
  • Enforcing local, state, and federal laws.
  • Responding to emergency calls, crimes, and accidents.

Court Duties:

  • Providing security for county courts.
  • Transporting inmates to and from court or correctional facilities.
  • Serving legal documents like subpoenas, warrants, and eviction notices.

Corrections:

  • Managing and maintaining the county jail.
  • Supervising inmates and ensuring their safety.

Community Engagement

  • Assisting with community safety programs.
  • Building relationships with residents to promote public safety.

Sheriffs and deputy sheriffs typically work at the county level, in smaller departments than what police officers serve in. 

What does a Sheriff and Deputy Sheriff do?

A sheriff, at the top of the county’s law enforcement department, handles both patrol and administrative duties. This professional is responsible for handling essential paperwork such as warrants and citations. The county sheriff oversees department funding, supervises activity in the county jail, provides training, develops guidelines and procedures, and performs disciplinary actions for those in his or her department. Sheriffs will also take emergency calls, deploy the deputy sheriffs in their jurisdiction, and provide their own services within the county, such as patrolling the area—including unincorporated areas, controlling car accident scenes, and more. 

A deputy sheriff doesn’t have the leadership and management responsibilities of a sheriff. This individual does more hands-on work in the community. This may include providing community education, arresting offenders, or testifying in court. Deputy sheriffs are also responsible for a certain amount of paperwork, as they must document their activities and complete the necessary reports for tickets, arrests, and other actions.

What are the steps to becoming a Sheriff?

Associate Degree in Criminal Justice
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Under 2 Years

Approximate Program Length

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60 credits

Total Credits

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September 09

Next Start Date

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Training for a position as a deputy sheriff varies by jurisdiction. Most require a minimum of a high school diploma, with higher degrees preferred. Sheriffs and deputy sheriffs must be at least 21 years old with a clean criminal background. Agencies usually operate their own training academies for new hires, which will provide specialized training for a number of months before the deputy sheriff can begin work independently. 

You can improve your employability in this competitive field with a related degree such as the AAS Criminal Justice Studies degree from Bryant & Stratton College. Major requirements cover security in the 21st century, justice information systems, security administration, the science and practice of criminal investigations, and more. This will give you a solid background that can greatly improve your chances of getting a job as a deputy sheriff. 

Related Degrees

BS Human and Social Services

BS Human and Social Services

From case management to community outreach, prepare for a career that makes a difference in people’s lives every day.

Next Start Date:
September 09

Total Credit Hours: 120

Approximate Program Length:
32-40 months

Careers available with this degree:

Online On-Campus

Next Start Dates

Online & Campus

September 09

Start Date

Our flexible delivery model is designed to cater to diverse schedules and preferences, offering many different terms to accommodate the unique needs of our students. With starts available every 8 to 16 weeks, you have the freedom to choose a timeline that aligns with your lifestyle and commitments.

This approach ensures that you can embark on your educational journey at a time that suits you best, providing the convenience and accessibility necessary for a successful learning experience.

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Career Outlook for a Sheriff and Deputy Sheriff

A wooden judge’s gavel with a brass band rests on a sound block on a wooden table, often used by a Sheriff, with blurred legal books and documents in the background.

What is the projected job growth?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of police and detectives is projected to grow 3 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.  

About 64,500 openings for police and detectives are projected each year in the United States, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.  

Related Job Titles

  • Correctional Officer and Jailer – this role ensures the safety of inmates, other correctional officers, and other staff in correctional facilities.
  • Juvenile Probabtion Officer – this role monitors youths who are on probation or parole to ensure they follow their court-ordered restrictions.
  • Bailiff – alternatively known as court officers or marshals, bailiff serves as a law enforcement office within a court setting, to provide peace and safety.
A bronze statue of Lady Justice holding balanced scales, wearing a blindfold, stands before blurred legal books—symbolizing fairness and impartiality in law, values upheld by every dedicated Sheriff and Deputy Sheriff.
While these projections can help career-minded people evaluate potential employment fields, it is important to note that job market data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook is only intended to provide insight on occupational opportunities. It should not be construed as a guarantee of salary or job title. Neither BLS nor Bryant & Stratton College can guarantee employment in any field.

What Training is Required for a Job as a Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff?

Training for a position as a deputy sheriff varies by jurisdiction. Most require a minimum of a high school diploma, with higher degrees preferred. Sheriffs and deputy sheriffs must be at least 21 years old with a clean criminal background. Agencies usually operate their own training academies for new hires, which will provide specialized training for a number of months before the deputy sheriff can begin work independently. 

Gain Real World Experience at Bryant & Stratton College

Through our partnership network, students are provided with opportunities to actively apply their learnings in real-world settings.

There are several benefits to internship experiences that can impact your career success. Internships can provide insight into the hiring process, help you sharpen your professional skills, and learn to work with confidence in real-world situations.

Plus, internships are a valuable way to prove yourself to potential employers who may want to hire you as a result. You can also start developing a network of peers and mentors you can lean on for guidance and support. If you want to learn how we connect students with local internships that align with their goals, request info today.

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Browse our Blogs and Unlock Valuable Insights

For insights into a career in the human and legal services field, please visit the Criminal Justice Degrees section of our blog. Here you will find valuable information about criminal justice and legal careers. Explore the website and be sure to visit the Human & Legal Services Degree Programs page.

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