Iowa Sheriff

How does someone become a deputy sheriff or sheriff?

I'm looking all over the internet, but I can't find a clear answer to this question. I'm a junior in college majoring in Public Affairs and minoring in Government/International Politics, but I am very interested in becoming a sheriff. I'd finish my degree first before actually pursuing this goal, should it be the one I choose. Anyway, how does someone become a sheriff? Also, does deputy sheriff have to come first, and how long before you can become a sheriff? Thanks!

Public Comments

1. Requirements and qualifications are determined by state law and department policy, so they can vary with every agency. Instead of doing a general search, pick some specific departments in your area and search them. Most have websites with recruitment information. The sheriff is an elected official, you would need to win an election to become one. It is not necessary to be a deputy first, but is will certainly be helpful.
2. Sheriff is an elected office, so you would have to run and win the election. Most Sheriffs have spent many years in law enforcement, but it is not a requirement for the position. A deputy sheriff is an employee so you would have to apply for the job and get hired. Each agency is different, so you need to decide which agency you may be interested in and consult their website and contact the agency recruiter. This person can explain what their selection process is and give you information on required training or certification requirements for that jurisdiction. For example, some states require that you attend a basic law enforcement academy and pass state certification before you can apply for a job. In other states, it's completely different.
3. A sheriff is the law enforcement officer for the county. Most sheriffs are elected, they technically do not need police training prior to election. Most states do require them to go through a police academy later but not before election. Deputy sheriffs can be appointed by the sheriff. In most places they are hired by a civil service type test. Sheriffs have a number of law enforcement officer types working for them, Depending on the county. Most places they have police, investigators, correction officers and court officers. Dependent on local state laws the officers of whatever kind either have to go through a proper academy training and testing for the type of job or they are hired first and then sent for training and testing. If you are looking to be a deputy of some kind you can check listing at officer.com or realpolice.net If you are looking to be elected to a sheriff's position talk to your government classes instructors.
4. deputy sheriff and sheriff are two wholly different things. A deputy sheriff in most jurisdictions is a police officer -- a civil service post with examinations, requirements, etc. He or she can theoretically work all the way up the ladder to the highest post in the jurisdiction for a civil service job, which very very rarely is the sheriff. A sheriff, on the other hand, is usually, an elective post. you campaign for it like any other elected post. Many sheriffs don't even have law enforcement experience, or if they do, it is of an administrative/management nature rather than street experience. Sure some sheriffs come from the ranks, but they still have to run for the job, like running for mayor. Occasionally, a sheriff may be appointed by, say, the Governor of the state, but this is usually a temporasry appoint until the next General Election. This all comes from the history of the post -- In England, the Sheriff was the King's Man in a County (Shire). The term sheriff was originally Shire Reeve. Thus, the Sheriff of Nottingham wasn't a law-enforcement man primarilty, though that was part of his job. He was in charge of tax collections, the roads, etc., as well. In the US, in the West, the Sheriff's job was more law enforcement, often appointed by a higher authority or elected by the county electorate after the original sheriff was shot dead, etc. Interestingly enough, in the City of New York, which is as urban as you can imagine, there still is a City Sheriff, but his job is just to serve papers, warrants, etc. He doesn't wear a 10-gallon Stetson or sii-shooters, nor does he ride a horse!