Phoenix is a part of the Maricopa County. So aspiring sheriffs for Phoenix would technically be applying for the Office of Sheriff in Maricopa County. That being said, it must be noted that the office of sheriff is an elected concern. You will have to wait for the current sheriff of Maricopa’s end of term to contest elections. When the time arrives, you are advised to follow the guidelines listed in this article.

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The guidelines below are meant to be taken generally. For specific information on how to become a sheriff in Phoenix, you are requested to get in touch with the Maricopa County’s office.

Requirements to Become a Sheriff in Phoenix

To become a sheriff in the Maricopa County, you will have to ensure you meet the following requirements:

  • Candidate must be at least 18 years of age
  • Candidate ought to be a citizen of the US
  • Candidate should have lived in the county where he/she wants to become the sheriff
  • Candidate ought to be in good physical and mental shape
  • Candidate must have a high school diploma or a GED at least
  • Candidate must have a valid driver’s license for the state of Arizona
  • Candidate should not have any felony convictions
  • Candidate should clear a drug screening test
  • Candidate must have a honorable discharge from the military, if applicable

In addition to these requirements, applicants for the office of sheriff in Phoenix will have to become a police officer first and gain some law enforcement experience.

Steps to Become a Sheriff in Phoenix

The following steps are generally applicable to the office of sheriff in Maricopa County, along with the entire state of Arizona. For more specific details and exact process, you are advised to get in touch with the information center at the Maricopa County office.

Step 1: Enroll in a Police Academy:

This is integral since you will need to have a strong understanding of the foundations of law enforcement.

Step 2: Gain Some Work Experience:

Once you have completed your training academy, you will need to get four to five years of experience at least. This requirement may be different in different counties.

Step 3: Consider Getting a College Degree:

Since the position of a sheriff is an elected one, it is important for applicants to gain the confidence of the voters in their county. Having a higher education degree can be an ideal way to show your understanding of the inner workings of the criminal justice sciences.

Step 4: Meet the Minimum Requirements for Sheriff in Maricopa County:

This would typically involve various kinds of written, oral and physical tests.

Step 5: Plan and Run Your Campaign:

Make sure you file the relevant paperwork before the deadline and kick off your campaign in an organized manner.

Step 6: Get Elected and Take up the Office of Sheriff:

If you get the most votes, you will be sworn in as the sheriff in your county.

How Much Does a Sheriff Make in Phoenix?

The salary data for Sheriff in Phoenix is not available publicly. According to the official website of Maricopa County, Sheriff’s Deputy Chief made an annual median income of $114.337.6, effective as of 2006.