To become a sheriff in Delaware, there are certain requirements you will need to meet, followed by a detailed process. Make sure you complete all the following steps correctly to get elected as the sheriff of your county in Delaware.

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How to Become a Sheriff in Delaware

Disclaimer: The requirements to become a sheriff will vary from county to county. The following information is meant to serve as a general guideline. For a detailed discussion on the application process, you are requested to contact your local county office.

Candidate Should Be a Citizen of the US:

If you have applied for citizenship and have yet to receive it, you will have to wait for it before you can apply.

Candidate Should Have Attained the Minimum Age of 18:

Several counties might put the minimum age limit at 21 years, but 18 is the common age cut-off.

Candidate Should Have Lived in the County He or She Wants to Become the Sheriff Of:

This requirement is to ensure that the candidate is aware of the concerns and issues of the people in his/her jurisdiction.

Candidate Must Have at Least a High School Diploma or a GED:

This is the minimum educational requirement to assume the office of sheriff in Delaware.

Candidate Needs to Be in a Good Shape:

This applies to physical and mental health, both.

Candidate Should Be a Police Officer:

To become a sheriff, you will first need to get into the field of law enforcement.

Steps to Become a Sheriff in Delaware

Step 1: Complete a Police Training Academy:

Check with your county if they have their own training sessions.

Step 2: Get Law Enforcement Experience:

You will need several years of law enforcement experience to be eligible to hold the office of sheriff.

Step 3: Consider Higher Education:

This is not a requirement by most counties. However, it is highly recommended that you go for at least a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

Step 4: Complete the Requirements to Run for Sheriff in Your County:

This would involve passing a written exam, an oral interview, a background check and a physical fitness test.

Step 5: Submit the Required Paperwork with Your County:

Make sure you submit a complete application package, well before the deadline.

Step 6: Start Your Campaign:

This will be the most important part of the process. Make sure you plan this wisely and spend your finances and time intelligently.

Step 7: Get Elected:

If you manage to bag the highest number of votes, you will be asked to take an oath and take up the office of sheriff in your county in Delaware.

How Much Does a Sheriff Make in Delaware?

Fire-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives made an annual mean income of $98,870 in May 2018 as per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is significantly higher than the national mean of $93,100.