Nebraska has 93 elected sheriffs who are responsible for the maintenance of law and order in their respective counties. The Nebraska Sheriffs’ Association provides them financial, technical and administrative assistance in this regard. If you would like to join this profession, here is what you have to do.

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Requirements for Becoming a Sheriff in Nebraska

  • Must have reached the age of 18 at least.
  • Should have an HSD (high school diploma) or an equivalent GED certificate at least.
  • Should be a legal national of the United States, either through birth or naturalization.
  • Satisfy all the requirements related to residency in your chosen county.

*These are generic conditions applicable in counties across Nebraska. However, all counties have their own separate eligibility conditions which may differ somewhat. Therefore, it is important that you are aware of the exact requirements outlined by the county in which you want to pursue a career as a sheriff.

Nebraska Sheriff Procedure

Step 1:

Join a police training program in the state. There might also be a few specific training courses geared towards becoming a sheriff. If one is available in your county of choice, then you are advised to go for it.

Step 2:

Once your training is complete, serve as an officer for a few years to meet the minimum law enforcement experience requirement in your county. You might have to work in this capacity for at least 5 years if the requirements say so. In some other places, you may only have to do so for 1 year.

Step 3:

Enroll in a college degree program. This isn’t compulsory but higher academic qualifications will give you a better shot at the sheriff’s office. Recommended fields of study include criminology, criminal justice, law enforcement and psychology among others.

Step 4:

Pass the preliminary screening and selection phase which includes a written exam, interview, physical ability test and background checks.

Step 5:

Submit your nomination documents to enter the sheriff elections in your desired county.

Step 6:

Campaign for votes from your constituents and convince them that you are ideally suited to be their sheriff.

Step 7:

Secure enough votes to win the ballot and take the position of sheriff in your county for a predetermined tenure. Once this term is up, you can run for re-election.

How Long Will It Take to Become a Sheriff in Nebraska?

This will depend primarily on the minimum law enforcement experience required by your preferred county. Some counties want sheriff aspirants to have served as an officer for at least 5 years while others require just 12 months. Prior to that, you will be spending about 6 months in police training. All in all, it can take you anywhere between 3 and 8 years to become a sheriff in Nebraska.

What Salary Is Drawn by a Sheriff in Nebraska?

In May, 2018, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics recorded the annual mean salary of First-Line Supervisors and Police Detectives in Nebraska at $81,760. The state’s sheriffs earn a good amount every year since they are in-charge of a whole department.

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