The New Hampshire Sheriff’s Association is a statewide organization made up of ten elected Sheriffs. These sheriffs are working day and night to strengthen the law enforcement services being provided to the state’s residents. According to the state constitution, all sheriffs are elected every two years, instead of the usual four year term. They are the chief law enforcement officers in their counties.

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If you are impressed by the work of your local sheriff’s office and want to play your part in serving your community, then you might want to consider reading this article about how to become a Sheriff in New Hampshire.

Responsibilities of a Sheriff in New Hampshire

They have to perform the following duties:

  • Maintain peace and security in their counties
  • Enforce civil orders issued by any court
  • Transport apprehended individuals to and from medical facilities, hospitals, state prisons, county jails and courts
  • Assist other law enforcement agencies when needed

Requirements to Become a Sheriff in New Hampshire

Candidates will be eligible to apply only if they meet the following requirements:

  • Should be a legal citizen of the United States
  • Should be a certified police officer
  • Should have no felony convictions
  • Should be in excellent physical and mental condition
  • Should be at least 18 years of age

How Long Does It Take to Become a Sheriff in New Hampshire?

The process can be broken down into the following stages:

Step 1: Gain Work Experience

In order to become a sheriff, the person has to be a certified police officer; hence he/she has to have some years of field experience. Working as a police officer helps to prepare the candidates for this challenging role.

Step 2: Obtain Relevant Education

The candidates are encouraged to pursue their bachelor’s and master’s degree in a related field such as Criminal Justice, Public Safety Administration and Disaster Management and Law Enforcement Intelligence. These degrees help equip candidates with the essential knowledge required for senior leadership roles.

Step 3:Clear the Screening Stage

The applicants will then have to appear for a physical test, along with a written exam. These tests will determine the candidate’s aptitude, temperament and caliber. Those who pass these exams will have to undergo an interview process, background check, drug test, and a medical exam.

Step 4:Submit Paperwork and Contest Elections

Those who clear the above stages will then be asked to file the required paperwork with their counties. After doing the needful, they can begin their campaigns. Those who win the final elections will then be sworn in as sheriffs.

Salary of Sheriffs in New Hampshire

As per the data reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual mean wage of First Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives in New Hampshire was $84,240 in May 2018.