The state of Utah comprises of 29 listed counties where all matters related to law enforcement are overseen by their elected sheriffs. They are assisted by the Utah Sheriffs’ Association. If you want to become a sheriff in the Beehive State, this guide has everything you need to know.

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Requirements for Joining the Ranks of Utah’s Sheriffs

You will need to meet the following standards to become a sheriff in Utah.

  • Must have attained the age of at least 18.
  • Must pass high school at least. The equivalent GED certificate is acceptable too.
  • Should be a legal American citizenship holder (birth or naturalization).
  • Meet all conditions regarding residency in the county of choice.

*Please be informed that the conditions outlined above are generic for the whole of Utah. Specific counties may have somewhat varying standards for people who want to become sheriff. Therefore, you need to make sure that you have all information about the particular eligibility requirements of your preferred county.

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  1. Enroll for training at a police academy. There might also be some counties that provide customized training geared towards people aspiring to become sheriffs.
  2. Gain the required law enforcement experience by working as an officer once your training is complete. Different countries set their own work experience demands. Some require at least 5 years while a few others put the minimum threshold at 12 months. So, the length of time you spend working as an officer will ultimately depend on the requirements of the county in which you want to become a sheriff.
  3. Go for further education and obtain a college degree (bachelor’s or associate’s) if possible. This is not binding but having higher educational qualifications will certainly brighten your chances of being elected to the sheriff’s office. If you do go down this route, then a degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, psychology or criminology is recommended.
  4. Pass the preliminary screening phase which comprises of a written examination, interview, physical fitness test and background investigation.
  5. Submit the required paperwork to enter the race to the sheriff’s office.
  6. Run your election campaign well enough to convince voters in your county that you are the best person for the role.
  7. Earn enough votes to win the elections and become sheriff for a specified term. You can run again for a second term once the first one ends.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Sheriff in Utah?

Calculating the time taken to complete police academy training and obtain the required work experience, it can take you anywhere between 3 to 8 years to become a sheriff in Utah. A lot of it will depend on the number of years of law enforcement work experience that your county demands.

How Much Does a Sheriff Make in Utah?

As of May, 2018, First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives in Utah made $76,610 in annual mean wage. This is according to the information released by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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