Steps to Become a Sheriff

As a law enforcement officer responsible for maintaining order and enforcing laws in a particular county, being a sheriff is a challenging but rewarding career choice. Sheriffs have been an integral part of American society since the colonial era and today they play a crucial role in protecting the lives and property of citizens. If you are someone who is passionate about serving your community and want to make a difference, a career as a sheriff might be right for you.

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If you are interested in becoming a sheriff, you will want to know the steps to become a sheriff. These would include clearing some basic eligibility requirements, along with educational requirements. This would be followed by gaining some field experience and then eventually planning your campaign for running for the office of sheriff.
Joining the law enforcement in any capacity is a long and extensive process. But if you have the right amount of passion to be a sheriff, following these steps to become a sheriff would not be difficult.

Steps to Become a Sheriff
Steps to Become a Sheriff

1 – Meet the Basic Eligibility Criteria

The basic eligibility criterion for sheriffs is quite similar to that of other law enforcement occupations. You will need to fulfill the following requirements:

  • Be a US citizen.
  • Be at least 18 years of age – this requirement may vary from state to state.
  • Live in the place where you intend to become the sheriff – many states require candidates to be residents of the area they want to become a sheriff in, for at least one year before application. Detailed information regarding this would be available on your county’s website.
  • Be in a good mental and physical shape – sheriffs undergo a lot of physical and mental strain. Therefore it is important for them to have the ability to withstand all the pressure that comes with the job. You will have to pass medical tests with good performance. Going through the police academy will prepare you for the physical aspect of the job, including the ability to run, handcuff criminals and tackle people. Stress management and thinking on your feet are two qualities you will learn through practice and experience – therefore it is important to get plenty of experience before you run for sheriff.
  • Should have at least a high school diploma or a GED.

2 – Fulfill the Experience Requirements

Graduate from a police academy – Most counties require you to complete a comprehensive police academy training program to become a sheriff. However, some counties offer specific sheriff training programs that would waive off the police training requirement. You will be taught the following skills in the compulsory training program:

  • Crime scene management
  • Arresting criminals
  • Controlling crowds
  • Use of firearms
  • Law
  • Questioning witnesses
  • High speed driving

Gain some law enforcement experience: This experience would come in handy once you assume the office of sheriff. The exact experience requirements vary from county to county – some require at least 4-5 years of experience while others may only need one. You may also be required to get a police officer license or certification, as per your state’s laws.

Note: Work experience in another field of law enforcement may be relevant too – for instance, having worked as a judge might help you waive off some of the police experience requirement in some jurisdictions.

3 – Get a Higher Education Degree

Even though a lot of states don’t make this an official requirement for becoming a sheriff, it is generally expected to make your application and election campaign stronger if you possess a higher education degree. Getting an associate, bachelor’s or master’s degree in criminal justice or any relevant field would make the voters feel that you are more qualified to head the office of sheriff.

4 – Run for the Office of Sheriff

Each county has different requirements when it comes to the elections for sheriff, so you are advised to research thoroughly before beginning the process. General requirements would include:

  • Passing a written exam
  • Clearing an interview
  • Passing an extensive background check
  • Clearing a physical fitness test

Once you have cleared these requirements, you will need to file the relevant paperwork before the deadline specified by your county. You will then be officially starting your campaign for sheriff. Make sure you are clear about your campaign goals and how you intend to convey them to the voters.

If you are successful in the elections, you will be asked to take an oath of loyalty and will need to sign a contract. In most jurisdictions, sheriffs are elected for a period of four years.

Skills Required to Become a Sheriff

To become a successful sheriff, you must possess a range of skills and attributes, including:

  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to communicate effectively with other law enforcement officials, government officials, and members of the public.
  • Physical fitness, as sheriffs may need to pursue and apprehend suspects, conduct searches and seizures, and perform other physically demanding tasks.
  • Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, as sheriffs must quickly assess situations, identify risks and threats, and take appropriate action.
  • Leadership and management skills to oversee the operations of the sheriff’s office, including managing budgets, hiring and training personnel, and developing policies and procedures.
  • Knowledge of criminal law and legal procedures, as sheriffs are responsible for enforcing state and local laws and ensuring that legal procedures are followed.
  • Interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively with other law enforcement officials and members of the public, including victims and witnesses of crimes.

Job Description and Responsibilities of Sheriff

The job of a sheriff involves a range of duties and responsibilities, including:

  • Enforcing state and local laws and ordinances within their jurisdiction.
  • Conducting investigations into crimes and working closely with other law enforcement officials to bring offenders to justice.
  • Maintaining order and security within their county by responding to emergencies, such as natural disasters or civil unrest.
  • Managing and overseeing the operations of the sheriff’s office, including budgeting, staffing, training, and policy development.
  • Serving legal papers, such as summonses, subpoenas, and warrants.
  • Operating and maintaining jail facilities, overseeing the transport of prisoners, and ensuring that all legal procedures are followed.
  • Conducting community outreach and education programs to promote public safety and awareness.

Training Programs For Sheriffs

Training Program

 

Courses TaughtSkills DevelopedDuration
Sheriff’s Academy TrainingCriminal law, firearms training, defensive tactics, emergency responseKnowledge of criminal law and legal procedures, firearms training and other defensive tactics, emergency response proceduresSeveral months
Associate Degree in Criminal Justice or Law EnforcementCriminal law, criminal investigation, ethics, community policingKnowledge of criminal law and legal procedures, investigative techniques, leadership and management skills, interpersonal and communication skills2 years
Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice or Law EnforcementCriminal justice system, criminology, victimology, forensic scienceComprehensive knowledge of criminal justice system and procedures, analytical and critical thinking skills, research and writing skills4 years
Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice or Law EnforcementAdvanced topics in criminal justice, law and policy, research methodsIn-depth knowledge of criminal justice policy and reform, research and analysis skills, leadership and management skills2-3 years

Sheriffs may also be required to undergo additional specialized training, such as SWAT team training, K-9 unit training, or crisis negotiation training, depending on their specific duties and responsibilities.

Salary of Sheriffs in the USA

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage for sheriffs in the USA in 2021 was $70,750. However, salaries can vary widely depending on factors such as location, experience, and education. In addition to a competitive salary, sheriffs may also be eligible for benefits and perks such as:

  • Retirement plans, including pensions and 401(k) plans.
  • Health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • Paid vacation and sick leave.
  • Opportunities for professional development and advancement.

According to O*Net Online, the projected growth for sheriffs between 2021 and 2031 is 3%, which is about average compared to other occupations. Sheriffs may also have opportunities for advancement within their career, such as becoming a chief deputy, captain, or other higher-level law enforcement position. Additionally, some sheriffs may choose to pursue other career options within law enforcement, such as becoming a detective or FBI agent. Overall, being a sheriff is a challenging but rewarding career that requires a unique set of skills and attributes. If you are passionate about serving your community, have strong leadership and communication skills, and are committed to upholding the law, a career as a sheriff may be the right choice for you.

Should I Become a Sheriff?

Becoming a sheriff is slightly different than joining the law enforcement as an officer. A sheriff’s responsibilities involve not only fighting crime in their area, but also supervising the overall crime situation in their county and managing their department. If you have the following traits, you might just be the right fit for the position of a sheriff:

  • Strong communication skills – to convey information to your team effectively.
  • Active listening – the ability to pay attention to what your team is saying and take into account all information before you make a decision.
  • Critical Thinking – to be able to apply reasoning and logic in identifying the best possible solutions.
  • Social Perceptiveness – to be able to understand why people react the way they do in different situations.
  • Decision Making – taking into account the cost and benefits of different decision and choosing the most appropriate responses.


When supervising an entire county, you will need to maintain your calm and assess various problematic situations in detail to arrive at the best possible solution. Leadership qualities would come in really handy when trying to maintain decorum within the workplace.