2 answers
CareerVillage Office Hours
Student
Palo Alto, California
475
Questions
Asked
414 views
How to become a sheriff?
Share your journey & guide aspiring sheriffs on their path!
Note: We've seen a lot of interest in this career, so we're looking for guidance from our community of professionals.
Login to comment
2 answers
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1738
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Law Enforcement has many different names, and specializations. Cities tend to have "police officers," while counties have "sheriffs," and Parks have "park rangers" or "park police" and schools have "resource officers" and airports/seaports/busses have "transportation police" or "port authorities." These are all law enforcement positions at the local jurisdictional level. And, are all basically entry-level law enforcement positions.
To become a police officer, you need a good reputation, as background checks are brutal. They talk to neighbors, classmates, teachers, employers, etc. You need to have your financial affairs in order. They don't like it if you are heavily in debt, even if you pay your bills on time. You need to be physically fit. Ability to do cardio, weight train, and be flexible. Stretching is important.
You also need to be good with people, respectful, tolerant/accepting of those who differ from you. It helps if you are able to help walk people through problems to a workable solution, as some officers are too quick to escalate things. You need to be able to think on your feet, and be confident of yourself and your decisions, even when unsure of what you are doing! You need to be able to write in a clear and concise manner, be resourceful, and able to work and get along with your fellow officers.
Academics/Activities: Sports tend to show ability to be part of a team. Self-defense shows ability to take care of yourself. Any job in customer service where you have to deal with people in a polite and patient manner shows people skills. The general educational requirement varies, but a minimum of a 2 year degree is the growing norm. Many take Criminal Justice, but other areas like Sociology or Psychology are also likely to be acceptable.
Military. Many agencies give a military preference. It's not a bad first move - it instills a lot of the desired traits in young people.
******* EVERY state does its own thing. They each have a regulatory agency, often a COLE - Committee on Law Enforcement Standards/Education. You need to start there. Then look at any deviations from that in what your local dept wants - perhaps higher education or better eyesight requirement. The only way to know is to research the specific state and agency.
How do "sheriffs" differ from "police officers?"
They are both law enforcement officers. Sheriffs are often in the unincorporated areas of the county, on the lonely backroads, often with back-up further away. Sheriffs also get involved in civil disputes, including evicting people from apartments.
hope this helps!
Kim
To become a police officer, you need a good reputation, as background checks are brutal. They talk to neighbors, classmates, teachers, employers, etc. You need to have your financial affairs in order. They don't like it if you are heavily in debt, even if you pay your bills on time. You need to be physically fit. Ability to do cardio, weight train, and be flexible. Stretching is important.
You also need to be good with people, respectful, tolerant/accepting of those who differ from you. It helps if you are able to help walk people through problems to a workable solution, as some officers are too quick to escalate things. You need to be able to think on your feet, and be confident of yourself and your decisions, even when unsure of what you are doing! You need to be able to write in a clear and concise manner, be resourceful, and able to work and get along with your fellow officers.
Academics/Activities: Sports tend to show ability to be part of a team. Self-defense shows ability to take care of yourself. Any job in customer service where you have to deal with people in a polite and patient manner shows people skills. The general educational requirement varies, but a minimum of a 2 year degree is the growing norm. Many take Criminal Justice, but other areas like Sociology or Psychology are also likely to be acceptable.
Military. Many agencies give a military preference. It's not a bad first move - it instills a lot of the desired traits in young people.
******* EVERY state does its own thing. They each have a regulatory agency, often a COLE - Committee on Law Enforcement Standards/Education. You need to start there. Then look at any deviations from that in what your local dept wants - perhaps higher education or better eyesight requirement. The only way to know is to research the specific state and agency.
How do "sheriffs" differ from "police officers?"
They are both law enforcement officers. Sheriffs are often in the unincorporated areas of the county, on the lonely backroads, often with back-up further away. Sheriffs also get involved in civil disputes, including evicting people from apartments.
hope this helps!
Kim
Michael Burke, CPP, CIPM, CFEI
Law Enforcement/Investigations
39
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Michael’s Answer
For teenagers- high school and those under 21-
Talk to your local Military Recruiter- US Army, Marines- and ask about testing for Military Police. Navy- Master at Arms. Air Force- Security Police.
Any of these will get you sent to one of the Military Police Academies after Basic Training, and get you 3-4 years of real-world law enforcement experience before you are 21 yrs old.
Talk to your local Military Recruiter- US Army, Marines- and ask about testing for Military Police. Navy- Master at Arms. Air Force- Security Police.
Any of these will get you sent to one of the Military Police Academies after Basic Training, and get you 3-4 years of real-world law enforcement experience before you are 21 yrs old.