Deputy Sheriff - Sponsorship

Candidates with high qualifications may apply to a limited number of paid sponsorships to a law enforcement academy. The ideal candidate possesses related work experience, college, and/or military experience. A strong candidate has favorable work history, driving history, credit ratings, and a low incident rate of substance abuse.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Two years of accredited college (60 credit hours); OR Two years of active military duty or four continuous years of reserve/guard duty; OR Two years of full-time law enforcement (police officer) or related experience (e.g., corrections, emergency communications, fire/rescue, security); OR A combination of the above.
• High school or GED diploma
• At least 21 years of age
• U.S. Citizen
• Valid driver's license for the last year and have no more than two moving violations over the past three years. Other driving history will be evaluated on a case by case basis
• No DUI convictions for the past 5 years. Other driving history will be evaluated on a case by case basis
• Must not have been convicted of a felony
• Must not have been convicted of a misdemeanor involving moral character, false statements, perjury or domestic violence
• Must not have received a dishonorable discharge from the United States Armed Forces
• No illegal drug usage over the past three years. Other drug usage will be evaluated on a case by case basis
• Good physical condition
• Vision of 20/40 corrected or better

Processing

All candidates participate in a thorough hiring process, to ensure everyone hired meets our strict standards.

All candidates for sponsorship positions will participate in the following steps:

• Online application
• Physical Abilities Test
• Voice Stress Analysis (truth verification)
• Panel Interview
• Ride-along with a deputy may be required
• Swim Test
• Complete Background Check
• Medical exam & drug screen (after conditional job offer)
• Psychological Evaluation (after conditional job offer)

Once selected for processing, candidates for academy sponsorship must take the Basic Abilities Test (BAT) available at any law enforcement academy in the State of Florida.

Processing time on average is 4-6 months.

Deputy Sheriffs are responsible for the protection of life and property and the enforcement of laws and regulations. This work involves an element of personal danger and frequent contact with the public during routine and emergency situations.

Salary

Academy recruits are paid $19.36/hour during the academy.

Benefits

All full-time employees of the Orange County Sheriff's Office receive an excellent benefits and compensation package.

• Sheriff contributes majority of cost for medical coverage
• Life insurance and long term disability insurance is provided by Sheriff; employees may elect to purchase additional coverage
• Retirement benefits are provided by the Florida Retirement System
• Uniforms, weapons, and other equipment furnished
• Education incentive and reimbursement programs
• 12 vacation days per year/accrues at 3.69 hours bi-weekly
• Sick time accrues at 3.69 hours bi-weekly
• 12 paid holidays per year
• Gym facilities in many agency buildings

Training

Recruits hired for sponsorship to the law enforcement academy attend the award winning program at the Valencia Criminal Justice Institute.  This 20-week course is one of the most challenging in the State, both academically and physically. 

Academy graduates are sworn-in as deputy sheriffs and begin Basic Recruit Training (BRT).  This extensive 8-week program covers all high liability areas, including driving, shooting, defensive tactics, and agency policies and procedures.  After successfully completing Basic Recruit Training, new deputies will complete an additional 14 weeks in the Field Training and Evaluation Program (FTEP).  This one-on-one training with a certified Field Training Officer ensures that all new deputies are fully prepared to be a solo deputy.  

Orange County Sheriff’s Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer.