Deputy Sheriff - Patrol

Candidates who have already attended or are currently attending a Florida law enforcement (police officer) academy may apply. Candidates with 2 years full-time law enforcement experience and Florida certified will receive a $2,500 signing allowance! 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 Requirements:

Certified: Must have a valid certificate of completion from a Florida law enforcement academy, passing score on the state law enforcement certification exam, good work history, clean background, and good driving history. 

Currently Enrolled in Academy: Must be currently enrolled in a Florida law enforcement academy.  Must obtain passing score on the state law enforcement certification exam prior to the conclusion of agency’s 8-week Basic Recruit Training.  Must have good work history, clean background, and good driving history. 

• Must meet the education/employment requirements of Option 1 or Option 2
  • Option 1 - 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.
  • Option 2 - Three or more years of current, discipline free employment.
• High school or GED diploma
• At least 20 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 within 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 deputy positions will participate in the following steps:

• Online application
• Voice Stress Analysis (truth verification)
• Panel Interview
• Swim Test
• Complete Background Check  
• Medical exam & drug screen (after conditional job offer)
• Psychological Evaluation (after conditional job offer)
   

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

Candidates with less than 4 years law enforcement (police officer)  experience: $46,009.60

Candidates with 4 years of full-time law enforcement (police officer)  experience: $49,233.60

Additional Salary Benefits:

• Signing Allowance - Candidates with 2 years full-time law enforcement (police officer) experience and Florida certified will receive a $2,500 signing allowance
• Candidates with a 2 year degree from an accredited school will receive $13.85 bi-weekly
• Candidates with a 4 year degree or higher from an accredited school will receive 36.92 bi-weekly
• New employees working a midnight shift will receive $50.00 bi-weekly; evening shift $38.47 bi-weekly

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
• Take home car issued after field training completed
• 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

Newly hired certified deputy sheriffs (with or without law enforcement experience) must participate in Basic Recruit Training (BRT).  This 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 complete 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.  New hires with prior law enforcement experience may be eligible for an accelerated Field Training and Evaluation Program, but still must complete the 8-week Basic Recruit Training.

Promotions

Career Opportunities - Many who start their law enforcement careers at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office stay with our agency all the way to retirement because the opportunities are endless. There are a variety of experiences to choose from, whether it be a specialty unit or a supervisory track, and our Career Development team is always available to guide you in the right direction as you move toward your career goals. We offer resume reviews, interview feedback, and information about college degrees as just a few resources to help maximize your potential. Listed below are some areas and positions that you may be eligible for in just a few years:

Specialty Units and number of positions:

• Agricultural Crimes Unit (26)
• Aviation Unit (22)
• Community Policing (20)
• Criminal Investigations (298)
• Homeland Security (6)
• Intelligence Section (14) 
• K-9 Unit (20)
• Marine Unit / Mounted Patrol (20) 
• Motorcycle Unit (51) 
• Youth Services (84)

Part-Time Specialty Units:

• SWAT Team (46)
• Hostage Negotiations Team (68)
• Hazardous Device Team (15)
• Emergency Response Team  (31)
• Dive Team (21)
• Crisis Intervention Team (16)

Promotions - Some deputies pursue the supervisory and management track through competitive testing. Once eligible, promotions to the following ranks involve a specific testing process:

• Deputy First Class (eligible after 2-3 years of service)
• Corporal (eligible after 4-5 years of service, and currently a Deputy First Class)
• Sergeant (eligible after 5-6 years of service, with 1 year as a Corporal)
• Lieutenant (eligible after 8 years of service, with 2 years as a Sergeant)

Orange County Sheriff’s Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer