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Working Conditions
Deputy Sheriffs work primarily outdoors, in all types of weather conditions, while on patrol duty in county
areas. Deputies assigned to duty at county jails and courts spend the majority of their time indoors. Some
work in sprawling rural areas with low populations; others perform their duties in heavily settled suburban
counties. Depending on the size of the department, Deputies may work alone or with a partner; while not
directly supervised, they do maintain radio contact with their communications center and with superior
officers to report in and to receive new or revised orders. Generally, sheriffs' departments operate 24
hours a day, and Deputies are usually required to work 5-day rotating shifts including holidays and
weekends. As with other law enforcement officers, Deputy Sheriffs are on call at all times and, during
periods of emergency, may work extended tours of duty. The apprehension of suspects who may be armed
and dangerous or situations involving high-speed chases subject Deputy Sheriffs to the hazards of serious
physical injury or death. Such possibilities should be given much thought when an individual is
considering this work as a career possibility. In most county sheriffs' departments, Deputies receive
fringe benefits that include paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; overtime pay; life, medical, and
disability insurance; uniform allowances; and retirement pension.
Training and Promotion Opportunities
The training program for Deputy Sheriffs is followed by a probationary period ranging from 6 to 18
months. During this time, probationary Deputies work with experienced Deputies and develop their
skills. Since Deputy Sheriffs must often work alone, they will not be hired as permanent members of the
force until they have demonstrated their ability to work independently. Once hired, an individual's
advancement prospects depend on the size of the agency as well as its personnel policies. Qualified
Deputies with the proper experience, training, and education may advance through the ranks to the
positions, where available, of Sergeant, Detective, Lieutenant, Captain, or Chief Deputy.
State Positions
State law enforcement spans a bridge between local law enforcement and federal law enforcement. The
duties of the State Police Officer are general law enforcement duties. In this respect, they are similar to
the duties of Local Police Officers and County Police Officers. Unlike federal law enforcement officers,
who tend to specialize in narrow areas of investigation, control, prevention, or protection, state law
enforcement officers do whatever must be done including traffic control, assisting accident and crime
victims, controlling large assemblies, preventing violations, and apprehending suspects.
On the other hand, the State Police Officer does not have the security of the location of his or her
workplace that is enjoyed by local and county officers. Even in tiny states such as Rhode Island or
Delaware, reassignment to a barracks at the other end of the state may entail relocating one's residence.
Manpower needs do shift from one area to another, and if superior officers expect the need for increased
manpower at a particular location to be a long-term need, permanent reassignments will fill that need.
STATE POLICE OFFICER/STATE TROOPER
Duties of the Job
State Police Officers provide police services to the public by patrolling state and interstate highways,
turnpikes, and freeways and by enforcing motor vehicle and criminal laws. Powers of the State Police vary
widely among the states. Some forces have full police powers throughout the state; others are restricted
