Deputy Recruit

Oakland County, Michigan Government; Pontiac (MI); On-site; USD 43,230 - 52,837; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Structured training

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Oakland County, Michigan Government seeks motivated individuals for a law enforcement career as a Deputy Sheriff. The position requires completion of Police Academy training and offers an opportunity to serve the community effectively.

Expect hands-on training, support, and real-world tasks aimed at protecting life and property. Applicants must qualify under MCOLES standards and maintain a valid driver's license.

A competitive annual salary of $48,034 is offered, along with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Must be a United States citizen.
• Must complete Police Academy training.
• Must possess a valid motor vehicle license.
• No felony convictions are allowed.

Responsibilities

• Patrol areas to prevent crime and enforce laws.
• Respond to emergency calls and incidents.
• Prepare detailed reports on activities.
• Assist in emergency situations.

Skills

Communication

Decision Making

Manual Dexterity

Self-Defense

Firearm Safety

Education

Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES)

Job description

Overview & Benefits

Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents. When you join our team, you become part of a mission‑driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. Apply today and help shape the future of Oakland County, where we are All Ways Moving Forward.

General Summary

Salary: $48,034 annually

What You’ll Do

• Attend and successfully complete Police Academy training
• Learn and apply laws, policies, and procedures related to law‑enforcement duties
• Develop skills in crime prevention, public safety, and peacekeeping
• Assist in protecting life and property within the community
• Learn to render aid in emergency situations
• Prepare clear and accurate reports
• Learn to issue citations and make criminal arrests in accordance with the law
• Use Countywide and department‑specific software to complete assignments and documentation

Why You’ll Love It

• Begin your law‑enforcement career with structured training and support
• Gain hands‑on learning and real‑world skills through academy instruction
• Be part of a respected, mission‑driven Sheriff’s Office
• Build a strong foundation for advancement within law enforcement
• Serve the community while developing a lifelong, meaningful career

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Must be a United States citizen.
• Must successfully complete and have valid Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) Police Academy Pre‑Enrollment Test Results (Physical Fitness Testing and Reading/Writing Testing). Applicants who do not possess proof of completion of the standards at the time of application must provide proof of completion to the Sheriff’s Office by the date of interview.
• Must successfully complete the Police Academy as a sponsored/in‑service Sheriff's Office Deputy Recruit, being placed into the next available Police Academy upon hire; or be accepted and awaiting start date of a Police Academy training or its equivalent; or be currently attending a Police Academy training or its equivalent.
• Must be eligible to be MCOLES licensed and hired as a Deputy II upon successful completion of the Police Academy.
• Possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s or chauffeur’s license.
• Have no prior felony convictions. Misdemeanor convictions will be reviewed case‑by‑case to determine qualifying status. Domestic violence convictions are a basis for automatic disqualification.
• Have at least corrected 20/20 vision in each eye, with normal color vision and depth perception in both eyes, per MCOLES.
• Have normal corrected hearing in each ear, per MCOLES.

Special Requirements

Must maintain a valid State of Michigan motor vehicle operator's or chauffeur's license, firearms qualification and deputization status. Must be eligible to be MCOLES licensed and hired as a Deputy II upon successful completion of the Police Academy. A background investigation will be conducted covering employment, school, home, criminal, military or other personal records. Convictions for moving traffic violations, accidents, non‑moving traffic violations or other law violations will be reviewed. Fingerprinting and drug testing are part of the evaluation process. A psychological exam will be conducted. The Sheriff's Office may not certify the MCOLES license if a contracted Deputy Recruit separates after being hired and attending the Academy.

Essential Job Functions

• Patrol authorized areas to prevent crime, protect life and property, enforce laws, preserve peace, and give aid, relief and information to citizens.
• Patrol county roads and highways to detect and prevent violations of motor vehicle laws and aid in emergency traffic situations.
• Issue traffic warnings and citations to violators; apprehend and arrest offenders.
• Respond to calls, perform preliminary investigations of reported law violations, and obtain statements from witnesses, complainants and suspects.
• Properly and effectively prepare detailed reports and records of work performed.
• Respond to life‑threatening calls such as armed robbery, homicide, suicide, hostage situations and family disputes, as well as routine calls involving malicious destruction of property, incident reports and abandoned autos.
• Serve as group leader at scenes of crimes, crashes or incidents.
• Utilize current countywide and/or department‑specific software to complete assignments.

Essential Mental & Physical Requirements

Ability to communicate accurately and convey information; manual dexterity for performing law‑enforcement duties and making arrest, security and custody activities including transporting arrest/inmates to authorized facilities; ability to perform daily physical activities; ability to learn and perform self‑defense; ability to learn to utilize a firearm safely.

Additional Desirable Qualifications

• Reasonable ability to make decisions under adverse conditions.
• Reasonable ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Reasonable ability and skill in writing general reports.
• Reasonable ability to provide information to the general public.
• Reasonable ability to make routine decisions in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.
• Reasonable ability and skill in maintaining prescribed items of uniform clothing and personal equipment issued by the department.
• Reasonable skill in the use of firearms.
• Familiar with current word processing, spreadsheet, database, e‑mail, and Internet software.

Union

BU10 - Deputy Sheriff Association: Law Enforcement (OCDSA)

EEO Statement

We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Inclusion Statement

Oakland County is committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with prior convictions, as we believe in providing equal opportunities for all. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our team and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace. All candidates are evaluated based on their ability to meet the job requirements, legal obligations and thrive in our organization.