Deputy Recruit

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Comprehensive benefits

Structured training

Job summary

Oakland County invites applications for a Deputy Recruit position. This role offers a structured training program at the Police Academy, focusing on law enforcement skills essential for community safety. Successful candidates will be part of a respected Sheriff’s Office, dedicated to public service.

Minimum qualifications include being a U.S. citizen, possessing a valid Michigan driver’s license, and no felony convictions. The position provides competitive pay and a pathway to a fulfilling law enforcement career.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Valid Michigan driver's license required.
• Successful completion of the Police Academy as a sponsored Deputy Recruit.
• No felony convictions; misdemeanors considered case-by-case.

Responsibilities

• Patrol assigned areas to prevent crime and protect life.
• Issue traffic citations.
• Respond to emergency and non-emergency calls.
• Prepare accurate reports.

Skills

Communication

Manual Dexterity

Physical Fitness

Decision Making

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Firearms

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. We are All Ways Moving Forward.

General Summary

Salary: $48,034 - $48,034

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

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). Proof of completion must be provided by the date of interview if not yet completed.
• Must successfully complete the Police Academy as a sponsored/in‑service Sheriff’s Office Deputy Recruit, be 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.
• No prior felony convictions. Misdemeanor convictions will be reviewed on a case‑by‑case basis. Domestic violence convictions are a disqualifying factor.
• At least 20/20 corrected vision in each eye, normal color vision and depth perception in both eyes, per MCOLES.
• 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.
• Background investigation covering employment, school, home, criminal, military, or other personal records.
• Any conviction or convictions for moving traffic violations, accidents, non‑moving traffic violations, or violations of other laws will be reviewed before appointment.
• Fingerprinting and drug testing are part of the evaluation process.
• Information obtained during the background investigation will be considered in the hiring decision.
• Convictions of the Domestic Violence Statute will be a disqualifying factor.
• A psychological exam will be conducted and considered.
• The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office has the right not to certify the MCOLES License of a Deputy Recruit that was originally hired and attending the Police Academy under sponsorship, if the recruit subsequently separates but still completes the Police Academy.

Essential Job Functions

• Patrol authorized areas to prevent crime, protect life and property, enforce laws, preserve the 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 traffic 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 calls that may be life‑threatening (e.g., armed robbery, homicide, suicide, hostage situations, family disputes) as well as routine calls involving malicious destruction of property, various 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.
• Attend Police Academy in an educational setting.
• 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 Information

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.