Deputy Sheriff

Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office; Shalimar (FL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus $5,000 after six months

Job summary

Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office in Florida seeks a Deputy Sheriff to join our patrol unit. The position operates on a Panama schedule with 12-hour shifts and requires flexibility, strong fitness, and commitment to protecting life and property.

The role includes responding to calls, preliminary investigations, writing reports, and working with local, state, and federal agencies. A Florida Peace Officer certification and US citizenship are required; a $5,000 sign-on bonus applies after six months.

Qualifications

• Florida Certified Law Enforcement Officer.
• Valid Florida Driver's License.
• Minimum Age of 19 Years.
• US Citizen.
• High School Diploma/GED.
• Must not have felony convictions; no recent serious misdemeanors.
• Ability to perform essential job functions as a Deputy Sheriff.

Responsibilities

• Patrol Okaloosa County to preserve the peace, prevent and discover criminal acts and to enforce all the laws of the State of Florida and applicable Federal regulations.
• Conduct preliminary investigations, including protecting and collecting evidence, interviewing complainants, witnesses and suspects.
• Prepare written reports and criminal complaints to initiate arrests and support investigations.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the use of firearms (pistol and shotgun).
• Follow agency directives and policies; work flexible hours and overtime as scheduled.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Decision making under pressure

Physical fitness

Firearms proficiency

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Florida Certified Law Enforcement Officer

Job description

$5,000 sign-on bonus available after six months of employment with Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office.

Information regarding the Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Payment Program is available here: Law and Order - FloridaJobs.org

Position Schedule

This position is a Panama schedule with rotation every 3 months, must be able to work 12 hour shifts.

How the Pay Is Calculated

The annual rate of pay is based on the patrol schedule which includes overtime.

Background Investigation Waiver

Background Investigation Waiver (Required): Please click on the link below for the Background Waiver.

CJSTC-058-3-2025

The duties of this position require a constitutional law enforcement officer, requiring the regular bearing of firearms. Preserves law and order and protect life and property. Respond to calls for service, including but not limited to complaints involving drunkenness, domestic disturbances, fires, theft, as well as other felony and misdemeanor violations of law. Make interpretations of state law and county ordinances. Must assist Local, State and Federal Law Enforcement Agencies as well as other divisions of the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office.

For Out-Of-State Law Enforcement Certified Or Military Members With Law Enforcement

If you are certified in Law Enforcement in another state, federal agency, or military, or if you have more than four years break in Law Enforcement certification, you may be exempted from attending the full basic recruit academy and you qualify for an Out-Of State Equivalency. To determine if you meet the requirements please contact the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Assessment Center. Click here.

• Patrol Okaloosa County to preserve the peace, prevent and discover criminal acts and to enforce all the laws of the State of Florida and applicable Federal regulations
• Conduct preliminary investigations, including but not limited to, protecting and collecting evidence, interviewing complainants, witnesses and suspects involved in crimes
• Prepares a variety of written reports concerning involvement in the duties assigned
• Prepares criminal complaints to initiate the arrest of violators
• Involved in traffic control and in certain instances the investigation of motor vehicle crashes
• Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the use of firearms, including pistol and shotgun
• Must have the ability to follow directives and policies of the agency;
• Must be able to work flexible hours, any overtime scheduled or unscheduled, or on call.
• Must have the ability to follow directives and policies of the agency;
• Performs related duties as necessary.

• Florida Certified Law Enforcement Officer
• Valid Florida Driver's License
• High School Diploma/GED
• Minimum Age of 19 Years
• US Citizen
• Must not have been convicted of any felony; or a misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement.
• Must not have any misdemeanor conviction, including a plea of nolo contendere, within the last five years for any of the following: Battery, including Domestic Violence Battery, Driving Under the Influence (DUI), and Theft.
• Never have received a dishonorable discharge from any of the Armed Forces of the United States.
• Have good moral character as determined by a background investigation
• Must be able to perform the essential job functions of a Deputy Sheriff.

Physical Requirements

Must be physically able to safely operate a motor vehicle. Must be able to operate radio equipment, computer, copier, fax and telephone. Must be able to bend body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist, requiring full use of lower extremities and back muscles. Must be able to bend legs at knees to come to rest on knee(s). Must be able to bend body downward and forward by bending legs and spine. Must be able to move about on hands and knees or hands and feet. Must be able to reach, extending hand(s) in any direction. Must be able to handle, seize, hold, grab, turn, or otherwise work with hand(s). Must be able to stand at least 50% of the time. Must be able to lift 60 pounds or more. Must be able to drag 150 pounds 100 feet. Must be able to maintain personal fitness.

Interpersonal Communication

Requires the ability to speak before groups, articulate ideas, and effectively communicate the stated objectives in a well planned, organized and clear manner.

Language Abilities

Must be able to speak with clarity, voice control and confidence and to articulate information to others. Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently.

Intelligence

Requires the ability to apply principles and to make independent judgments in the absence of supervisor and to acquire knowledge of topics related to essential job functions.

Interpersonal Temperament

Requires the ability to deal with the public. Must be able to control large crowds. Requires dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations. Requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in difficult situations. The employee may be subject to danger or risk when working in extreme atmospheric conditions or near biohazards.

Physical Communication

Requires the ability to talk and/or hear; (talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; Hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear). Must be able to hear and understand communications through a telephone and over a radio.

Written Communication

Display the ability to write a minimum of one complete paragraph that is legible and can be understood by a reasonably intelligent adult. Requires the ability to enter data into computer and prepare reports, correspondence, etc., with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech.

Vision

Peripheral vision or side vision is the ability to see objects and movement outside of the direct line of vision and may be needed to stop any potential conflicts that may occur.

Tattoos & Jewelry

Jewelry and body ornamentation that detracts from professional appearance is prohibited, with specific guidelines for visible jewelry, earrings, and rings, as well as restrictions on body piercings. It strictly regulates visible tattoos, brands, and body modifications, prohibiting those that are excessive, offensive, discriminatory, or harmful to the organization’s reputation, while also requiring employees to conceal prohibited ornamentation, as necessary.

Facial Hair

Cadets must maintain neatly trimmed facial hair, with mustaches conforming to natural lip lines and prohibited from extreme styles, while beards are permitted only for undercover assignments or with approved medical waivers. Medical waivers require licensed documentation and must adhere to grooming standards, ensuring facial hair is no longer than ¼ inch and appears neat and professional.

The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law.