Patrol Deputy

Salary: $29.73 - $34.84 Hourly
Location : Mount Vernon, OH
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 220000062
Department: Sheriffs Office
Division: SO Office
Opening Date: 09/29/2026


Objectives


The Knox County Sheriff's Office is accepting applications for full-time patrol division deputies. Deputies provide general law enforcement services to those within the jurisdictional limits of the agency. Applicants should either have an Ohio Peace Officer Certificate, be enrolled in an academy, or be scheduled for an upcoming academy.

The 2026 wages are between $29.73 and $34.84 per hour, based on experience and shift.

Benefits include insurance, retirement, paid holidays and vacation.

Essential Functions

• Provide general law enforcement services to those within the jurisdictional limits of the agency;
• Preserve public peace;
• Protect life;
• Protect property;
• Prevent crime;
• Serve court processes;
• Enforce the laws of the state and other applicable ordinances;
• Protect persons and property that may come under your charge or custody;
• Enforce the laws of the state and other applicable ordinances;
• Arrive to work at a specified time in full regulation uniform, unless otherwise instructed;
• Be on duty in the prescribed uniform, and be mentally, emotionally and physically prepared to perform all required duties;
• Remain on duty and fully conscious until the expiration of the shift, and/or relieved by a supervisor;
• Maintain a clean and professional appearance while on duty;
• Complete, and turn in before the end of each tour of duty, all reports and necessary paperwork;
• Maintain sensitivity and provide equality to all races, religions, sexes, and cultural groups;
• Establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, other agencies, and the public;
• Attend and complete all required training and demonstrations of proficiency;
• Establish and maintain liaison with local, county, state, federal agencies, and public officials; and
• Abide by all lawful policies and procedures, orders, and instructions issued by superiors of the Knox County Sheriff's Office.

Job Standards

• Be a United States citizen;
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED);
• Be at least 18 years of age;
• Have a current Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training Certificate;
• Possess a valid Ohio Driver's License;
• Be subject to a thorough background investigation and personal interviews by agency personnel;
• Successfully complete pre-employment polygraph and drug testing;
• Be fingerprinted and subjected to a search of local, state, and national records and fingerprint files.

Supplemental Information

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Speak, Write, and Read Reports & Comprehend Other Documents;
• Handle Human Relations Problems;
• Engage in Physical Activities;
• Operate Patrol Vehicle;
• Enforce Traffic Laws and Manage Traffic Accidents;
• Arrest and Detain Persons;
• Use Physical Force to Control Persons;
• Use Deadly Force;
• Conduct Search and Seizure;
• Protect Crime Scene and Collect Evidence and Information;
• Conduct Initial Investigations of Various Crimes and Events;
• Provide Emergency Assistance; and
• Present Testimony.

Chain of Command:
Newly appointed officers initially work under the direct supervision of a Field Training Officer (FTO), until the FTO approves the officer to perform duties on their own without constant direct supervision. Once the FTO training process is complete, sworn officers normally work under the supervision of a sergeant overseeing the section to which the officer is assigned.
Knox County offers a complete package to full-time employees including: health care, dental, vision, life insurance, pension, paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, and deferred compensation plans.

To learn more, visit our Benefits Page.
01


Do you have an Ohio Peace Officer Certificate, are enrolled in an academy or scheduled for an upcoming academy?
02


Are you at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)?
03


Have you ever applied to be or been employed by the State, a County, or any Political Subdivision thereof in Ohio? Yes or No, and if Yes, please explain.
04


Do you have any commitments (i.e., second job, school, etc.) which might interfere with, or adversely affect, your employment should we select you for a position? Yes or No, if Yes, please explain.
05


Are you currently employed?
06


If you are currently employed, may we contact your present employer? If yes, please provide the person's name to contact and phone number.
07


If you are currently employed and do not wish us to contact your employer, can you explain why?
08


Are you on layoff or subject to recall?

• Yes
• No

09


If employed, does your employment require you to continue working for your current employer, or restrict your activities after leaving your current employment, for any period of time? Yes or No, and if Yes, what date?
10


Do you possess a valid Driver's License? Yes or No, and if Yes, please provide your DL Number.
11


If the position you are applying for requires travel, can you supply your own transportation?

• Yes
• No

12


Have you ever been issued any other license, registration and/or certificate relating to the job(s) for which you are applying? Yes or No, and if so, indicate the field or area of specialization, the license/certification number, and when it expires.
13


Are you a veteran of the U.S. Military? Yes or No, and if yes, what branch?
14


On what date are you able to start working?
15


Desired salary range?
16


I understand and accept that, depending upon the position for which I am applying, if I am employed by Knox County, my employment may be for no definite period of time and I may be terminated, with or without cause or notice at any time, at the opinion of either Knox County, or myself. I understand that no representative of Knox County, other than an Appointing Authority, has any authority to enter into any agreement or to make any agreement with me contrary to the foregoing, except that an Appointing Authority of Knox County may do so in writing under specific limited circumstances.

• Yes
• No

17


I understand and accept that, if I am selected for employment, my initial and continued employment may be conditioned upon my passing any medical examination that the employer deems necessary to determine whether I can physically perform the essential functions of the position, with reasonable accommodation when necessary. I understand and accept that this will include drug, alcohol, or substance abuse testing.

• Yes
• No

18


If employed, I understand and accept that, depending on the department in which I am applying for employment, I may be required to work evening or night shifts including weekends, be on call, and/or work mandatory overtime hours. I also understand and accept that I am required to abide by all rules and regulations of the Knox County Appointing Authority.

• Yes
• No

19


I understand and accept that if any information required in this application is found to be falsified or intentionally excluded, my application may be disqualified from further consideration. I further understand and accept that if I am employed by a Knox County Appointing Authority, I may be subject to disciplinary action, including termination, if any information required by this application has been falsified or intentionally excluded.

• Yes
• No

20


I understand and accept that the employer requires a high degree of integrity and confidentiality of its employees. I understand that the employer will use screening procedures to evaluate my qualifications and suitability for employment, including but not limited to interviews, criminal record checks, driving record checks, written testing, reference checks, background investigations, psychological evaluations, and drug testing. I also acknowledge that I may be subject to other screening procedures not specifically listed above, and that may be a prerequisite to my appointment.

• Yes
• No

21


I hereby authorize the employers, schools, and personal references named in this application to provide information regarding me to the employer. I further authorize the release of personal, academic, and other records to the employer.

• Yes
• No

22


I solemnly swear that all of the information furnished in this employment application is true, accurate, and complete to the best of my knowledge. I authorize investigation of all statements contained in this application. I understand that any misrepresentation or falsification of the information provided may lead to withdrawal of an employment offer or termination following employment. I recognize that my future employment with the employer will be jeopardized if I engage in substance abuse, illegal drug abuse, or alcohol abuse. Any background check conducted as part of the hiring process shall be in compliance with State and Federal law, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act and EEOC Enforcement guidelines and Knox County policies. Applicants are hereby advised that State and Federal law may disqualify an individual with a particular criminal history from employment in certain positions. Reference the following link to view a summary of your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act: Therefore, in consideration of my employment application being reviewed and considered by a Knox County, Ohio, Appointing Authority, I, being at least 18 years of age and under no legal disability on behalf of my heirs and assigns, hereby release and hold harmless Knox County, Ohio and any of its agents, employees, Appointing Authorities, related officials from any and all liability, whatever type and nature, resulting from the administration of any such screening procedures and/or release of the results there from.By typing your name - you are effectively agreeing and signing this application.
23


How did you hear about this position?

• County Website
• Social Media
• OhioMeansJobs
• Indeed
• Professional Association Website
• News Outlet
• Word of Mouth
• Other

Required Question