***Upcoming: Certified - Law Enforcement Deputy

Deputy Sheriff – Law Enforcement

The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office will be accepting applications for the position of Deputy Sheriff – Law Enforcement beginning July 3, 2026, through August 2, 2026, with a hire date of December 14, 2026. If you have any questions pertaining to this position, please contact Recruiting Deputy D. Kirchgraber at View email address on click.appcast.io or Deputy B. Toles at View email address on click.appcast.io.

You must be Law Enforcement Certified in the state of Florida to qualify for this position. If you are not yet certified, you are eligible to apply for the Law Enforcement Deputy Recruit position. This position requires that the applicant be at least 21 years of age and meet the requirements and standards of the Florida (CJSTC) Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission as authorized by F.S.S. 943.13. Due to different application processes, when applying for any Deputy vacancy, we ask that you limit your application to one position.

Certified Law Enforcement Experience Pay: 1 year = $69,649 2 years = $70,345 3 years = $71,223 4 years = $72,114 5+ years = $73,374 With three (3) or more years Certified Law Enforcement experience, eligible to receive: - Signing Bonus = $5,000 - Relocation Stipend to Pinellas County: - From out-of-state = $3,000 - From Manatee, Hillsborough, Pasco or Hernando Counties = $500 - From all other Florida locations = $1,500 With less than three (3) years Certified Law Enforcement experience, eligible to receive: - Signing Bonus= $3,000 First time newly employed Law Enforcement Officers in the State of Florida may be eligible for an additional bonus up to $5,000 through the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity while funding is available. ** 10% shift differential for night shift ** Pinellas County Sheriff's Office deputies are prohibited from having any tattoo(s), temporary decal(s), and / or body art that is visible on the head, scalp, face, ears, neck, or hands (defined as the area from the wrist to the fingertips), while wearing the agency uniform. If you are a Certified Law Enforcement Officer/Certified Detention and Corrections Officer outside the state of Florida, you may be exempt from having to complete the full basic recruit academy upon relocating to Florida. Click here to view additional information regarding the exemption. A Certified Deputy must have the ability to perform essential physical tasks at a set standard. The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office requires potential candidates to meet the listed standards prior to being offered employment. Click the following link to view the physical assessment requirements: (Download PDF reader)

The review and selection process varies by position and applicant; in all instances the maximum duration is 22 weeks. Under the general direction of a Law Enforcement Sergeant, or designee, performs general law enforcement work of average difficulty and responsibility in the preservation and protection of life and property, the prevention of crime, the maintenance of good public order, the enforcement of civil and criminal law, and other related duties as required by direction or assignment. All assignments involve responsibility for recognizing the social importance of the law enforcement function and for conscientious and effective performance of duties without immediate supervision. Deputy exercises judgment and individual initiative in the performance of routine duties and in emergency situations. Positions require the member to work on rotating shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays. Duties are generally performed on an assigned shift, but the deputy may be called upon to continue assigned duties or special work assignments on other shifts and/or at such times as directed to best fill the efficient and effective operations of the Sheriff's Office. Work is reviewed through personal observation, inspections and by discussion and review of daily reports for adherence to prescribed methods and procedures. Members in this position must reside in the following counties: Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Manatee, or Hernando.

• Pursuit, apprehension, and arrest of law violators or suspected law violators
• Patrols assigned areas of the County to preserve public order and tranquility, and to prevent and/or discover the commission of crimes against person or property
• Makes arrests and testifies in the prosecution of law violators; conducts preliminary and/or detailed investigations of the commission of crime or law violations
• Protects the crime scene, gathers and preserves matters of evidence, takes and records testimony; directs and coordinates activities on-site until relieved by a superior officer; assists detectives in specialized investigations
• Transports arrested individuals to jail, and prepares offense and case reports and investigative information for evidence for court
• Serves warrants, capias, court orders and other legal processes; locates and arrests persons wanted on warrants or court orders
• Enforces the traffic laws and arrests or issues summons to traffic law violators; reports unsafe road conditions; directs the flow of traffic when required; investigates traffic accidents
• Participates in work involving juveniles, making preliminary and/or detailed investigation and follow-up, referring such cases as needed to Juvenile Court
• Assists in the training of personnel
• Regular and reliable attendance is required as an essential function of the position
• This position is considered essential and, in the event of an emergency or natural disaster, will be required to report to work
• Participates in Sheriff's Office recruitment and community relations activities as directed

This list is not intended to be all-inclusive and you may not be responsible for every item listed. The employer reserves the right to assign additional functions and responsibilities as necessary

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• High School graduation or equivalent diploma from an institution accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) or licensed as a degree granting institution by the Commission for Independent Education
• Certification of completion of law enforcement training as required by the State of Florida
• Meet requirements and standards of the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission as authorized by F.S.S. 943.13
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver's License (minimum Class E)
• Consideration for this position requires a credit check

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the application of modern law enforcement principles and practices
• Knowledge of the importance of law enforcement work, the geography of Pinellas County, its unincorporated areas, and the general roadway system of the County
• Knowledge of General Orders and standard operating procedures
• Knowledge of applicable laws, ordinances, rules and regulations
• Knowledge of first aid practices
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations
• Ability to cope with stressful situations and perform calmly under stressful conditions
• Ability to work closely with others as a team
• Ability to prepare and present clear, accurate, concise and objective written and oral reports
• Ability to enforce the law with firmness, tact and impartiality and to deal courteously with the public
• Ability to recognize and understand the emotional and physical reactions of both victims and perpetrators of crimes
• Ability to render physical assistance
• Skill in calmly and systematically eliciting critical information from individuals who may be injured and/or highly emotional
• Ability to maintain a level of physical conditioning to be able to physically subdue, restrain, and apprehend law violators
• Ability to meet requirements of periodic in-service training in all high liability areas (firearms, defensive tactics, A.S.P., tactical driving)
• Ability to adhere, at all times, to the standards and principles of honesty and integrity, and to keep your private life unsullied as an example to all
• Ability to comply with the Drug Free Workplace Act

Physical Abilities

The physical abilities listed below are requirements to perform the essential functions and responsibilities.

• Requires satisfactory medical standards as stated on FDLE form CJSTC 75A, agency medical physical clearance form, and the following:
• Visual acuity of 20/30 vision standard in each eye; if corrective lenses must be used to satisfy