***Upcoming: Recruit - Law Enforcement Deputy

Deputy Sheriff Recruit – Law Enforcement

The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office will be accepting applications for the position of Deputy Sheriff Recruit – Law Enforcement beginning July 27, 2026 through September 21, 2026, with a hire date of January 18, 2027. If you have any questions pertaining to this position, please contact Recruiting Deputy D. Kirchgraber or Deputy B. Toles.

This position requires that the applicant be at least 21 years of age and meet the requirements and standards of the Florida 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. With less than three years Certified Law Enforcement experience, eligible to receive: - Signing Bonus= $3,000 Individuals receive an annual salary of $68,960.00 while attending the 21-week academy. The schedule while attending the academy varies, upon completion of the academy members are assigned to work 12-hour shifts. 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. 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. 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.

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 Training Sergeant, or designee, participates in the Law Enforcement Academy sponsored by Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. During such time, members are required to maintain education and performance standards in all areas of training as defined by the St. Petersburg College (SPC) and Southeastern Public Safety Institute (SEPSI) in conjunction with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Upon successful completion of the academy and receiving a passing score on the state exam, Law Enforcement Deputy Recruits will continue recruit training in high liability functions at the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. Position requires the member to work on rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Members in this position must reside in the following counties: Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Manatee, or Hernando.

• Attend a twenty-one (21) week Law Enforcement Academy at SEPSI
• Pass all academy exams with a minimum score of 80%
• Successfully complete training in the following disciplines:
• Law enforcement operation and procedures
• Firearms training
• Arrest techniques
• Defensive tactics
• First responder techniques
• Vehicle operation
• Officer survival
• Emergency preparedness
• Attend nine (9) weeks high liability training in addition to the academy
• Successfully complete up to fourteen (14) weeks of field training
• 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
• College credits from a regionally accredited college that includes English Comp I OR successfully pass the PERT administered by St. Petersburg College (SPC)
• Pass the Criminal Justice Basic Abilities Test (CJBAT)** for Law Enforcement
• Pass the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office new hire physical assessment
• Successful completion of law enforcement training as required by the State of Florida
• Upon completion of training, must obtain certification by the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission as authorized by F.S.S. 943.13
• Must have a valid Florida Driver's License (minimum Class E)
• Consideration for this position requires a credit check

**Applicants who qualify as a Veteran or hold an Associate Degree or higher from an accredited college or university are exempt from taking the CJBAT

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to meet requirements of the SEPSI Academy in all high liability areas (firearms, defensive tactics, firefighting)
• Ability to learn and apply modern law enforcement principles and practices
• Ability to learn the importance of law enforcement work, the geography of Pinellas County, its unincorporated areas, and the general roadway system of the County
• Ability to learn General Orders and standard operating procedures
• 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
• Skilled in calmly and systematically eliciting critical information from individuals who may be injured and/or highly emotional
• 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 20/30 vision standard, uncorrected vision should be no worse than 20/100 in each eye
• Hearing acuity, single hearing levels should not exceed 25 decibels at either 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, or 2000 Hz nor exceed 30 decibels at 3000 Hz frequencies in each ear
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. from floor to waist
• Ability to perceive sounds at normal voice range and sounds transmitted by radio and sirens
• 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 operate authorized revolver or semi-automatic handguns designated by the agency from a standing, crouching, kneeling, or prone position with either hand with accuracy; essentials for this requirement shall consist of, but not be limited to, the following: grip, stance, sighting under various lighting conditions, trigger control, body positioning, drawing techniques and loading/unloading
• Ability to drive a motor vehicle in a safe and efficient manner
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Florida driver's license (minimum Class E)
• Ability to utilize standard vehicle emergency equipment; ability to use mirrors for safe vehicle operation
• Ability to properly identify colors utilized in descriptions