***Upcoming: Recruit - Law Enforcement Deputy

Deputy Sheriff Recruit

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 at View email address on click.appcast.io or Deputy B. Toles at View email address on click.appcast.io.

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. With less than three (3) 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.

The following are required to complete the position:

• 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.

We offer a complete benefits package to full and part-time employees.