How to Become a Deputy Sheriff in Mississippi

DeSoto County Sheriff Department Jobs

The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Department is committed to standards of excellence that surpass many other counties in Mississippi. In 2008, they recreated their mission statement to reflect a sheriff’s department filled with staff members that are the pride of DeSoto. The statement also includes a mission to make the county a place where its citizens can be proud to live and work.

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Here you will find the steps to take as you learn how to become a sheriff’s deputy in DeSoto County. These steps include:

  1. Requirements for Approval
  2. Prior training at another department, college, or academy
  3. Completed Application
  4. Training

Step 1. Requirements for Approval

When verifying eligibility requirements before completing an application for a deputy sheriff position, you will want to make sure you meet the minimum qualifications for approval. These requirements are:

  • At least 21 years of age
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Able to pass a physical fitness exam
  • Driver’s license
  • No criminal history

Step 2. Prior Training

To be eligible for DeSoto County deputy sheriff jobs, you need to have prior training or experience as a peace officer or deputy sheriff. If you are thinking about becoming a DeSoto Deputy Sheriff, you should research law enforcement training through a college degree program in criminal justice, police science or a related field.

These programs normally last several months and should include:

  • Law
  • Criminal Justice

Some programs may include courses related to:

  • Weapons Training
  • Self Defense Training
  • Physical Training

Because the DeSoto County Sheriff’s office has a K-9 department, you may consider K-9 training as well.

Step 3. Complete an Application

You will need to complete an application for the DeSoto County Sheriff’s department. You can download a copy here. You will need to provide information in order to be considered for De Soto County deputy sheriff jobs:

  • Basic information: name, address, etc.
  • Education background
  • Career background
  • Information so that they can complete a background check
  • Any training or certification for law enforcement
  • K-9 experience if you have any

Once they have accepted your application they will notify you of an open position in your preferred specialty. The Uniform patrol department is the largest, but they also have the K-9 unit and the juvenile department if your interests lie in these areas.

Step 4. Training

The DeSoto County Sheriff’s department is committed to ongoing training. You will receive training with them once you are accepted and you will need to agree to ongoing training in order to maintain a position with them.

Harrison County Sheriff Department Jobs

The Harrison County Sheriff’s department is highly active in this Mississippi community. They also manage the Harrison County Law Enforcement Training Academy in Biloxi, which helps train individuals for a law enforcement career with any one of Mississippi’s law enforcement agencies.

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If you want to learn how to become a Harrison County sheriff’s deputy, you will need to follow these steps:

  1. Make Sure You Meet Requirements
  2. Complete an Application
  3. Attend the Law Enforcement Training Academy

Step 1. Make Sure You Meet Requirements

If you want to be considered for deputy sheriff jobs in Harrison County, you need to make sure that you:

  • Are 21 years of age or older
  • Have a valid Mississippi driver’s license
  • Submit to being fingerprinted
  • Submit to a background check
  • Supply good references

Step 2. Complete an Application

You need to complete an application with the Harrison County Deputy Sheriff’s department to be considered for job openings within the department. You can complete this application in person, online, or via email here. When you submit the application you need to include:

  • A recent photo
  • A copy of your Mississippi driver’s license
  • A copy of your social security card

If you are offered a position, you will be invited to attend the Harrison County Law Enforcement Training Academy.

Step 3. Attend the Law Enforcement Training Academy

You need to have training in order to be able to fulfill your duties as a Harrison County deputy sheriff. The Harrison County Law Enforcement Training Academy offers basic certification as well as advanced training. They collaborate with the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, The Mississippi Air National Guard and the Gulf Coast Community College.

The Basic certification program meets minimum requirements for the Mississippi National Safety Department for peace officers. In order to attend the academy you need to meet minimum requirements and fill out an application.

  • Minimum Requirements
    • You need to provide proof that you have graduated high school and provide a copy of a Criminal History report.
    • Proof of medical insurance
    • A recent photo
    • Physical fitness form completed by a physician, including an EKG
  • Complete an Application
    • You can download an application to complete here.
    • You also need to pass a physical fitness test that includes sit-ups, deep need bends, and push-ups. You need to achieve at least a 50% on this test in order to be accepted. You have two chances to pass this test within a two-week period.
  • Receive Training
    • You will receive basic training, such as defensive driving, weapons usage, and physical training.

You may need to take additional training depending on the type of position you are looking to fill as a Harrison County Deputy Sheriff.

Hinds County Sheriff Department Jobs

Hinds County, Mississippi has a full service sheriff’s department as well as a Hinds County Deputy Reserve Program. The reserve program is a non-profit agency that trains officers to support the Sheriff and his deputies. The Reserve Sheriffs have the same authority as Hinds County Deputy Sheriffs, though it is considered a part-time position.

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The application process for the Deputy Sheriff and Reserve Sheriff in Hinds County is the same and includes taking these steps:

  1. Meet Minimum Requirements
  2. Completed Application
  3. Interview and Background Check
  4. Graduation from the Reserve Academy

Step 1: Meet Minimum Requirements

In order to be able to be approved for Hinds County deputy sheriff or reserve deputy sheriff jobs you must:

  • Be a US Citizen
  • Be 20 years of age or older by the time of your scheduled interview
  • A valid driver’s license from Mississippi
  • Be in good physical condition

If you have a felony conviction, a misdemeanor conviction that is job related or serious traffic convictions, your application may be rejected.

Step 2: Completed Application

You need to complete either the Reserve Deputy or County Deputy Sheriff application and include:

  • Photo
  • Copy of Birth Certificate
  • Copy of Driver’s License
  • Copy of Social Security card

Step 3: Interview and Background Check

You will be interviewed by personnel at the Hinds County Sheriff’s Department, where an administrator will go over the information you included in the application.

You will also need to be fingerprinted and have a physiological interview.

You will need to sign a waiver during the interview that will allow Hinds County to do a criminal background search.

If everything checks out, you will be contacted and offered a job before getting formal training at the Hinds County Sheriff’s Department Academy

Step 4: Graduation from the Reserve Academy

The Hinds County Sheriff’s Department Academy Classes are held from 6-10 pm on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, as well as 6 Saturday training sessions. A total of 230 class and field hours are needed in order to graduate from the Academy. You need to complete the training within two years of being sworn in. The classes are held in December for two weeks and then again from the middle of January until the last week of April.

In order to be approved to attend the academy you need to complete an application and include:

  • Official transcripts of your school records
  • Completed physician’s form stating that you meet minimum physical requirements
  • Full-face photograph
  • Two full sets of fingerprints, including a Law Enforcement Fingerprint card
  • Notarized Personal Inquiry Waiver that allows the Academy to do a background check

Becoming a Hinds County Reserve Deputy is a great way to fulfill the obligation of the Sheriff’s office and receive the same training. While it is a part-time position, you will be able to become a full-time sheriff once a position opens. In the meantime, you will be able to serve the county with similar duties and learn what it is like to be a Hinds County Sheriff’s Deputy.

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