Durham County Sheriff
HomeDeputy Sheriff Information
The Durham County Sheriff’s Office is seeking qualified candidates that embody the values and diversity of the Durham County community.
Click here to apply for Non-BLET Certified Deputy Sheriff.
click here to apply for BLET Certified/Lateral Deputy Sheriff.
Qualifications
We are accepting applications for Deputy Sheriff from individuals that are certified and non-certified North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement (BLET). If you have any questions please contact the Training Division at (919) 560-0930.
If you meet the following qualifications you are eligible to apply for a Deputy Sheriff- Must be at least 20 years old.
- Must be a citizen of the United States.
- Must have a high school diploma or equivalent. *Training and Standards requires a high school equivalency diploma be at least partial classroom.
- Must possess or be able to possess a North Carolina driver’s license.
- Must not have been convicted of a felony or serious misdemeanor.
- Must meet all the applicable standards and qualify for State Law Enforcement Certification in accordance with the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Training & Standards Commission as well as the policies of the Office of the Sheriff of Durham County.
- You live within 35 miles of downtown Durham (or are willing to relocate upon being hired).
Salary & Benefits
- Starting Pay - $52,504 (uncertified), $55,000 (certified)
- Incentives considerations include:
- 2.5% for Associates Degree
- 5% for Bachelor’s Degree
- 2.5% for Fluent Foreign Language
- 2.5% for Military (Honorable Discharge with at least 2 years of service)
- 2.5-5% for Prior Experience (with at least 2 years of service)
- 5% for Lateral Transfers
- Vacation / Sick Time
- Paid Holidays
- Paid on the job training
- Take-Home Vehicle
- Employee Health Insurance
- Employee Dental Insurance
- Employee Vision Insurance
- County Retirement
- Paid Parental Leave
- 401k Retirement
For more information on Durham County benefits, click here
Officer Responsibilities
A Deputy Sheriff is responsible for the general law enforcement work required by the Office of the Sheriff. This law enforcement work includes keeping the peace, serving the public, protecting the lives, rights, and property of all those within the County of Durham.
A Deputy Sheriff’s duties include: taking calls from the public, serving the public, investigating complaints and criminal activity, traffic enforcement, serving civil and criminal process as well as other papers as required by the courts, developing suspects, arresting perpetrators, providing security for the courts, transporting prisoners, and any other special assignments upon request.
A Deputy Sheriff is expected to exercise good, sound judgment, make decisions in both normal and emergency situations and use discretion while carrying out the details of each task. Work is performed under the direct supervision of the assigned Lieutenant and Sergeant. The applicant must be willing to work 12-hour rotating shifts which include holidays and weekends.
Officer Expectations
- Physical ability to meet and cope with all demands of law enforcement training and work.
- Ability to learn and maintain a working knowledge of modern law enforcement practices and procedures.
- Ability to obtain a working knowledge of federal, state and local laws.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with other employees, officials, and the general public.
- Ability to learn new procedures.
- Ability to qualify and re-qualify with all mandated Office weapons in accordance with State laws as well as the policies and procedures of the Office of the Sheriff.
- Ability to get along with co-workers, the public and others.
- Ability to follow directions, learn policies and procedures as well as act independently, using sound judgment in both normal and emergency situations.
- Ability to maintain full law enforcement certification.
Deputy Duties
- Patrols an assigned area within Durham County, checks property, answers call for service, investigates crimes and disturbances as well as arrest Violators of the law.
- Enforces the federal, state and local laws.
- Provides security for the courts of the State of North Carolina.
- Transports prisoners, mental patients and inebriates.
- Serves both civil and criminal process as directed by the courts.
- Assists other local, state and federal agencies in their law enforcement functions.
- Investigates crimes through assignment or develops cases to investigate.
- Gives public presentations.
- Teaches gang resistance program.
- Works as a School Resource Officer.
- Prevents crime.
- Performs special assignments or tasks, including under-cover and clerical.
- Prepares reports as required by Office policy
- Performs other duties as required by the Sheriff
APPLICATION PROCESS
Background Investigation- A background investigation shall be conducted on each applicant prior to employment.
- Applicants who are ineligible as a result of the background investigation will be notified in writing.
Review Board Interview
- Successful applicants are scheduled to appear before an interview board.
- Applicants who are ineligible as a result of the review board will be notified in writing.
- Interview results, tests results, and the background investigation are given to the Sheriff or executive designated by him for final consideration for employment.
- Applicants accepted for employment will be given a conditional job offer and scheduled for a pre-employment interview with the Training Director. The interview will include setting an appointment for a pre-employment physical, psychological screening, and having fingerprints taken.
- All applicants for Deputy Sheriff must take the Oath of Office before starting employment, and prior to assuming any duties, and after each swearing-in of the High Sheriff every four years.
Denied Applicants
- Applicants who are denied employment at any stage of the application process must wait a period of one year from the date of notification before they can reapply for the position.