What is a Police Officer/Sheriff Deputy

Police officers and sheriff deputies protect lives and property. They use problem-solving skills and make quick decisions to keep themselves and the public safe. Required to write detailed reports and keep meticulous records. Most carry law enforcement equipment such as radios, handcuffs, and guns.

Learn about the Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Office

Basic Duties

• Respond to emergency and non-emergency calls.
• Patrol assigned areas, observing people and activities.
• Conduct traffic stops and issue citations.
• Search restricted-access databases for vehicle or other records and warrants.
• Obtain and serve warrants for arrests, searches, and other purposes.
• Arrest people suspected of committing crimes.
• Collect and secure evidence from crime scenes.
• Observe the activities of suspects.
• Write detailed reports and fill out forms.
• Prepare cases for legal proceedings and testify in court.

Hiring Roadmap

Typical Entry-Level Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Have a valid driver’s license.
• A high school diploma or equivalent, some departments may require applicants to have completed college coursework or a college degree.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship.
• No pending criminal cases or felony/serious misdemeanor convictions - each department may have their own criteria.
• Meet specific physical qualifications, pass physical exams of vision, hearing, strength, and agility, as well as written exams.
• Ohio Peace Officers Training Academy (OPOTA) certified.
• Apply to take civil service test - each department has their own schedules for testing.
• Additional interviews and evaluations may occur such as medical evaluation, criminal history/background check, and psychological evaluation.

Training

Entry-level candidates for law enforcement usually attend a training academy before becoming an officer. Training includes classroom instruction in state and local laws and constitutional law, civil rights, and police ethics. Recruits also receive training and supervised experience in subjects such as patrol, traffic control, firearm use, self-defense, first aid, and emergency response.

Advancement

Police officers usually become eligible for promotion after a probationary period.

Promotions to corporal, sergeant, lieutenant, and captain usually are made according to scores on a written examination and on-the-job performance. In large departments, an officer may be promoted to detective or to specialize in one type of police work, such as working with juveniles.

Along with exam and performance scores, a bachelor’s degree may be required for advancement to positions of lieutenant or higher rank.

Average Pay & Benefits

• National median average per US Bureau of Labor Statistics: $77,270 per year or $37.15 per hour.
• Cuyahoga County Sheriff Pay: $30.24 per hour.
• Benefits will vary by department but often include medical, dental, vision, paid time off, holiday pay, overtime pay, uniform allowance, and retirement/pension plan.

Work Environment

Police/deputy work can be physically demanding, stressful, and dangerous. Officers must be alert and ready to react throughout their entire shift. Most law enforcement work in shifts, with officers working days, nights, or overnights, including weekends and holidays to ensure coverage at all times.

Where Can You Work

There are more than 70 law enforcement agencies in Cuyahoga County, including County Sheriff, municipal departments, and other agencies/organizations that have their own law enforcement including college/universities, hospitals, Metroparks, Cuyahoga Metro Housing Authority, FBI, Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, University Circle, and others.

Search municipal openings here.