Why Should You Become A Deputy?
If you’re ready to demonstrate leadership, problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to service, then becoming a deputy is the next step for you. Assume a vital role as a frontline protector of your community. As a sworn deputy at an Illinois sheriff’s office, you’ll patrol your county, respond to 911 calls, investigate crimes, and serve the people who know you by name. Real Illinois deputies in our recruitment story describe being the person kids say they want to grow up to be, performing CPR on a three-month-old whose life would have been lost a minute later, and pooling money with fellow deputies to put a family in crisis into a hotel. The deputy track includes the ILETSB-certified academy and field training, then opens into specialty assignments — investigations, drug units, K-9, SWAT, bomb, and negotiations — all within the same sheriff’s office. If you want a career where every shift is a chance to make a difference, deputy is where you belong.
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DEPUTIES HAVE AN IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITY IN THE COMMUNITIES THEY SERVE.
They preserve the peace and protect life and property in their county. They investigate crimes, including interviews and preserving evidence. They serve warrants and civil process orders of courts including arrest warrants, restraining orders and subpoenas. They are vital to public safety.
CORE QUALIFICATIONS
Below are a few of the general requirements to become a Sheriff’s Deputy in Illinois. Please note that hiring policies and job descriptions may differ between offices. Illinois County Sheriff’s Offices are committed to Equal Opportunity Employment. The Illinois Sheriffs’ Association (ISA) does not have authority or involvement over any hiring decisions.
For a deeper look at how the deputy path compares to municipal police, read our guide: Deputy Sheriff or Police Officer in Illinois: How to Choose Your Path →
Common Questions
Quick answers about becoming a sworn deputy at an Illinois sheriff’s office.
View video transcript
0:00 — The Privilege of the Badge
The biggest compliments that I ever get is kids saying they wanna be just like me when they grow up. And I tell them, “It is an amazing job. I love my job.” You know, I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
0:18 — Finding the Path to Deputy
I started out in a different career path and realized that was not what I wanted to be doing. I enjoyed the outdoors, an active lifestyle, so something more than just business or sitting behind a desk. It really wasn’t fitting for me. I actually got stopped by an Illinois state trooper. You never would’ve thought a trooper would talk you into being a law enforcement. Serving the community is the best part of this job. I respond to emergency calls. Domestic battery calls, trouble calls, calls for service. It’s something that I loved. There can be definitely tough days, but it’s super, super rewarding. We’re stepping up and saying, “I’m gonna do everything I can to bring about a positive change.”
0:56 — Real Stories: Saving Lives
Over the radio, a three-month-old was choking, turning blue. I saw it pop up on the CAD before I was even dispatched. Got there, started doing CPR and back pulls, and if I would’ve been a minute later, that kid would’ve passed away. So to me, saving a three-month-old’s life is key. There was one time where it was a couple and they had two kids. They were being kicked out of the house by some other family members, and we actually all came up with enough money, put this family in a hotel, and three or four months later, he’s like, “Man, what you guys did for me really changed my life.” There’s two types of people in the world, one that darkens the room when they walk in, and one that lightens the room when they walk in. I meet people at sometimes when they’re at their worst. I’m there to help them regardless.
1:42 — Many Roles, One Career
Whether you’re working on the street, in investigations, in a drug unit, K-9, bomb, SWAT, negotiations team. We have so many different opportunities because there’s always potential to move up. At the end of the day, you know that you made a difference going to work that day, and sometimes you may have saved a life.
2:10 — Step Up and Serve
The biggest benefit of serving the community is just being part of something that’s bigger than yourself. Go to your local agencies and do ride alongs. I’ve always had it in the back of my mind. I knew this is what I wanna do. I hope you join the team and step up and serve. Step up and serve with your heart, with your mind. That is what we need in law enforcement every day, 24/7.
