Become a Sheriff's Deputy
Serve and protect DeKalb County's 43,000 residents across 363 square miles
Your Role as a Deputy
DeKalb County's population is over 43,000 people and encompasses 363 square miles. Deputies are responsible for patrolling over 720 miles of county roadways. Deputies enforce state law, serve civil paperwork, take individuals into custody on arrest warrants and have many other duties.
2026 Deputy Pay
| Rank | 1–4 Years | 3% 5–9 Years | 5% 10–14 Years | 5% 15–19 Years | 3% 20+ Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deputy | $64,097 | $66,019 | $69,319 | $72,784 | $74,967 |
| Sergeant | $69,224 | $71,300 | $74,865 | $78,608 | $80,966 |
| Captain | — | $72,013 | $75,613 | $79,393 | $81,774 |
Deputy Benefits
Work Schedule
12-hour shifts on a 2-2-3 rotating schedule with a 3-day weekend every other week
Equipment Provided
- Uniform allowance
- All necessary equipment issued
- Take home vehicle (off-duty use permitted)
Personal Appearance
Deputies are permitted neatly trimmed beards and tattoos that meet department policy
Retirement
After 10 years, you will be a vested member of the sheriff's retirement plan with pension benefits
Career Opportunities
Qualifications
- Be of good moral character
- Citizen of the United States of America
- At least twenty-one years of age upon graduation from the law enforcement academy
- High school diploma or equivalency
Immediate Disqualifiers
- • Having any felony conviction
- • Any misdemeanor conviction within two years
- • Having a misdemeanor conviction involving perjury, false statements, or domestic violence
- • Sexually oriented offender status
- • Suspended driver's license at the time of the background investigation
- • Dishonorable discharge from the armed services
- • Active Temporary Protective Order or Civil Protection Order
Hiring Process
- 1Application Submission
Submit employment application for review and preliminary screening
- 2Physical & Written Tests
Physical Agility Testing and Written Civil Service Examination
- 3Background Investigation
Comprehensive background check of criminal and traffic history
- 4Interview Process
Interview by department leadership
- 5Conditional Offer
Conditional offer of employment made to selected applicants
- 6Final Evaluations
Polygraph examination, psychological evaluation, medical evaluation, and drug screening
- 7Sheriff Appointment
Sheriff appoints Merit Deputy Sheriff from qualified list
Training
Academy
Successfully hired deputies will attend the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in Plainfield, Indiana. The academy is over 600 hours of training in a variety of areas including criminal and traffic law, firearms, emergency vehicle operations, physical tactics, and human behavior.
During the academy, the deputy stays at the campus during the week and returns home on the weekends. The deputy is paid their salary, provided a vehicle for travel, and supplied all the necessary gear and equipment.
Field Training
Deputies complete a rigorous field training program at the sheriff's office. Field training takes place before and after the deputy attends the academy.
Field training involves accompanying a full-time deputy as you observe their duties and transitions through the process to the full-time deputy observing the new deputy perform the duties.
Would you like to know more or have questions about being a sheriff's deputy?
Not Currently Accepting Applications
Please check back later for updates on open positions, or contact our office for more information.
Questions?
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status.
For questions, contact the Sheriff's Administrative Office at (260) 925-3365 Ext 3