Sheriff's VS. PD

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I have a general question and was hoping someone out there might be able to answer this for me.  I know there is not one good answer but I would like to hear some different opinions.  Why would someone want to work for a Sheriff's Department rather than a City police department  What are the benefits?  Is there more room to move to a higher position?  Thanks everyone.........

Tommy
California

[Charlie]

Tommy459--There can be a variety of reasons for someone to choose one department versas the other.  8)

First of all, I think it greatly depends upon which particular agencies you're comparing. There are often big differences between what a rural agency can offer compared to a large urban deprtment. I'd expect that pay and benefits could be one of the major factors but at the same time, I think, potential applicants look at what sort of duties or specialties the PD or the SO has available as well.  

Another possible factor some guys/gals might consider is whether or not they'll be working in the jail environment or patrolling more rural areas as opposed to an urban environment OR, the opposite might be true as well for some people who prefer the "high speed, low drag" environment of working in an urban setting. ;D

There can be any number of factors that people prefer in one agency or the other. I think it depends upon what an individual prefers and, obviously, what sort of benefits does the PD or SO offer to their officers.

Regardless if you are  a deputy or a police officer, you're basically in the same business. The only differences may be is your uniform  appearance and maybe where you might work. After all, you're both on the same team! The Good Guys!


Charlie

[kevi3863]

Several police departments in my area (No Ill) limit overtime, whereas the sheriff's office does not.  This can equate to a very nice salary at the end of the month.  In addition most deputies receive a nice impala, Crown Vic/police interceptor, or sports car to take home.  Finally, there are residency benefits.  Some police departments require officers to live in or near the municipality where they work.  Conversely, deputies can live anywhere in the county and sometimes in surrounding counties.  This flexibility gives the deputy many choices an officer may not have.  Some of these include choice of top rated school districts for their children, living in rural or urban areas, and cutting down on commuting time by settling near a major university so that continuing education is possible.  

However, there are other things to consider as well.  Some sheriff’s departments require new deputies to work in their correctional facilities before receiving a patrol assignment.  This practice occurs mainly because correctional officer positions are not filled as easily as patrol officer positions.  Difficulty filling certain positions can mean that it may take several years of working in a prison before a deputy gets on the street.  

Some sheriff’s departments require their deputies to do both concurrently as measure to keep things fair.  This practice sometimes leads police candidates toward police departments because there is no correctional service requirement.  

I hope this adds some insight for all of you.  

This is a great site. I thank everyone who has given advice and continues to enhance the quality of the board.

Kevin  
 

[cpl_mike]

Try this- The Sheriff is an elected official , whereas a Chief is usually a through the ranks obtainable position.meaning- Depending on what region of the U.S. you live in , being a deputy could have more clout or less clout.If you live in an area where the municipal police agencies are totally autonomous and are of moderate to large size, the role of the County Sheriffs Office or Dept. will be limited. If the Sheriffs deputies are regualarly seen on patrol, no matter what city township,whatever, and there is a small Dept also in that city, then it is an obvious guess who swings the biggest stick ;D. I work in L.A. County (California) and though the Sheriffs Dept (LASO) has a lot of clout-patrolling nearly 50 of the 88 cities in  the county,most of the local agencies are very challenging in salary and job opportunities(LAPD is the largest,Long Beach PD, 3rd behind LASO , and even our L.A. School PD has over 400 officers!).I can tell you this,most of the time salaries /benefits are very comparable, but most Sheriffs Depts are hard to promote in , and even in L.A. County you could conceivably finish your career  as you started -as a deputy Sheriff! Research on your own, but please apply to each in a timely manner(my rule of thumb would work in this case-your local S.O. + 4 municipal PDs), then study for the test and gather your info for a back ground check.

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Thank you everyone for the great amount of information.  This will help me out on choosing where I would like to go.

Thanks....

Tommy459