Deputy Sheriff Detention and Corrections

The Pinellas County Sheriffs Office will be accepting applications for the position of Deputy Sheriff - Detention and Corrections beginning November 03 2025 with a hire date of May 1 2026. If you have any questions pertaining to this position please contact Recruiting Sergeant D. Kilpatrick at or Deputy D. Kirchgraber at .

You must be certified in Detention and Corrections in the state of Florida to qualify for this position.If you are not yet certified you are eligible to apply for the Detention Deputy Recruit position.

This position requires that the applicant be at least 19 years of age and meet the requirements and standards of the Florida (CJSTC) Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission as authorized by F.S.S. 943.13.

The review and selection process varies by position and applicant; in all instances the maximum duration is 22 weeks.

Due to different application processes when applying for any Deputy vacancy we ask that you limit your application to one position.

Up to 5years experiencepay for Certified Detention Deputies.
1 year $69649
2 years $70345
3 years $71223
4 years $72114
5 years $73374

With three (3) or more years Certified Detention experience eligible to receive:

- Relocation Stipend to Pinellas County
- From out-of-state $3000
- From Manatee Hillsborough Pasco or Hernando Counties $500
- From all other Florida locations $1500

With less than three (3) years Certified Detention experience eligible to receive:
-Signing Bonus$3000

** 10% shift differential for night shift **

Pinellas County Sheriffs Office deputies are prohibited from having any tattoo(s) temporary decal(s) and / or body art that is visible on the head scalp face ears neck or hands (defined as the area from the wrist to the fingertips) while wearing the agency uniform.

If you are a Certified Law Enforcement Officer/Certified Detention and Corrections Officer outside the state of Florida you may be exempt from having to complete the full basic recruit academy upon relocating to Florida.Click here to view additional information regarding the exemption.

A Certified Deputy must have the ability to perform essential physical tasks at a set standard. The Pinellas County Sheriffs Office requires potential candidates to meet the listed standards prior to being offered employment. Click the following link to view the physical assessment requirements: general supervision of a Detention Sergeant performs corrections work of average difficulty and responsibility in dealing with persons under confinement and includes the care custody restraint general welfare of inmates detained at the Department of Detention and Corrections and other related duties as required by direction or assignment. Work is performed with some independence and deputy must be able to exercise good judgment and initiative in handling routine and emergency situations.

Positions require the member to work on rotating shifts including nights weekends and holidays. Duties are generally performed on an assigned shift at an assigned facility but the deputy may be called upon to continue assigned duties or perform work assignments on other shifts and/or at such times as directed to best fill the efficient and effective operations of the Sheriffs Office. Work is reviewed through personal observation inspections and by discussion and review of daily reports for adherence to prescribed methods and procedures.

• Care custody control and physical restraint of inmates within a criminal detention facility while on work detail and while being transported.
• Admits persons committed to the Department of Detention and Corrections; places inmates under confinement in cells or other Detention areas as directed.
• Responsible for searching inmates upon arrival at the Department of Detention and Corrections and any time inmates leave their assigned area.
• Maintains good order and conduct of inmates.
• Performs daily security inspections of inmates and cell areas for contraband escape attempts unauthorized articles weapons etc.; searches and removes all unauthorized personal articles and contraband from all inmates.
• Accountable for tools and equipment in area of responsibility.
• Exercises reasonable and/or special care or action in handling special risk inmates.
• Ensures the cleanliness of the area of assigned responsibility; assigns and directs inmates in such work details as required.
• Supervises and interacts with adults juveniles male and female to include felons misdemeanants sentenced and non-sentenced inmates.
• Assists in the training of personnel.
• Participates in Sheriffs Office recruitment and community relations activities as directed.

• Requires that the member be at least 19 years of age.
• High school graduation or equivalent diploma from an institution accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U. S. Dept. of Education or licensed as a degree granting institution by the Commission for Independent Education.
• Certification of completion of correctional training as required by the State of Florida.
• Upon completion of training must obtain certification by the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission as authorized by F.S.S. 943.13.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Drivers License (minimum Class E).
• Consideration for this position requires a credit check.

• Knowledge of Florida Model Jail Standards and Sheriffs Office rules and regulations as applied to correctional work. Knowledge of General Orders and standard operating procedures.
• Ability to apply modern correctional principles and practices.
• Knowledge of applicable laws ordinances rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of cardio pulmonary resuscitation.
• Ability and willingness to learn the principles of criminology and penology as applied to the corrections profession.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Ability to understand express and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Ability to work closely with others as a team.
• Ability to enforce the rules and policies of the Department of Detention and Corrections with firmness tact and impartiality and to deal courteously with the public.
• Ability to observe and respond to situations promptly and objectively.
• Ability to meet requirements of periodic in-service training in all high liability areas (firearms defensive tactics etc).
• Ability to train with and use safe handcuffing procedures.
• Ability to use and care for equipment and devices used in the corrections profession.
• Ability to comply with the Drug Free Workplace Act.

The physical abilities listed below are requirements to perform the essential functions and responsibilities.

• Requires satisfactory medical standards as stated on FDLE form CJSTC 75A agency medical physical clearance form and the following:
  • Visual acuity of 20/30 vision standard in each eye; if corrective lenses must be used to satisfy 20/30 vision standard uncorrected vision should be no worse than 20/100 in each eye.
  • Hearing acuity single hearing levels should not exceed 25 decibels at eitheror 2000 Hz nor exceed 30 decibels at 3000 Hz frequencies in each ear.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. from floor to waist.
• Ability to sit stand and walk up to 12 hours per day.
• Ability to perceive sounds at normal voice range and sounds transmitted by radio and sirens.
• Ability to maintain a level of physical conditioning to be able to physically subdue and restrain inmates.
• Ability to meet the physical conditioning requirements of periodic in-service training in all high liability areas (firearms defensive tactics A.S.P. tactical driving).
• Ability to render physical assistance.
• Ability to wear and use a Scott Air Pack on his/her back which weighs approximately 30 lbs.
• Ability to climb standard stairs while carrying a 12 gauge shotgun on a sling which weighs approximately 8 pounds or Scott Air Pack.
• Ability to operate authorized revolver or semi-automatic handguns designated by the agency from a standing crouching kneeling or prone position with either hand with accuracy; essentials for this requirement shall consist of but not be limited to the following: grip stance sighting under various lighting conditions trigger control body positioning drawing techniques and loading/unloading.
• Ability to drive a motor vehicle in a safe and efficient manner.
• Ability to perform all functions of the job classification without posing a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the work place