Law Enforcement
A career in law enforcement with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office offers the opportunity to serve with purpose while developing professionally. Whether you're pursuing your first law enforcement position, joining us with existing certification, or exploring a courthouse assignment, you'll find a supportive team, exceptional training, and opportunities to grow throughout your career.
Explore the sections below to learn more about qualifications, salary, the hiring process and training.
Not currently certified and ready to begin your law enforcement career? You're in the right place.
Recruits receive full deputy salary and benefits while attending the agency-sponsored law enforcement academy, as well as throughout in-house and field training.
From day one, you'll be paid to train, learn, and prepare for certification alongside experienced deputies and instructors. After successfully completing all training phases, recruits transition to the role of Law Enforcement Deputy.
Already Florida certified or certified out of state and eligible for Florida certification? Check out our Certified Law Enforcement position.
Why Join PCSO as a Law Enforcement Recruit?
- $3,000 Signing Bonus
- Full Deputy Salary During Academy and Training
- Agency-Sponsored Law Enforcement Academy
- Free 24-Hour Fitness Centers
- Work Approximately 14 Days Per Month After In-House Training
- Career Advancement Opportunities
- Specialized Units
Salary: $68,960
Recruits are full-time employees and receive full salary and benefits while attending the paid academy and completing all training phases.
Schedule:
Law Enforcement Academy
Monday–Friday (day schedule; times may vary)
In-House Training
Schedule varies based on training assignments.
Field Training
Recruits follow the schedule of their assigned Field Training Officer (FTO) and will train with a minimum of four FTOs to gain experience across different shifts and areas of the county.
Rotating 2-week schedule includes a 3-day weekend off every other week:
- Week 1
- Work: Wednesday-Thursday
- Off: Monday-Tuesday, Friday-Sunday
- Week 2
- Work: Monday-Tuesday, Friday-Sunday
- Off: Wednesday-Thursday
12-hour shift options:
- Day Shift: 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. or 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Night Shift: 6:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m. or 7:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m.
Post-Training Assignment
Upon successful completion of field training, Recruits transition to Law Enforcement Deputy and are assigned to a 12-hour shift using the same rotating schedule.
After initial assignment, deputies may bid for shift selection every six months based on seniority.
Required to Apply:
- At least 21 years of age
- U.S. citizen
- High school diploma or GED from an accredited institution
- No felony convictions
- No illegal drug use within the past 12 months
- Applicants must also meet one of the following education requirements:
- College credits that include English Composition I from a regionally accredited college, or
- A passing score on the Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT)
Required During the Hiring Process:
- Establish residency within Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, Hillsborough, or Manatee County within three months of hire
- No visible tattoos on the head, face, neck, ears, or hands while in uniform
- No nicotine or tobacco use upon hire
- Complete the Criminal Justice Basic Abilities Test (CJBAT – Law Enforcement)*
*Applicants who are veterans or possess an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university are exempt from the CJBAT requirement.
The hiring process may take up to 22 weeks. Steps may be completed out of order based on scheduling and availability.
- Submit Application
- Preliminary Interview
- Background Investigation
- Cooper Test
- Polygraph Examination
- Ride Along and Jail Tour
- Oral Board Interview
- Psychological Evaluation
- Medical Examination
- Sheriff Review and Final Approval
- Employment Offer
Recruits earn full deputy pay and benefits during the agency-sponsored law enforcement academy, as well as during in-house and field training.
Law Enforcement Academy (22 weeks)
Recruits attend St. Petersburg College’s Southeastern Public Safety Institute (SEPSI), where they receive foundational instruction in criminal law, defensive tactics, firearms, emergency vehicle operations, and other essential law enforcement skills.
In-House Training (10 weeks)
After graduating from the academy, recruits complete agency-based training focused on department policies, procedures, technology systems, and practical application of law enforcement skills.
Field Training (14 weeks)
Recruits are assigned to work alongside Field Training Officers (FTO's) and apply their training in real-world situations under direct supervision.
This position is for applicants who are currently Florida law enforcement certified or eligible for Florida certification.
Not certified or just beginning your law enforcement career? Check out our Law Enforcement Recruit position.
Before applying, out-of-state certified applicants should contact the Police Applicant Screening Service (PASS) at 727-864-3822 to determine eligibility for the Equivalency of Training (EOT).
Applicants who are not eligible for EOT should apply for the Law Enforcement Recruit position.
Why Join PCSO as a Certified Law Enforcement Deputy?
- Experience Pay up to $73,374
- Signing Bonus up to $5,000
- Relocation Assistance up to $3,000
- 10% Night Shift Differential
- Work Approximately 14 Days per Month
- Take-Home Patrol Vehicle
- Free 24-Hour Fitness Centers
- Career Advancement Opportunities
- Specialized Units
Starting Salary: $68,960
Deputies are full-time employees and receive full salary and benefits while completing all training phases.
Experience Pay
- 1 year: $69,649
- 2 years: $70,345
- 3 years: $71,223
- 4 years: $72,114
- 5+ years: $73,374
Schedule:
In-House Training
Schedule varies based on training assignments.
Field Training
Deputies follow the schedule of their assigned Field Training Officer (FTO) and will train with multiple FTOs to gain exposure to different shifts and areas of the county.
Rotating 2-week schedule includes a 3-day weekend off every other week:
- Week 1
- Work: Wednesday-Thursday
- Off: Monday-Tuesday, Friday-Sunday
- Week 2
- Work: Monday-Tuesday, Friday-Sunday
- Off: Wednesday-Thursday
12-hour shift options:
- Day Shift: 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. or 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Night Shift: 6:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m. or 7:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m.
Post-Training Assignment
Upon successful completion of field training, deputies are assigned to a 12-hour shift using the same rotating schedule.
After initial assignment, deputies may bid for shift selection every six months based on seniority.
Required to Apply:
- Must be currently certified in Florida as a Law Enforcement Officer or eligible for Florida certification through Equivalency of Training (EOT)
- At least 21 years of age
- U.S. citizen
- High school diploma or GED from an accredited institution
- No felony convictions
- No illegal drug use within the past 12 months
Required During the Hiring Process:
- Must establish residency within Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, Hillsborough, or Manatee County within three months of hire
- No visible tattoos on the head, face, neck, ears, or hands while in uniform
- No nicotine or tobacco use upon hire
- Out-of-state applicants must obtain Florida certification through Equivalency of Training (EOT)
The hiring process may take up to 22 weeks. Steps may be completed out of order based on scheduling and availability.
- Submit Application
- Preliminary Interview
- Background Investigation
- Physical Abilities Test (PAT)
- Polygraph Examination
- Ride Along and Jail Tour
- Oral Board Interview
- Psychological Evaluation
- Medical Examination
- Sheriff Review and Final Approval
- Employment Offer
Deputies receive full deputy pay and benefits while they complete in-house, and field training. Out of state applicants must pass the EOT prior to hire and are eligible for course reimbursement up to $1500.
For Out-Of-State Certified Applicants Only
Equivalency of Training (1 week)
Deputies complete the law enforcement Equivalency of Training at Southeastern Public Safety Institute (SEPSI) to obtain Florida certification.
For All Certified Applicants
In-House Training (10 weeks)
Deputies complete agency-based training focused on policies, procedures, reporting standards, and operational expectations.
Field Training (14 weeks)
Deputies train alongside Field Training Officers (FTO's), applying their skills in real-world law enforcement situations while transitioning toward independent assignment.
Law enforcement certified and looking for a new challenge? Then Bailiff is the role for you.
In this position, you're a steady, professional presence for people navigating some of the most consequential moments of their lives. From maintaining safety in courtrooms and screening entry points to monitoring security systems throughout the facility, Bailiffs play a critical role in keeping the courthouse safe, secure and running smoothly.
This position is for applicants who are currently Florida law enforcement certified or eligible for Florida certification and have a minimum of one year of law enforcement experience.
Full-time and part-time positions are available.
Before applying, out-of-state certified applicants should contact the Police Applicant Screening Service (PASS) at 727-864-3822 to determine eligibility for Equivalency of Training (EOT).
Certified with less than 1 year experience? Check out our Certified Law Enforcement position.
Not certified? Check out our Law Enforcement Recruit position.
Why join PCSO as a Bailiff?
- Part-Time or Full-Time Opportunities
- Experience Pay up to $73,374
- Signing Bonus up to $5,000
- Relocation Assistance up to $3,000
- Free 24-Hour Fitness Centers
- Career Advancement Opportunities
- Specialized Units
Salary:
Deputies receive full salary and benefits while completing training.
Part Time: $33.15/Hour
Full Time:
Starting salary determined by years of experience:
- 1 year: $69,649
- 2 years: $70,345
- 3 years: $71,223
- 4 years: $72,114
- 5+ years: $73,374
Schedule:
In-House Training
Schedule varies based on training assignments.
Field Training
Deputies follow the schedule of their assigned Field Training Officer (FTO) and will train with multiple FTOs to gain exposure to different shifts and areas of the courthouse.
Post Training Assignment:
Part Time Schedule
- Minimum of 3 days per week
- Must include at least 1 weekend day (Saturday or Sunday)
- Weekday shifts: 8 hours
- Weekend shifts: 5 hours
Full Time Schedule
- Monday–Friday
- 8-hour shifts:
- 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Required to Apply:
- Must be currently certified in Florida as a Law Enforcement Officer or eligible for Florida certification though Equivalency of Training (EOT)
- Minimum of 1 year prior experience
- At least 21 years of age
- U.S. citizen
- High school diploma or GED from an accredited institution
- No felony convictions
- No illegal drug use within the past 12 months
Required During the Hiring Process:
- Must establish residency within Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, Hillsborough, or Manatee County within three months of hire
- No visible tattoos on the head, face, neck, ears, or hands while in uniform
- No nicotine or tobacco use upon hire
- Out-of-state applicants must obtain Florida certification through Equivalency of Training (EOT)
The hiring process may take up to 22 weeks. Steps may be completed out of order based on scheduling and availability.
- Submit Application
- Preliminary Interview
- Background Investigation
- Physical Abilities Test (PAT)
- Polygraph Examination
- Oral Board Interview
- Psychological Evaluation
- Medical Examination
- Sheriff Review and Final Approval
- Employment Offer
Deputies receive full deputy pay and benefits while they complete in-house, and field training. Out of state applicants must pass the EOT prior to hire and are eligible for course reimbursement up to $1500.
For Out-Of-State Certified Applicants Only
Equivalency of Training (1 week)
Deputies complete the law enforcement Equivalency of Training at Southeastern Public Safety Institute (SEPSI) to obtain Florida certification.
For All Certified Applicants
In-House Training (5 weeks)
Deputies complete agency-based training focused on court security procedures, policies, reporting standards, and courtroom operations.
Field Training (15 weeks)
Deputies then train alongside experienced FTOs, applying their skills in courthouse and judicial security operations.
