By: Joan Tupponce, Joan Tupponce & Associates, Inc.

Hanover County Sheriff's Office Patrol Deputies like deputies in other jurisdictions help to improve the quality of life for the citizens that live in the communities they serve. The Hanover County Sheriff's Office is the principal provider of law enforcement for the County of Hanover, providing service to an estimated population just over 100,000.

In their jobs, the county's patrol deputies detect violations of traffic and criminal law as well as suspicious activity.

"They also respond to radio calls for service, serve warrants and make arrests," says Sargeant Kerri Freis. "They handle domestic disturbances and a variety of citizen complaints. They investigate automobile accidents, direct traffic and assist disable motorists. They conduct criminal investigations."

Hanover patrol deputies work nine-hour shifts, five days a week with three days off.

"All of their work is done in the field," Freis says. "They are out and about all day long." Men and women considering the position should enjoy working with and helping people.

"They should like variety and be interested in a career in law enforcement," Freis says. "We're looking for mature, honest, hardworking individuals with a dedication to service. We want candidates who posses a willingness to work in a team environment."

The job requires a high school diploma or a GED.

"Candidates don't need training," Freis says. "The Hanover Sheriff's Office will send new recruits to a law enforcement academy for 20 weeks of training. The academy holds classes Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with some consideration for nighttime scenarios."

Recruits become a certified law enforcement office with Hanover after they have completed the academy and taken a state examination.

"With Hanover you have to go through 12 weeks of field training where you ride with a field training officer," Freis says. "After the 12 weeks, you will be assigned to a permanent shift." Base pay for a patrol deputy is $37,616.

"When you graduate from the academy and are released from field training that goes up to $39,504," Freis says.

Benefits include a take-home vehicle, health and dental insurance, life insurance paid by the county, retirement, deferred compensation, tuition reimbursement and supplied uniforms and equipment.

Extra financial incentives are available to individuals who are certified by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services and possess one or more years of community law enforcement experience.

Individuals participating in the Lateral Entry Program can earn a higher rate of pay based upon their individual qualifications. Lateral entry applicants must qualify for employment through the traditional hiring process. Because of their previous certification and experience, however, they are not required to be re-certified in another basic academy. Lateral applicants also receive salary incentives for previous years of service, and if qualified, are eligible to enter the Career Development Program.

"It's a rewarding career," Freis says. "You can make a difference. Every day you can go home knowing that you have done something positive."

The Hanover Sheriff's Office currently has vacancies for patrol deputy. For more information, visit www.hanoversherriff.com.

Pull Quote: "You can make a difference."