Join Our Team

Integrity, Respect, Professionalism, and Unity. Protect with Honor. Lead with Pride.

Why Join Our Team?

Join ASO as a Deputy Sheriff

The Alexandria Sheriff’s Office is committed to serving the community with dedication, integrity, and professionalism. As a Deputy Sheriff, you will have the unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those you serve, while working in a diverse and vibrant city that thrives on community partnership and public safety.

Serve with Dedication, Integrity, and Professionalism.

Do You Have a Passion for Justice?

If you have a passion for justice, a strong sense of duty, and the desire to help and protect the people of Alexandria, we invite you to apply to become part of our team.

Hiring Deputy Sheriffs

Hiring Entry and Lateral Deputy Sheriffs

The Alexandria Sheriff’s Office is recruiting Deputy Sheriff candidates with a variety of experience. If you hold jail officer or law enforcement certification from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services or have college credit or other law enforcement and military experience, you may be eligible for a higher starting salary.

Please review the information on this page and email [email protected] with any questions.

Why Choose the Alexandria Sheriff's Office?

Commitment to Community

Alexandria is a community-centered city, and the Sheriff’s Office plays a vital role in maintaining public safety and strengthening relationships with those we serve. Our deputies are integral to the well-being of the community.

Comprehensive Training

As a Deputy Sheriff, you will receive the latest training and ongoing professional development that includes corrections management, courthouse security, control tactics, de-escalation practices, firearms and emergency vehicle operations.View the ASO training protocols for our Deputy Sheriffs.  

Competitive Benefits & Compensation

We offer competitive pay, comprehensive health benefits, and a range of retirement and pension plans. We are committed to taking care of our deputies, both on the job and off.  View the ASO benefits and compensation offerings.  

Career Advancement

At the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office, your career path is just the beginning. We provide opportunities for continuous growth and advancement within the department, including specialized roles and leadership positions. 

Key Responsibilities of a Deputy Sheriff

As a Deputy Sheriff, your primary duties will include:

Play a crucial role at ASO by ensuring the safety and security of our correctional facility. Your responsibilities are focused on maintaining order, supervising inmates, and preventing incidents of violence, escape, or contraband smuggling. You are also instrumental in ensuring that the rights of inmates are respected while maintaining a disciplined and secure environment.

Carrying out court orders, summons, subpoenas, and other legal documents in an efficient and professional manner.

Providing security during court proceedings, ensuring the safe and secure transport of detainees, and assisting in maintaining order in the courthouse.

Working closely with other law enforcement agencies and community organizations to address crime and safety concerns.
 

Minimum Qualifications

To be considered for a position as a Deputy Sheriff, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Must be at least 20 years old by the time of hire.

Must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident with the legal ability to work in the U.S.

High school diploma or GED required. College degree or relevant law enforcement experience is a plus. Education is considered when determining the starting salary

Candidates must pass a physical fitness test as part of the hiring process, including:

  • 1.5 mile run
  • 300 meter sprint
  • push-ups
  • sit-ups
  • vertical jump

No felony convictions or disqualifying misdemeanors. A background check will be conducted.

Valid driver’s license.

Training and Onboarding

Upon appointment, Deputy Sheriffs will complete New Employee Training before attending Basic Deputy School at a regional criminal justice academy. Physical fitness, firearms qualifications and emergency vehicle driving are part of the academy training. After successfully completing academy training, Deputy Sheriffs will participate in Field Training. Upon completion of Basic Deputy School and Field Training, they will be state certified in corrections, court security and civil process and will serve at the Adult Detention Center.

Deputy Sheriffs may be eligible to earn college credit hours upon completion of academy training. Deputy Sheriffs are encouraged to pursue a college degree and career development opportunities. Three years after hire, Deputy Sheriffs are eligible to continue professional development by attending Basic Law Enforcement training to become state certified in law enforcement. 

What is our process?

Deputy Sheriff Selection Process

The selection process takes approximately two to four months and is designed to determine the applicant’s integrity, truthfulness and ability to perform the duties of a Deputy Sheriff.

2-4 Month Process

Special arrangements for individuals living over 200 miles away

Special arrangements may be made to facilitate the selection process for interested individuals who live over 200 miles from Alexandria. Candidates must pass each phase of the selection process.

Deputy Sheriff

Deputy Sheriff Selection Process

The Process Includes:

01

Written Essay

02

Physical Fitness Assessment

03

Thorough Background Investigation

(to include criminal history and review of driving record)

04

Polygraph Examination

05

Psychological Examination

06

Medical Examination to Include a Stress Test

07

Interview with Sheriff or Designee

*

Special Arrangements

Special arrangements may be made to facilitate the selection process for interested individuals who live over 200 miles from Alexandria. Candidates must pass each phase of the selection process.

**

Timeline

The hiring process, on average, takes about two to four months.

recruiting qualified applicants

Current Positions at ASO

Entry Level
Deputy

The Alexandria Sheriff’s Office is recruiting qualified applicants for a law enforcement career as a Deputy Sheriff I. We are seeking candidates dedicated to serving the community with honor, respect, and courage.

Alexandria, Virginia

DCJS Jail
Certified

The Alexandria Sheriff’s Office is offering a $10,000 hiring bonus for new deputies who are currently Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services certified Jail Officers/Deputies. Applicants from local and regional jails in Virginia, including recent retirees who are still certified, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Alexandria, Virginia

DCJS Law Enforcement
Certified

The Alexandria Sheriff’s Office is recruiting certified law enforcement applicants for a lateral career as a Deputy Sheriff I. We are seeking candidates dedicated to serving the community with honor, respect, and courage. You must have unquestioned integrity and a commitment to serve others in this rewarding profession.

Alexandria, Virginia
two deputies on different flights of stairs inside a jail

Explore Careers

DEPUTY SHERIFF
ENTRY LEVEL

$61,375

DEPUTY SHERIFF
WITH DCJS JAIL CERT.

$67,667

DEPUTY SHERIFF
WITH DCJS LE CERT.

$67,667

Why Alexandria Sheriff's Office?

The Alexandria Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to helping and protecting. We live by our core values of integrity, respect, professionalism, and unity. We’re proud to be Triple Crown accredited and to have a talented team that reflects the diversity of Alexandria. Our commitment is to enhance public safety and ensure the welfare of those in our custody.

The Alexandria Sheriff’s Office is currently recruiting new deputies for rewarding employment opportunities.