Join The
Sheriff’s Office

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) is made up of more than 250 dedicated employees and supported by over 300 volunteers. Together, we uphold our mission: “Proudly Serving our Community by Delivering Superior Public Safety and Service.”

DCSO is organized into three core divisions—Patrol, Corrections, and Investigations—and operates several specialized units, including K9, SWAT, Community Action Target Team (CATT), School Resource Deputies (SRD), Street Crimes, Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE), Search and Rescue/Special Services (marine, snowmobile, and ATV patrol), and Training.

Deschutes County, established in 1916, lies in the heart of Central Oregon. Covering 3,055 square miles and home to nearly 198,000 residents, the county offers an unmatched quality of life with its mountains, rivers, lakes, trails, golf courses, and year-round recreation. The Sheriff’s Office serves unincorporated communities around Bend and Redmond, as well as the cities of Terrebonne, Sisters, and La Pine.

Are you interested in a career as a Deputy Sheriff with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office? 

Minimum requirements to work for DCSO

  • Age: 21
  • US Citizen: Per Oregon law, an applicant must be able to obtain US Citizenship within 18 months of employment. To meet this requirement as a condition of hire, an applicant must demonstrate that he/she can obtain citizenship within the required timeframe.
  • High School Grad/GED: Must be a high school graduate or possess a General Education Development (GED) certificate of high school equivalency.
  • Valid OREGON State Driver’s License: Ability to obtain a valid Oregon State driver’s license. Must also possess a current driver’s license in the applicant’s state with an acceptable driving history.
  • Vision: DPSST requirement of at least 20/30 corrected vision when tested using both eyes together. Must also be able to distinguish color vision as determined by DPSST (OAR -0070).
  • Academy Certification: Be able to obtain certification by the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training – DPSST Minimum Standards of Employment as a Law Enforcement Officer as noted by DPSST; here (OAR).

Specific Disqualifiers/Behaviors

Criminal Activity Disqualifiers:

Any felony conviction and some misdemeanor convictions

Driving Disqualifiers:

Repeated offenses, which indicate disrespect for the law. DUII arrest within the past 10 years.

Drug Use Disqualifiers:

Illegal manufacture, transport, or sale of a controlled substance. Repetitive, recent, or continual drug use.

Employment Disqualifiers:

Discharge from employment or disciplinary issues related to poor performance, negative co-worker interaction, attendance, policy violations or inability to adjust to corrective discipline.

Additional Disqualifiers:

  • Negative outcome of Military separation review.
  • Decertification as a police officer in any state.
  • Any crime of violence, including domestic violence.
  • Respondent named in a Restraining Order.
  • Dishonesty
  • Conviction of theft.
  • Failure to follow directions.

Additional Requirements: Deputy Sheriffs are required to reside in Deschutes County or have a minimum response time of 60 minutes to the main Sheriff’s Office in Bend.

Recruitment and Hiring Process

If you are interested in law enforcement employment with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, schedule a ride-along, tour the jail, or attend a citizen’s academy which helps develop citizen awareness and understanding the role of law enforcement in the community.  However, no experience is required to work for the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. 

To apply to become a Deputy Sheriff, you must first submit a completed application to Deschutes County Human Resources through the online application via Government-jobs: Deschutes Careers

Every agency has different hiring requirements.  Our job announcement will outline the requirements to apply. Successful candidates will then move onto the following steps in our hiring process:

  • Interview(s)
  • Statement of Personal History (SOPH) background investigation
  • Sheriff/Captain Interview
  • Conditional Job Offer
  • Fingerprints, Psychological, Medical and Drug Screen
  • Formal Job Offer  

Candidates must pass all written, physical, oral, background, medical and psychological examinations prior to receiving a job offer by the Sheriff.

Once you become employed as a Patrol or Corrections Deputy, you must complete the basic academy training at the Department of Public Safety Standards & Training (DPSST).  There are no self-sponsored basic law enforcement classes offered in the state of Oregon.  Patrol Deputy Sheriff’s attend a 16-week Basic Academy and Corrections Deputy Sheriff’s attend a 6-week Basic Academy OAR 259-008-0005 

Lateral Deputy Incentive Package

Oregon Certified Law Enforcement who are eligible, will receive Certification pay immediately upon hire date.  Out of State Certified Law Enforcement will receive Certification pay as soon as they are eligible to receive said pay, after receiving Oregon Certification.

  • 6% for Intermediate Certification
  • 11% for Advanced Certification
  • Wellness 3% Incentive Pay will begin upon hire date.
  • 50 hours Compensable Bank upon employment – can be used for vacation or sick time.
  • Pay equity study will determine which step lateral applicants will start at upon hire.

Additional Resources:

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office website:  Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office in Oregon

Property and Living:  Deschutes County Online Maps (arcgis.com)

County & Benefit Information:  About Deschutes County