Deputy Sheriff December 2026 Academy – Denver Sheriff Department

City and County of Denver · $76,809–$107,031 (stated in the posting)

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About Our Job

Please apply as soon as possible if you are interested.

Denver Public Safety allows applicants to use AI tools for resume writing or interview practice, as long as all information is honest and reflects their own experience. Misuse of AI—including falsifying qualifications or using AI during interviews—may result in disqualification.

The Denver Sheriff Department (DSD) is actively seeking qualified applicants to join our December 2026 Training Academy.

Start Your Career with Purpose:

Joining the Denver Sheriff Department means becoming part of a team dedicated to integrity, accountability, and public service. If you're ready to serve and protect with professionalism, dedication, and pride, we encourage you to apply.

As the largest sheriff department in the state of Colorado, the DSD offers a wide range of opportunities across two major operational divisions. With nearly 1,000 sworn and civilian staff members, our department is responsible for diverse and critical public safety functions, including:

• Operating two detention facilities (the Downtown Detention Center and Denver County Jail)

• Providing security for Denver’s District and County Courts

• Managing transportation and extradition of persons in custody

• Operating specialized units such as Fugitive Apprehension and K-9

• Managing the Denver Vehicle Impound Facility

• Providing security at Denver Health Medical Center

Our Mission:

The Denver Sheriff Department is committed to providing safe and secure custody for those placed in our care while carrying out our duties with professionalism, compassion, and a focus on serving the needs of our diverse community.

Position Details – Deputy Sheriff:

As a Deputy Sheriff, you may be assigned to either of our detention facilities. Flexibility is essential, employees must be prepared to work varied shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and may be reassigned based on operational needs. All deputies must be comfortable working with persons in custody, the public, and in high-security or confined environments.

Training Requirements:

All successful applicants will be required to complete a 16 to 18-week Recruit Training Academy, which includes intensive instruction in:

• Physical fitness and defensive tactics

• Persons in Custody management

• Firearms training and emergency driving techniques

• Report writing and legal procedures

• Scenario based training

For more information or to start your application, please visit: https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Sheriff-Department/Careers

This position offers a range of exceptional benefits, including:

• Competitive salary and up to a $3,000 signing bonus (subject to conditions and timelines outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement).

• Outstanding benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, health savings accounts, life insurance, retirement plans, and more

• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave

• Shift differential

• Comprehensive pregnancy policy and paid parental leave to support growing families

• 25% educational grants for DSD employees and their immediate family members through Colorado Technical University (CTU)

• Tuition savings of up to 30% and the ability to accelerate degree completion through CTU Fast Track

Position Overview – Deputy Sheriff:

Deputy Sheriffs play a vital role in maintaining the safety and security of Denver’s detention facilities, courts, medical settings, and transportation operations. This is a dynamic, fast-paced role that requires professionalism, attention to detail, integrity, critical thinking, and adaptability.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work a variety of shifts (nights, weekends, and holidays required)

• Lead, supervise, and interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds in complex and often sensitive situations

• Maintain the custody, safety, and care of persons in custody across multiple operational environments

• Conduct searches for contraband, inspect for maintenance and safety hazards, and monitor behavior and well-being of persons in custody

• Transport persons in custody between detention centers, courts, medical facilities, and other designated locations

• Conduct intake and booking processes, including reviewing charges, court orders, and legal status to ensure proper classification and housing

• Inventory, receipt, and maintain accountability of inmate property, personal belongings, and departmental equipment, including keys, uniforms, and weapons

• Calculate release dates, communicate custody policies, and prepare required documentation including bonds and census reports

• Respond to and investigate incidents such as altercations, thefts, or accidents by preserving scene, maintaining chain of custody for evidence and preparing reports; and provide testimony in court when necessary

• Meet certification standards in firearms and tactical weapons; participate in ongoing training and qualification

• Serve in specialized or administrative roles as needed, including dispatch, civil service, training, recruitment, policy development, gang intelligence unit, or vehicle impound operations

• Exercise sound judgment in applying policies and procedures, escalating non-routine issues through the appropriate chain of command

Note: The duties listed above are representative and may vary by assignment. Position allocation is based on the time spent performing essential functions.

DEPUTY SHERIFF BASE SALARY RANGE $76,809.00 - $107,031.00

About You

Below are the minimum requirements used to determine eligibility for this position:

• Education Requirement: Graduation from high school or the possession of a GED, HiSET or TASC Certificate

• Experience Requirement: None

• Equivalency: None

• Licensure & Certification: Applicant must be 21 years of age by the start of the academy. Requires a valid Driver’s License at the time of application. Applicants must meet the certified physical fitness standards adopted by the Department. Licenses and certifications must be kept current as a condition of employment.

To be considered for a Lateral Deputy Sheriff position, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be currently employed by a law enforcement agency (to include law enforcement-related military occupations) or have been separated as a peace officer for one year or less and have a minimum of three (3) years experience

• Have no current internal affairs investigation pending in current agency

• Have no sustained discipline in the last three (3) years

• Be able to perform the essential functions of a deputy sheriff

• Hiring pay for laterals in 2026 will be determined by number of years of relevant experience.

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About Everything Else

Job Profile

To view the full job profile including position specifications, physical demands, and probationary period, click here.

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Assessment Requirement

The City and County of Denver provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, or any other status protected under federal, state, and/or local law. 

It is your right to access oral or written language assistance, sign language interpretation, real-time captioning via CART, or disability-related accommodations. To request any of these services at no cost to you, please contact Jobs@Denvergov.org with three business days’ notice.

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