Deputy Sheriff - Certified / Lateral

Madison County Commission • Huntsville, AL

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is currently accepting applications for Lateral Transfer Deputy Sheriff positions. This opportunity is open to law enforcement officers currently certified by the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission (APOSTC), officers certified by a state POST agency outside Alabama, and Federal law enforcement officers with equivalent training and certification. Candidates from outside Alabama must be eligible for APOSTC reciprocity. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office will assist qualified applicants through the APOSTC certification process, including scheduling any required assessments or transitional training. All applicants must be in good standing with their current or most recent law enforcement agency.

Requirements

• High school diploma from a U.S. Department of Education-recognized regional accrediting agency, or a GED certificate from an appropriate state agency.
• Certified and in good standing with the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission (APOSTC), OR Certified and in good standing as a law enforcement officer by a state POST agency outside Alabama (must be recognized by APOSTC), OR Certified as a federal law enforcement officer by an agency such as the FBI, DEA, ATF, DHS, etc.
• Out-of-state/federal officers must be eligible for APOSTC lateral transfer certification.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or provide proof of naturalization.
• Must not have been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor involving force, violence, or moral turpitude.
• Must have a valid driver's license and be insurable by Madison County’s risk underwriters.
• Must be able to pass the Peace Officers Physical and a drug test.
• Must meet all APOSTC requirements for certification as a Peace Officer.
• Must be able to be certified in the use of the Sheriff's Department's weapons and munitions and meet all Department training requirements.
• Must be able to pass a Computer Voice Stress Analysis (CVSA), criminal background check, drug screen, and physical examination.
• Applicants must complete the employment application in full and respond to all supplemental questions.
• Knowledge of the application of modern law enforcement principles and practices.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
• Knowledge of first-aid practices.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Ability to cope with stressful situations and perform calmly under stressful conditions.
• Ability to work closely with others as a team.
• Ability to prepare and present clear, accurate, concise, and objective written and oral reports.
• Ability to enforce the law with firmness, tact, and impartiality and to deal courteously with the public.
• Ability to recognize and understand the emotional and physical reactions of both victims and perpetrators of crimes.
• Ability to maintain a level of physical conditioning to be able to physically subdue, restrain, and apprehend law violators.
• Ability to meet requirements of periodic in-service training in all high liability areas (firearms, defensive tactics, less-lethal equipment, etc.).
• Ability to render physical assistance to victims.
• Ability to adhere, at all times, to the standards and principles of honesty, integrity, transparency, and to keep private life unsullied as an example to all.
• Skill in calmly and systematically eliciting critical information from individuals who may be injured and/or highly emotional.
• Skill in the proper and safe utilization of law enforcement-issued equipment, radio communications equipment, and mobile dispatch terminals.
• Skill in firearms to operate and qualify with authorized firearms designated by the agency from a standing, crouch, kneeling, or prone position with either hand with accuracy.
• Skill in the operation of motor vehicles in a safe and efficient manner in a law enforcement environment.
• Other areas as prescribed by the Sheriff’s Office and/or Madison County Commission.

Nice To Haves

• 24 months of verifiable road/field experience as a POST-certified Peace Officer.

Responsibilities

• Operate patrol vehicles in an assigned geographical area.
• Monitor and observe vehicular traffic, detect traffic offenses and issue traffic citations as warranted.
• Observe businesses and residences for criminal activity; check buildings for unauthorized entry, search structures and property for intruders, and investigate suspicious persons and events.
• Respond to robberies, thefts, burglaries, homicides, etc.
• Administer first-aid to injured, secure crime scenes, control and direct citizens at the scene, conduct interviews with complainants, victims, witnesses and suspects, and gather material/physical evidence from the scene as required.
• Respond to domestic disturbances, calm overly excited or agitated persons; physically restrain unruly individuals.
• Conduct interviews with complainants and witnesses, obtain relevant facts and information and mediate and resolve complaints and disputes.
• Make arrests, including subduing individuals with appropriate action and force as necessary, placing individuals into handcuffs or other restraining devices, searching vehicles and persons under arrest for weapons and contraband, and transporting arrested individuals to our detention facility.
• Complete paperwork to incarcerate arrestees.
• Assemble and prepare documentation and narrative reports, memorandums, miscellaneous, Incident/Offense, and activity reports.
• Maintain issued equipment, materials, and supplies required to support daily operations.
• Assist stranded motorists, direct traffic, transport prisoners, and escort funerals.
• Enforce court orders; including serving summons, subpoenas, eviction orders, Protection from Abuse, and executing arrest warrants when required.
• Provide sworn testimony in court proceedings.
• Operate computer terminals (MDTs, laptops & desktops) to retrieve information and data.
• Other duties or tasks may be assigned as needed.

Benefits

• Madison County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
• Madison County is a drug-free workplace and conducts pre-employment drug and alcohol testing.
• FY26 Sheriff's Deputy Lateral Pay Scale – Updated October 2025

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED