Sheriff Chief Deputy

Saline County • Benton, AR

8d • $93,647 - $102,830 • Onsite

About The Position

The Chief Deputy is the chief operations law enforcement executive in the Saline County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) and reports directly to the Sheriff. The role oversees all SCSO operations, providing supervision and guidance to five divisions and more than 100 employees. It includes general oversight of the 314-bed Detention Facility and ensuring compliance with federal and state requirements, including protecting the constitutional rights and safety of detainees and employees.

The Chief Deputy puts the Sheriff’s goals and objectives into practice and balances resources, personnel, and budgets to support the safety, welfare, and economic growth of Saline County. The position assists with policy and objective development, purchasing, staffing recommendations, and management of the SCSO’s multi-million-dollar budget, with administrative authority and accountability for overall operations. It also oversees collection of prisoner care fees and law enforcement contract funds, prepares operational and special reports, and oversees internal investigations and employee misconduct investigations.

The role requires law enforcement administration knowledge and experience, strong integrity and professionalism, excellent written and verbal communication, and the ability to build community ties. It supervises sworn and civilian employees and jail detainees, prepares special reports, and gives community presentations. The position is safety/security sensitive, requires carrying a firearm, and involves regular and irregular hours, possible extended hours, and some travel. Work takes place indoors and outdoors and may involve hazardous or life-threatening conditions.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED; documentary evidence of completion is required, subject to the stated Commission rules.
• At least 15 years of law enforcement experience and/or 10 years of related management experience.
• Full-time certified law enforcement officer with at least 15 years of experience.
• No felony convictions.
• Possess or be able to immediately obtain a valid Arkansas driver’s license.
• Provide proof of U.S. citizenship upon request.
• Complete at least 24 hours of training per year.
• Qualify with a score of 80% with each firearm the employee will use or carry.
• Complete mandated annual classes specified by the Commission on Law Enforcement and Training.
• Meet the physical readiness testing requirements for sworn deputies: plank, pushups, and a one-mile walk; no time or repetition requirements are specified.
• Read, analyze, and understand common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents, and respond to complex inquiries or complaints.
• Perform basic arithmetic, including calculations involving money and other measurements.
• Define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; interpret technical instructions and work with abstract and concrete variables.
• Advanced word-processing and typing skills; intermediate accounting, presentation/PowerPoint, and spreadsheet skills.
• Knowledge of law enforcement principles, practices, and techniques; the criminal justice system; self-defense; and firearms use.
• Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner.
• Ability to carry a firearm; exposure to danger is possible.
• Meet the physical demands of the position, including regular standing, walking, sitting, hand use, reaching, talking, and hearing; occasional climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, tasting, or smelling; occasional lifting or moving of more than 100 pounds and frequent lifting or moving of up to 50 pounds.
• Required vision abilities include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and adjusting focus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Sheriff’s Office.
• Confer daily with the Sheriff about operational activities.
• Coordinate with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
• Conduct staff meetings and obtain regular updates from Command Staff.
• Oversee employee training and minimum standards.
• Assist with the budget and approve supply purchases for SCSO.
• Assist in overseeing the SCSO Detention Facility.
• Protect detainees’ rights and safety and ensure they receive legally required basic provisions.
• Ensure contacts with SCSO are treated courteously and fairly in accordance with federal and state laws.
• Attend Quorum Court meetings, answer questions, and prepare reports requested by Quorum Court members.
• Maintain effective liaison with law enforcement agencies and other listed governmental and legislative partners, attending meetings and representing the Sheriff as required.
• Prepare special project reports and news releases, assist with the Sheriff’s speeches, and assist with writing and reviewing grants.
• Work with County department heads and serve as liaison to cities and governmental agencies in the region and state.
• Communicate with the public about SCSO affairs, resolve complaints, negotiate with vendors, and recommend equipment purchases to the Sheriff.
• Ensure SCSO operations are adequately staffed and that hires meet qualifications and receive appropriate training.
• Attend civic clubs and community organization meetings to explain and promote SCSO activities and foster favorable public relations.
• Interview, hire, train, assign, direct, and evaluate employees; reward or discipline employees; and address complaints and resolve problems.
• Oversee five supervisors and more than 100 employees across the divisions of the Sheriff’s Office.
• Compile information on departmental operations and prepare related reports.
• Oversee internal departmental investigations and investigations of employee misconduct.
• Perform other related duties as required or assigned.

Benefits

• County-paid group health, dental, and life insurance for the employee’s coverage, provided the employee obtains a wellness check within the designated timeframe.
• County retirement contribution of 15.32% of the employee’s gross pay per pay period through the Arkansas Public Employees’ Retirement System.
• Certificate pay according to the certification schedule, paid in the first pay period in December each year.
• Bilingual pay after proficiency is established.
• Paid holidays off, dependent upon workload.

What This Job Offers

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