FAQ
Find the answers to some frequently asked questions.
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Deputy Sheriff
Find answers to common questions about becoming a deputy sheriff with the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office, including hiring requirements, salary, training, benefits, schedules, and career advancement opportunities.
The starting salary for a Fairfax County deputy sheriff is $63,722 – $81,328. Starting pay is based on several factors, including foreign language proficiency, prior corrections or law enforcement experience, active or reserve military service, and college degrees.
Deputies are also eligible for overtime after graduating from the Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy and completing the required Field Training Program.
Current salary ranges by rank include:
Rank | Salary Range |
Deputy Sheriff / Private First Class | $63,722 – $114,437 |
Master Deputy Sheriff | $66,908 – $120,159 |
Sergeant | $70,254 – $126,167 |
Second Lieutenant | $73,767 – $132,475 |
First Lieutenant | $94,148 – $169,076 |
Captain | $108,988 – $195,727 |
Major | $120,159 – $215,789 |
In addition to base salary, qualifying Fairfax County deputy sheriffs may receive several types of incentive pay and additional compensation.
Incentive pay opportunities include:
- Bilingual pay: 5% pay increase
- Field Training Instructor pay: additional $6.00 per hour
- Evening shift differential: $157.50 per month
- Night shift differential: $332.50 per month
- Longevity pay: 5% pay increase at 15, 20, and 25 years of service
- $700 annual uniform allowance
Deputies may also choose to work overtime assignments after meeting training requirements.
Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications before becoming a Fairfax County deputy sheriff.
Minimum qualifications include:
- At least 20 years old at the date of application
- At least 21 years old by the date of Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy graduation
- High school diploma or successful completion of a U.S. Department of Education-recognized GED testing program
- United States citizenship
- Valid driver’s license
Applicants must also meet medical, background, and employment requirements before appointment.
Deputy sheriff applicants must meet additional special requirements as part of the hiring process.
Applicants must:
- Never have been convicted of a felony, serious misdemeanor, or crime of moral turpitude
- Be able to obtain a Class “A” medical rating in the assigned medical group before appointment
- Be a non-smoker at the time of appointment
- Be willing to sign a Condition of Employment Agreement to refrain from smoking both on and off duty
- Possess a valid motor vehicle driver’s license without a negative point balance at the time of appointment
These requirements help ensure applicants meet the standards expected of sworn law enforcement officers.
Honesty and integrity are essential qualities for Fairfax County deputy sheriffs. Applicants who omit important information or are found to be deceptive at any point in the hiring process will be permanently disqualified.
All applicants must successfully complete a background investigation and polygraph examination to continue in the hiring process.
The deputy sheriff hiring process typically takes three to five months.
Candidates begin by applying through the Fairfax County Career Pages. Applicants should search for “deputy sheriff,” review the full job description, and submit an online application. Fairfax County does not accept resumes in place of the required application.
Candidates invited to continue in the process must complete several steps, which may include:
- Comprehensive background check
- Medical examination
- Polygraph examination
- Psychological examination
Successful candidates must complete all required steps before receiving final appointment.
Yes. Applicants with qualifying military service may receive a higher starting salary.
Applicants with honorable service and a DD214 may be eligible for increased starting pay. The Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office is committed to hiring veterans from all branches of military service.
Active-duty military members are encouraged to submit an application when they have approximately three to six months remaining in their enlistment. Members of any Armed Forces Reserve Component or the National Guard may apply at any time.
Yes. Applicants may receive a higher starting salary based on education.
Starting salary consideration may be available for applicants with:
- Associate degrees
- Bachelor’s degrees
- Master’s degrees
- Doctoral degrees
Deputy sheriffs may also receive up to 32 college credits for completing the Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy.
Deputy sheriff recruits attend the six-month Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy. Training includes classroom instruction, practical training, firearms training, and emergency vehicle operations.
Before the Academy, recruits also receive an additional four weeks of training to earn certification in jail operations, court security, and civil process.
Recruits are employees of the Sheriff’s Office while in training. The Sheriff’s Office pays for required training, uniforms, and equipment.
Yes. Deputy sheriff recruits receive their full salary while attending the Academy.
Recruits are Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office employees from the beginning of employment. Time toward retirement begins on the first day of hire.
No. Deputy sheriff recruits are not required to live at the training Academy.
Academy hours are typically Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Some training sessions may require evenings or weekends depending on the lesson plan or project. Recruits typically do not work more than 40 hours in a given week while attending the Academy.
After successfully completing Academy training, recruits graduate and take an oath to become sworn law enforcement officers.
New deputies then complete a Field Training Program under the mentorship of an experienced deputy. During field training, new deputies work alongside a Field Training Instructor, gain hands-on experience, and are evaluated before receiving independent assignments.
New deputy sheriffs are on probation for 12 months following graduation, including the Field Training period.
New Fairfax County deputy sheriffs begin their careers in the Adult Detention Center.
This assignment gives deputies experience in inmate supervision, detention operations, facility security, and communication. Deputies work with experienced staff as they develop the skills needed for a successful law enforcement career with the Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies assigned to the Adult Detention Center work 12.5-hour shifts and typically work 15 days per month.
Day shift runs from 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Night shift runs from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
The schedule follows this rotating pattern:
- 2 days on
- 2 days off
- 3 days on
- 2 days off
- 2 days on
- 3 days off
This schedule includes alternating three-day weekends off.
Yes. Deputy sheriffs may choose to work a variety of overtime assignments.
After graduating from the Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy and completing the Field Training Program, deputies are authorized to work overtime assignments throughout different sections of the agency. Off-duty overtime assignments may also be available.
The timing varies by unit, but many specialty opportunities may become available within the first two years of service with the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office.
Applicants interested in specialty assignments should speak with a recruiter for more information about available opportunities and eligibility requirements.
The Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office offers a structured career path with opportunities for promotion and advancement.
Promotional opportunities include:
- Deputy Sheriff
- Deputy Sheriff II / Private First Class
- Master Deputy Sheriff
- Deputy Sheriff Sergeant
- Deputy Sheriff Second Lieutenant
- Deputy Sheriff First Lieutenant
- Deputy Sheriff Captain
- Deputy Sheriff Major
Promotions are based on eligibility requirements, experience, testing, interviews, qualifications, and agency needs.
Deputies are eligible for promotion to deputy sheriff First Class after two years of satisfactory sworn service.
Private First Class deputies can be identified by one chevron located on both sides of the uniform collar.
The Master Deputy Sheriff proficiency pay upgrade is a competitive process open to Private First Class Deputy Sheriffs with five years of satisfactory sworn service.
The process includes a written examination, which counts for 70% of the overall score. The remaining 30% is based on sworn service with the agency. Eligible candidates are placed on an eligibility list that remains active for 18 months.
Master Deputy Sheriffs can be identified by one chevron with a star worn on both sides of the uniform collar.
Deputy sheriffs may advance into supervisory and leadership roles through promotional processes.
Sergeant candidates must have three years of full-time sworn experience as a Fairfax County deputy sheriff and must successfully complete a written multiple-choice exam, timed written exercise, and panel interview.
After serving one year as a Sergeant, deputies may be eligible to promote to Second Lieutenant. After one year as a Second Lieutenant, they may be eligible to promote to First Lieutenant. Captain and Major promotional processes may include interviews, written exercises, and evaluation of each candidate’s qualifications.
Majors serve as part of the Sheriff’s Command Staff and are responsible for managing a division across the agency.
Fairfax County deputy sheriffs receive a benefits package that includes health, leave, retirement, wellness, and employee support programs.
Benefits include:
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- 15 paid holidays per year
- 6 weeks of Paid Family Leave in a 12-month period
- 21 days of military leave
- Group life insurance and optional life insurance
- Long-term disability
- Health Savings Account
- Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and child care expenses
- Paid retirement under the Fairfax County Uniformed Retirement System
- Deferred Compensation Plan
- Law Enforcement SmartTrip Card Program
Deputies also receive all uniforms, gear, vehicles, and training provided by the agency.
Deputies earn annual leave based on years of service.
Annual leave accrual includes:
- 0–3 years of service: 104+ hours yearly
- 4–15 years of service: 156+ hours yearly
- 15+ years of service: 208+ hours yearly
Deputies also receive 104+ hours of sick leave yearly.
Compensatory time may be earned for hours worked beyond scheduled hours and is credited at 1.5 times the regular rate.
Fairfax County offers several leave options to help employees manage family, medical, personal, and service-related situations.
Additional leave options include:
- Administrative leave
- Bereavement leave
- Civil leave
- Emergency administrative leave
- Extraordinary sick leave
- Family and medical leave
- Injury leave
- Leave without pay
- Transferred leave
- Volunteer activity leave
Paid Family Leave of up to 6 weeks in a single 12-month period may be available for eligible employees for qualifying reasons covered under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Deputy sheriffs may be eligible for education leave and tuition assistance.
Education benefits include:
- 10 hours of education leave per month
- Up to $2,000 in tuition reimbursement funds each fiscal year
- Up to 32 college credits for completing the Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy
These benefits support continued education and professional development.
Fairfax County offers employee wellness and support programs for employees and retirees.
Programs and resources include:
- LiveWell employee and retiree well-being program
- Employee Fitness & Wellness Center at the Government Center
- Workshops, webinars, screenings, health fairs, and special events
- MotivateMe wellness program
- Employee Child Care Center
- Mother’s Room
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employee Commuter Benefit Program
- Free access to all nine Fairfax County Recreation Centers
These programs support employee well-being across physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual, and financial areas.
Deputy sheriffs participate in the Fairfax County Uniformed Retirement System.
Normal service retirement is available after 25 years of service or at age 55 with six or more years of service.
Fairfax County deputy sheriffs are not part of the Virginia Retirement System (VRS).
No. There is no residency requirement for Fairfax County deputy sheriffs.
Applicants are not required to live in Fairfax County to apply or serve as a deputy sheriff.
No. Applicants who received a dishonorable discharge, bad conduct discharge, or other characterization of bad character will not be accepted.
The Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office has 385 sworn deputies. Of those deputies, 44% are persons of color and 23% are female.
Current sworn deputy demographics include:
- 56% White
- 26% Black
- 10% Hispanic/Latino
- 4% Asian
- 4% Pacific Islander / Native Hawaiian
Nursing
Learn about civilian nursing careers with the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office, including education requirements, licensing, hiring steps, background screenings, and essential personnel responsibilities.
The Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office offers civilian nursing positions for qualified healthcare professionals who meet the required education, licensing, experience, and employment screening standards.
Nursing applicants must complete the required hiring process and meet all qualifications for the specific position before receiving a final offer of employment.
The hiring process for civilian nursing positions may include several steps.
The process includes:
- Online application submission
- Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office screening questionnaire
- Panel interview
- Conditional offer of employment
- Polygraph examination
- Psychological examination
- Background interview and investigation
Candidates must successfully complete the required steps before final appointment.
Applicants must have graduated from a college or university accredited by the National League for Nursing or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education with a bachelor’s degree in Nursing.
Education requirements must be met as part of the minimum qualifications for the position.
Applicants must have three years of post-licensure experience as a nurse in an equivalent healthcare setting.
The required experience must include:
- A focus primarily on prevention services and community education
- Two years in a public health or community health setting
- At least one year in a public health or community health specialty area or supervisory responsibilities
These experience requirements help ensure applicants are prepared for the responsibilities of the position.
Applicants must possess a current license or multistate licensure privilege to practice as a Registered Nurse in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
This licensure requirement must be met before appointment to the position.
Nursing applicants must meet required certification standards after appointment.
Required certifications include:
- AED certification within 60 days
- CPR certification within 60 days
Applicants must also possess a valid driver’s license.
Applicants selected for nursing positions must complete required employment screenings to the satisfaction of the employer.
Required screenings include:
- Criminal background check
- Child Protective Services Registry check
- Driving record check
- Sanction screenings
These screenings are part of the necessary special requirements for the position.
Yes. Nursing positions with the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office are classified as emergency and essential services personnel.
Employees in these positions are required to report for duty during inclement weather and other emergencies.
Yes. The hiring process for civilian nursing positions includes a polygraph examination.
The polygraph examination occurs after a conditional offer of employment and is part of the required screening process before final appointment.
Yes. The hiring process for civilian nursing positions includes a psychological examination.
This step is part of the required employment screening process for candidates who continue after receiving a conditional offer of employment.
Before final appointment, nursing applicants should expect a multi-step hiring and screening process.
Candidates may need to complete the online application, Sheriff’s Office screening questionnaire, panel interview, conditional offer process, polygraph examination, psychological examination, background investigation, and required employment screenings.
Final appointment depends on successfully completing all required steps and meeting the qualifications for the position.
Qualified nurses who meet the required education, licensing, experience, and screening standards may find a meaningful civilian career opportunity with the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office.
The position is designed for nursing professionals with public health, community health, prevention services, education, specialty, or supervisory experience.
Internship
Explore internship opportunities with the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office, including eligibility requirements, the application process, academic credit, background checks, and what applicants can expect before participating.
The Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office offers internship opportunities for individuals interested in learning more about the agency and its work.
Applicants who are interested in an internship should begin by contacting the Sheriff’s Office Internship Program by email and stating their interest in participating.
Internship applicants must meet the minimum qualifications for the program.
Minimum qualifications include:
- 18 years of age or older
- United States citizenship
- Ability to pass a background check
- No history of committing or being involved in any act that would constitute a felony or serious misdemeanor
Applicants under 18 years of age may be considered with approval.
Yes. Applicants under 18 may be accepted with approval.
Interested applicants who are under 18 should contact the Sheriff’s Office Internship Program to learn whether they may be considered for participation.
Interested applicants should begin by sending an email to SHF-Internship@fairfaxcounty.gov stating their interest in an internship.
As part of the application process, applicants may be asked to submit:
- A cover letter
- A resume
- A written recommendation from a school or academic program, if needed
- Academic requirements for the course, if receiving academic credit
Applicants who are conditionally accepted into the program will receive a detailed application to complete.
Yes. Internship applicants must pass a background check before participating in the program.
Applicants who are conditionally accepted will be subject to a background investigation before final approval.
Applicants must not have ever committed or been involved in any act that would constitute a felony or serious misdemeanor.
This requirement applies even if the applicant was not formally convicted of an offense.
Interns may earn course credit, but the internship is unpaid.
A cover letter and resume may be submitted as part of the internship application process, but the original program information lists them as optional.
Applicants should still consider including these materials to help explain their interest in the internship and provide relevant background information.
A written recommendation from a school or academic program may be required if needed.
Applicants should be prepared to provide a recommendation if their school, academic program, or the Sheriff’s Office requests one during the application process.
Applicants who are conditionally accepted into the Internship Program will be sent a detailed application to complete.
They will also be subject to a background investigation before final approval to participate.
Confinement
Learn about confinement operations inside the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center, including inmate supervision, housing models, booking, records, classification, transportation, and recreation assignments.
Confinement operations are the detention-focused responsibilities within the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office Adult Detention Center.
Deputies working in confinement help maintain the safety, security, and daily operations of the facility. This includes supervising inmates, supporting housing operations, assisting with intake and records, transporting inmates, and maintaining order throughout the Adult Detention Center.
New Fairfax County Deputy Sheriffs begin their careers in the Adult Detention Center.
This assignment gives deputies experience in inmate supervision, detention center operations, communication, safety procedures, and facility security. Deputies also have opportunities to work in different supervision styles throughout the Adult Detention Center.
Direct supervision is a housing model used for minimum-security inmates.
In direct supervision housing, deputies work inside the cell block with inmates 24 hours a day, without separation from them. This allows deputies to provide active and continuous supervision while helping manage inmates with less serious offenses.
Direct supervision is designed to create a more positive environment and reduce stress for both deputies and inmates. More than half of the inmates in the Adult Detention Center are housed in direct supervision blocks.
Linear supervision is a housing model used for medium-security inmates.
In linear housing, the deputy’s post is centrally located in the corridor. Deputies monitor inmates by patrolling down the corridor and checking housing areas.
Each floor has numerous cell blocks that can house up to five inmates. The cells in each block open into a dayroom.
Podular supervision is a housing model used for maximum-security inmates.
In podular housing, deputies supervise inmates from a secure control booth. The control booth provides a 360-degree view of the floor and housing pods.
There are four units, also called pods, with two pods per floor. Each pod has five sections, and each section can hold up to 20 inmates. The cells are arranged around a common area or dayroom.
Single-cell supervision is used for inmates who have special needs and require more focused monitoring.
Deputies supervise these inmates by patrolling corridors arranged in a way that is similar to linear supervision. Single cells allow for close supervision and specialized housing when needed.
Booking is the process of creating an official inmate record when a person enters the Adult Detention Center.
Deputies assigned to the booking desk create an inmate record in a web-based jail management system. The record may be updated later by staff in different operational areas of the Adult Detention Center.
During booking, inmates are fingerprinted, photographed, and asked a series of questions. These questions may include emergency contact information and whether the inmate has physical or mental health concerns.
The Inmate Records Section maintains records for inmates who are currently held or who have recently been released.
This section provides quality assurance for the booking desk to help ensure inmates are held on the correct charges and released properly and in a timely manner.
The Inmate Records Section also ensures that court documents reflect the orders of the presiding judge and calculates time credit for inmates according to state law and agency policy.
Classification is the process used to help determine how inmates are processed, housed, and categorized.
The classification process begins with an initial interview after an individual is booked into the Adult Detention Center. This interview helps staff understand the inmate’s past jail experience, medical history, mental health history, demeanor, and cooperation.
Based on these factors and the inmate’s criminal charges, the inmate is assigned to the housing location best suited for their incarceration.
Transportation deputies transport inmates to and from appointments, facilities, and other locations as required.
Transportation assignments may include:
- Medical appointments
- Mental health facilities
- Other correctional facilities throughout Virginia
- Transportation related to Temporary Detention Orders
Deputies assigned to transportation may travel two to three hours away when transporting individuals under Temporary Detention Orders to mental health facilities.
Temporary Detention Orders and Emergency Custody Orders are part of certain mental health-related transportation responsibilities handled by deputies.
Deputies may transport individuals under Temporary Detention Orders to mental health facilities. The Transportation Section may also execute Emergency Custody Orders for individuals being released from the Adult Detention Center when clinicians determine that the person may be likely to harm themselves or others, or may not be capable of caring for themselves upon release.
Deputies assigned to the Transportation Section are Crisis Intervention Team certified.
This certification supports deputies who may be involved in transporting individuals experiencing mental health-related situations, including Temporary Detention Orders and Emergency Custody Orders.
Recreation deputies supervise inmates participating in recreation activities.
Deputies assigned to recreation maintain constant supervision of inmates in the gym, outside courtyard, and during movement to and from housing areas.
This role helps maintain safety, security, and order while inmates participate in approved recreation activities.
Confinement operations include several assignment areas within the Adult Detention Center.
Opportunities within confinement may include:
- Direct supervision housing
- Linear supervision housing
- Podular supervision housing
- Single-cell supervision
- Booking
- Records
- Classification
- Transportation
- Recreation
These roles give deputies experience in different parts of detention center operations.
Deputies working in confinement operations gain experience in inmate supervision, communication, facility security, documentation, observation, and decision-making.
They also learn how different areas of the Adult Detention Center operate, including housing, booking, records, classification, transportation, and recreation.
This experience helps deputies build a strong foundation within the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office.
Diversity
Fairfax County is one of Virginia’s most diverse communities, and the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office is committed to recruiting a workforce that reflects the people it serves.
Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian
Accreditation and Memberships
The Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office maintains respected accreditations and memberships that reflect its commitment to professional standards, public safety, correctional excellence, health care quality, veteran support, and service to the community.
Fully Accredited through the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission
Virginia Department of Corrections
American Correctional Association
National Commission on Correctional Health Care
Member of the Virginia Values Veterans
Member of the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association