Work With Us

Deputy Sheriff

PASSION

Are you passionate about law enforcement? In 2021, Sheriff Lott was named South Carolina Sheriff of the Year and National Sheriff of the Year. He believes that his success as a Sheriff is only possible when the deputies he leads are successful themselves. Sheriff Lott is proud of the family-like atmosphere that he has fostered at RCSD and knows that it is important for deputies to love not only what they do, but where they work.

PURPOSE. If you see any of our 550+ uniformed deputies, you’ll notice that the patches on our uniforms have unique language. The patches identify us as “Deputy Sheriff” and “Peace Officer.” You will also find the words “Peace Officer” on our patrol vehicles. But what does it mean? RCSD believes that not every call for service needs to end with an arrest. Our deputies ensure that the needs of our citizens are met and often that can be accomplished by deescalating the situation and providing available services. Our purpose is to keep the peace and provide a better quality of life for the citizens of Richland County.

PROGRESS. RCSD is proud to be a progressive agency. Sheriff Lott stays ahead of the curve in this ever-changing profession. He invests in his deputies and ensures that we have all the tools necessary to excel in law enforcement. Sheriff Lott ensures that our deputies receive top-notch training, equipment and benefits, paid health care for employees and take-home vehicles for patrol deputies. At RCSD, you will have a wide variety of career opportunities and tremendous potential for advancement.

If there are any questions concerning the hiring process, please contact M/D Jay Evans by email or phone: 803-576-1488.

We are currently accepting applications!

Click Here To Apply!

To become a Deputy Sheriff with Richland County, you must meet the following qualifications:

1. For Deputy Sheriff positions, candidate must have a high school diploma or GED.
2. Minimum 21 years of age.
3. Valid driver's license with limited violations.
4. Satisfactory background, including financial stability.
5. Pass drug testing, physical fitness test and staff interviews.
6. Meet physical fitness standards. Including a pre-employment PT Test.
7. Successfully complete training at the Criminal Justice Academy.

1. Applicant submits application
2. Preliminary background investigation conducted
3. Pre-employment agility test
4. Pre-employment reading comprehension test
5. Pre-employment essay/writing sample
6. Pre-polygraph booklet completed
7. Pre-employment polygraph consent and advisory signed
8. Pre-employment psychological evaluation for Deputy Sheriff Applicants
9. Pre-employment polygraph
10. Some applicants are chosen to appear before an interview board based on the application packet and evaluations.
11. Interview Board
12. Interview Board results are compiled and recommendations are made to the Sheriff.
13. Selected applicants are interviewed by the Sheriff.
Note: Steps 3-7 to be conducted all on the same day at the Firing Range.

The application and hiring process could take up to 60 days.

Minimum State Standards as described in SC CODE OF LAWS SECTION 23-23-60(B)

• An application under oath on a format prescribed by the Director of the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy.

• Evidence that the candidate has completed high school and received a high school diploma; equivalency (military or other) recognized and accepted by the South Carolina Department of Education or South Carolina.

• Evidence that the candidate is physically fit to fulfill the duties of a law enforcement officer. Such proof must be in obtaining a complete medical history by a licensed physician or medical examiner and a complete medical examination.

• The candidate has not been convicted of any criminal offense that carries a sentence of one year or more or a criminal offense that involves a crime of moral turpitude. The forfeiture of bond, a guilty plea, or a plea of nolo contendere is considered the equivalent of a conviction.

• Candidate must be a person of good character as established by an in-depth background investigation. In determining good character, consideration must be given to all law violations, including traffic and conservation law convictions, prior history of alcohol and drug abuse, etc.

• Candidate must have a valid and current state driver's license with no record during the previous five years for suspension of the driver's license as a result of driving under the influence, reckless homicide, involuntary manslaughter, or leaving the scene of an accident.

• A credit check with favorable results

• Fingerprints and a check by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division the candidate has no felony convictions.

• The candidate must be photographed.

• Evidence that the candidate's present age is not less than twenty-one years. This evidence must include a birth certificate or another acceptable document

• If the candidate has successfully completed a course of law enforcement training by the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy or another law enforcement training Academy, copies of the documents must be obtained.

• No convictions for criminal domestic violence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hours do deputies work?

Line deputies work 12-hour shifts. Out of a 28-day cycle, the deputy will work 14 days and will be off 14 days.

What is your policy on tattoos?

While on duty or otherwise representing the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, personnel personnel are permitted to display tattoos or other forms of body art, which may be seen by the public within the following guidelines:

Tattoos/Body Art are not permitted on the neck, face, head, or the area of the chest that would be visible while an officer is wearing official attire or in uniform wearing a properly fitting crew neck t-shirt.
The display of any offensive image, phrase, or other expression contained within visible tattoos/body art shall be prohibited. Examples of prohibited content shall include, but is not limited to Offensive Tattoos and Body Art, Extremist Tattoos and Body Art or Indecent Tattoos or Body Art

Personnel who may have a tattoo or body art as referenced shall completely cover the tattoo or body art with a long sleeved shirt or blouse, a skin toned patch, or other material, which is approved by the Sheriff or his designee.

The Sheriff may grant exceptions to this rule, if necessary, to further a legitimate law enforcement interest when presented and responded to in writing.

What is your policy on personal appearance?

Hair Regulations: All employees shall maintain their hair in a professional manner. All haircuts and facial hair must meet the approval of the Sheriff. Sworn personnel may have neatly groomed facial hair.

To ensure a professional appearance and the safety of female deputies, hair must not exceed past the first seam on the back of the uniform shirt. Non-uniform deputies' hair must not exceed elbow length. It is recommended that hair be in a bun, rolled up, or a pony tail. Bangs cannot extend below the eyebrows. Hair cannot be worn loosely around the face. It must be behind the ears. Hair color must not be an unnatural color (i.e. blue, purple, etc.). Hair accessories should be black or match the color of the hair. Employees must be groomed in a manner befitting their work assignments.

Only female officers may wear one (1) earring in each ear on the lower ear lobe or by male officers upon approval of the Sheriff. Any earrings worn must be “stud earrings” and of such a size and character as not to be easily grasped by an assailant. No other body piercing is approved that is visible while in uniform or plainclothes.

Fingernails – All personnel will keep fingernails clean and neatly trimmed. Males will keep nails trimmed so as not to extend beyond the fingertip. Females will not exceed a nail length of 1/8 inch, as measured from the tip of the finger.

Females will not wear shades of lipstick and nail polish that distinctly contrast with their complexion, that detract from the uniform, or that are extreme. Some examples of extreme colors include, but are not limited to, purple, gold, blue, black, white, bright (fire-engine) red, khaki, camouflage colors, and fluorescent colors.

Work With Us

Deputy Sheriff

PASSION

We are currently accepting applications!

To become a Deputy Sheriff with Richland County, you must meet the following qualifications:

Minimum State Standards as described in SC CODE OF LAWS SECTION 23-23-60(B)

Frequently Asked Questions

What hours do deputies work?

What does the pre-employment PT Test consist of?

What kind of calls do deputies respond to?

What type of equipment is issued to deputies?

Barre Fusion

What is your policy on tattoos?

What is your policy on personal appearance?

What if I have further questions?

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