Sheriff Chief Deputy

Pay: Compensation dependent upon CLEST certification. For more information, see the job description.
2026 Saline County Sheriff Chief Deputy Job Description Exempt: Yes Department: Sheriff's Office Reports To: Sheriff Location: 735 S Neeley St, Benton, AR 72015 Safety Sensitive: This position is designated as safety/security sensitive and is subject to pre-employment, reasonable suspicion and random drug and alcohol screening. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF 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 incumbent is responsible for all aspects of SCSO operations, providing supervision and guidance to five (5) divisions and over 100 employees. The incumbent is responsible for general oversight regarding the safety/security of the SCSO 314-bed Detention Facility and further, makes certain the SCSO is in full compliance with Federal and State guidelines. Mandates and ensuring detainees, as well as employee constitutional rights are not violated, which if violated could cause the Saline County considerable financial loss. The incumbent must have impeccable integrity, ethics and professionalism, excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and outstanding interpersonal skills. The incumbent is responsible for putting into practice the goals, objectives, and ideas of the SCSO Sheriff. The incumbent monitors the progress and ensures that results are achieved by the balancing of resources, personnel and budgets for the improvement of safety, welfare and the economic growth of Saline County. The incumbent assists the Sheriff with policy making, formulation of department objectives, purchasing and coordination of equipment, implementing cost effective standards and procedures, interviewing and recommending staff for employment and promotion, management of the SCSO multi-million-dollar budget with full administrative authority, responsibility and accountability for the overall operation. The incumbent has general oversight of collection of thousands of dollars in prisoner care fees and law enforcement contracts. The incumbent is responsible for compiling information on departmental operations and preparing related reports. This position oversees internal departmental investigations and investigations of employee misconduct. The incumbent must also have a strong desire and ability to establish personal and professional community ties. The incumbent is responsible for exercising an in-depth knowledge of the law enforcement administration in protecting and serving the county by enforcing the criminal and traffic laws. The incumbent relies on past law enforcement experience and training to supervise employees both sworn and civilian, jail detainees, and prepare special reports and give community presentations. This position is designated as a "safety sensitive position" as defined by Act 593 of 2017. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Oversees day to day operations of the Sheriff's Office. 2. Confers on a daily basis with the Sheriff on day-to-day activities. 3. Coordinates with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. 4. Conducts staff meetings. 5. Gets regular updates from Command Staff. 6. Oversees training and minimum standards for employees. 7. Assists with budget and approves supply purchases for SCSO. 8. Assist in oversight of the SCSO Detention Facility. 9. Ensure that the rights and safety of detainees are not violated and that they receive the basic requirements as required by law. 10. Ensure that all contacts with the SCSO are treated courteously and fairly in accordance with Federal and State laws. 11. Attend Quorum Court meetings to answer any questions and prepare reports as requested by Quorum Court members regarding SCSO operations. 12. Assumes responsibility for ensuring close, effective liaison with local, state, and Federal law enforcement agencies (Drug Task Force, Federal, State and Local Legislators, Department of Homeland Security, FBI, DEA, U.S. Marshal, Arkansas State Police) by attending meetings as required to represent the Saline County Sheriff. 13. Write various special project reports for Saline County, write news releases, assist in writing speeches for the Sheriff, and assist in the writing and reviewing of grants for the SCSO. 14. Work closely with other County department heads in all matters related to the SCSO and serve as liaison with cities and other governmental agencies in the region and throughout the state. 15. Communicate with the public concerning SCSO affairs to include the resolution of complaints, negotiations with vendors concerning the purchase of supplies, and make recommendations to the Sheriff concerning the purchase of SCSO equipment. 16. Ensure that all SCSO operations are adequately staffed and that individuals hired meet SCSO qualifications and receive proper training. 17. Attends civic club and other community organization meetings to explain and promote the activities and functions of the SCSO and to establish favorable public relations. 18. Perform any other related duties as required or assigned. QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty mentioned satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE High School Diploma or have passed the General Education Development (GED) testing indication high school graduation level. Documentary evidence shall consist of official transcript, diplomas or GED test report form. In unusual circumstances the Commission may be required to accept other documentation and in such cases the decision of the Commission will be final. Home schooling diplomas will not be accepted unless approved by the Commission. Previous law enforcement experience of 15 years and/or 10 years related management experience. COMMUNICATION SKILLS Ability to