The Senior Deputy Certification Program is a valuable training course for deputy sheriffs seeking to enhance their knowledge of the duties and responsibilities related to the Office of Sheriff. Certification requires 324 hours of specialized training divided into three modules. Pursuing the Sr. Deputy Certification increases your knowledge base about the sheriff’s office. In addition, some sheriffs offer pay incentives and promotional consideration for certification.
- Module 1 (82 hours): Sheriff’s Office Duties
- Module 2 (42 hours): Expanded Functions
- Module 3 (200 hours): Specialized / Advanced Electives
Review the curriculum.
Review the course descriptions.
Modules 1 and 2 are offered at approved sheriffs’ offices statewide. Module 3 electives are offered at regional academies and other training facilities.
View the Senior Deputy Training Calendars for training Opportunities.
Upon completion of Modules 1, 2 and 3, complete the application and submit the completed application to the Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (P.O.S.T.). P.O.S.T. sends the application to GSA for review and approval. Upon approval, P.O.S.T. is notified and the application process is completed. If the application is denied, the applicant is notified by GSA’s Brent Loeffler.
Upon GSA and P.O.S.T’. approval of the certification, the student may print his P.O.S.T. Senior Deputy Certification certificate from the student’s transcript. In addition, the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association sends each graduate a formal certificate and lapel pin (see top picture), at no cost. The Senior Deputy Bar (see bottom picture) may be purchased for $10. To purchase an additional lapel pin at $5.00 or the Senior Deputy Bar, email Missy Sammons stating your request and include your full name, OKEY# and address where the pin or bar should be mailed. Once your certification is confirmed, GSA will contact you for further instructions on payment.
Contact GSA’s Brent Loeffler for more information.
Guidelines for Instruction
The Senior Deputy Certification is a voluntary certification program. Instruction of Modules I and II must be approved by the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association Training Academy. In order to teach the Senior Deputy Certification at local sheriff’s offices, follow the guidelines below:
- The agency training officer or the sheriff’s designee shall provide this Academy an email of intent to teach the Senior Deputy curriculum to GSA Specialized Training Coordinator, Brent Loeffler.
- Once approved, a CD containing instructions and all required forms, lesson plans and PowerPoints will be forwarded to the sheriff’s office.
- ONLY GSA Academy Staff Instructors can create and complete/close-out the classes in Module I & II in the POST Gateway system.
- A 3 – 6 month schedule of classes must be submitted to GSA. Contact Brent if this is an issue.
- ALL training documentation (signed rosters, tests, evaluations, code of ethics, everything..) must be submitted to GSA within 5 days of the last day of class. It is the agency instructor’s responsibility to verify that all documentation is correct.
- All of the above mentioned training documentation MUST BE SCANNED AND EMAILED to Brent Loeffler.
- Tests are required in three blocks of instructions: Advanced Report Writing, Interpersonal Relations and the 45 Hour Basic Jail Officer Course. These classes are only offered through GSA.
Questions or Inquiries please contact:
Brent Loeffler, Training Director at 770-914-1076.