Cleveland County Sheriff
Norman, OK
Full Time
Senior Executive
Job Posting: Appointment of Sheriff for Cleveland County, Oklahoma
Note: Applicants must complete the supplemental questionnaire at the bottom of the job announcement to be considered.
The Cleveland County Board of County Commissioners is seeking qualified candidates for the appointment of Sheriff to complete the unexpired term following a vacancy. This is a leadership position as the chief law enforcement officer of Cleveland County. The appointed Sheriff will serve until the next general election or as otherwise provided by law.
Position Overview The Sheriff is the chief law enforcement officer of Cleveland County and an elected constitutional officer responsible for preserving the peace, enforcing state laws, and overseeing the administration and operations of the Sheriff's Office, including the county jail. The Sheriff executes all duties prescribed by the Constitution and laws of the State of Oklahoma and provides leadership, direction, and accountability for all divisions within the agency. The Sheriff will uphold the U.S. Constitution and the Oklahoma Constitution.
Compensation • $101,937.50
Qualifications (per Oklahoma law)
Administrative and Operational Responsibilities
How to Apply Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter detailing relevant experience, vision for the department, documentation of qualifications (including CLEET status), and minimum of 3 personal and professional references to the Cleveland County Board of County Commissioners. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis or as announced in public meetings. The Board may conduct interviews and background checks. Appointment is by majority vote of the Board.
This is a high-responsibility public service role requiring dedication to justice, community safety, ethical leadership, and constitutional principles. Cleveland County is committed to equal opportunity.
For more details on statutes, refer to Title 19 of the Oklahoma Statutes (OSCN.net) and the Handbook for County Sheriffs of Oklahoma from the OSU Extension County Training Program. Questions may be directed to the Cleveland County Commissioners' office.
Required Sheriff Application Questions.
1. Describe your law-enforcement leadership philosophy and how it would guide your decisions as County Sheriff.
2. Explain your experience in law-enforcement leadership roles, including specific examples of leading teams through challenges.
3. Outline the organizational structure you would implement for the county sheriff’s office, including key positions and reporting lines.
4. What changes, if any, would you make to improve efficiency and accountability in the sheriff’s department?
5. Describe your approach to managing and operating the county jail, including staffing, security, and daily operations.
6. How would you ensure compliance with Oklahoma Department of Health rules and policies for county jails? Provide specific strategies.
7. What is your experience with jail administration, and how have you handled inmate health, safety, and medical care issues?
8. Explain how you would address overcrowding, mental health needs, and rehabilitation programs in the county jail.
9. Describe your plan for budgeting, resource allocation, and fiscal responsibility in running both the sheriff’s office and the jail.
10. Why do you want to serve as County Sheriff, and what unique qualifications make you the best candidate for this role in our county?
Note: Applicants must complete the supplemental questionnaire at the bottom of the job announcement to be considered.
The Cleveland County Board of County Commissioners is seeking qualified candidates for the appointment of Sheriff to complete the unexpired term following a vacancy. This is a leadership position as the chief law enforcement officer of Cleveland County. The appointed Sheriff will serve until the next general election or as otherwise provided by law.
Position Overview The Sheriff is the chief law enforcement officer of Cleveland County and an elected constitutional officer responsible for preserving the peace, enforcing state laws, and overseeing the administration and operations of the Sheriff's Office, including the county jail. The Sheriff executes all duties prescribed by the Constitution and laws of the State of Oklahoma and provides leadership, direction, and accountability for all divisions within the agency. The Sheriff will uphold the U.S. Constitution and the Oklahoma Constitution.
Compensation • $101,937.50
Qualifications (per Oklahoma law)
- Must be at least 25 years of age, a resident of Oklahoma for two years, and a registered voter in Cleveland County for six months preceding consideration.
- Possess at least a high school education or equivalent.
- Have served as a duly certified full-time peace officer for four or more years prior to appointment.
- Must provide and maintain CLEET certification in good standing.
- Newly appointed sheriffs must complete a sheriff’s administrative school developed by the Oklahoma Sheriffs’ Association and approved by CLEET within 12 months of taking office.
- Must meet all other statutory requirements under Title 19 O.S. and be eligible to hold public office.
- Preserve the peace within Cleveland County.
- Arrest and commit to jail all persons who violate the law.
- Execute and return all writs, warrants, summonses, and other legal processes issued by lawful authority.
- Attend upon all courts held within the county when required.
- Maintain charge and custody of the county jail and prisoners therein, including their care, control, and safekeeping.
- Prevent and suppress breaches of the peace, riots, and unlawful assemblies.
- Serve as the primary officer responsible for law enforcement in unincorporated areas of the county.
- Provide Courthouse and county building security
- Perform such other duties as required by Oklahoma law or county authority.
Administrative and Operational Responsibilities
- Direct and oversee all operations of the Sheriff's Office, including Patrol, Investigations, Detention, Civil Process, Court Security, and Administrative Services.
- Establish policies, procedures, and strategic priorities consistent with applicable laws and best practices.
- Prepare and manage the Sheriff's Office budget; ensure fiscal responsibility and accountability.
- Appoint, supervise, discipline, and remove deputies and employees in accordance with applicable laws and county policies.
- Ensure compliance with all state mandates, including jail standards, training requirements, and reporting obligations.
- Maintain effective working relationships with federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement agencies.
- Provide leadership in emergency management, disaster response, and public safety coordination.
- Serve as a public representative of the Sheriff's Office, maintaining transparency and community trust.
How to Apply Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter detailing relevant experience, vision for the department, documentation of qualifications (including CLEET status), and minimum of 3 personal and professional references to the Cleveland County Board of County Commissioners. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis or as announced in public meetings. The Board may conduct interviews and background checks. Appointment is by majority vote of the Board.
This is a high-responsibility public service role requiring dedication to justice, community safety, ethical leadership, and constitutional principles. Cleveland County is committed to equal opportunity.
For more details on statutes, refer to Title 19 of the Oklahoma Statutes (OSCN.net) and the Handbook for County Sheriffs of Oklahoma from the OSU Extension County Training Program. Questions may be directed to the Cleveland County Commissioners' office.
Required Sheriff Application Questions.
1. Describe your law-enforcement leadership philosophy and how it would guide your decisions as County Sheriff.
2. Explain your experience in law-enforcement leadership roles, including specific examples of leading teams through challenges.
3. Outline the organizational structure you would implement for the county sheriff’s office, including key positions and reporting lines.
4. What changes, if any, would you make to improve efficiency and accountability in the sheriff’s department?
5. Describe your approach to managing and operating the county jail, including staffing, security, and daily operations.
6. How would you ensure compliance with Oklahoma Department of Health rules and policies for county jails? Provide specific strategies.
7. What is your experience with jail administration, and how have you handled inmate health, safety, and medical care issues?
8. Explain how you would address overcrowding, mental health needs, and rehabilitation programs in the county jail.
9. Describe your plan for budgeting, resource allocation, and fiscal responsibility in running both the sheriff’s office and the jail.
10. Why do you want to serve as County Sheriff, and what unique qualifications make you the best candidate for this role in our county?
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