The Alexandria Sheriff’s Office is asking City Council for $150,000 to pay for the hiring bonuses of 15 new sworn deputies.
There’s a shortage of 22 sworn positions within ASO, and the office relies on retired deputies to fill in coverage gaps. City Council will review the proposal at its meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 24.
Last year, Council approved $10,000 bonuses for five new sworn positions. City staff say the plan worked, resulting in the hiring of five certified jail deputies.
“This program has been successful, with the Sheriff’s Office hiring five new, certified jail deputies in five months,” City staff said in a memo.
Now Sheriff Sean Casey is asking that the city continue the offer until 15 more DCJS (Virginia Department of Criminal Justice) certified deputies are hired.
ASO recruiters will be at a community cookout at the Acclaim at Alexandria Apartments (318 S. Whiting Street), also on Tuesday (Sept. 24), from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
According to the city’s job listing for sworn deputies:
The Alexandria Sheriff’s Office is recruiting current Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services certified Jail Officer/Deputy applicants who wish to take their experience to the next level by serving as a Deputy Sheriff I. Applicants for this position should possess a desire to become fully DCJS law enforcement certified.
We are seeking candidates dedicated to serving with honor, respect, and courage. You must have unquestioned integrity and a commitment to serve others in this rewarding profession. Applicants for the position of Deputy Sheriff I should possess exceptional flexibility, with a willingness to work both day and night shifts, weekends, and holidays as assigned. We are accepting applications on a continual basis and will notify candidates of the opportunity to attend the first component of our selection process when it is scheduled.
Deputy Sheriffs primarily work in the Office’s direct supervision Adult Detention Center, which houses approximately 350 adult inmates. Deputies manage inmate living units, handle inmate discipline, respond to inmate requests, supervise inmates’ day-to-day activities, and resolve various problems.
All newly hired jail deputies work a 12.5-hour shift of either days or nights. All shifts work approximately 15 days per month which totals 87.5 hours every two-week pay period.
Candidates who are currently certified by the Virginia DCJS as a Jail Officer/Deputy will earn a minimum starting salary of $66,997.32. Prior years of relevant Virginia law enforcement experience will be reviewed and can result in additional salary increases.
