• Deputy sheriffs help keep Oklahomans safe.Oklahoma state contour against blurred USA flag image by Stasys Eidiejus from Fotolia.com
  
  Deputy sheriffs, also called sheriff's deputies, are one branch of law enforcement charged with protecting the state of Oklahoma. Deputy sheriffs work directly under the sheriff of their area. Certain deputy sheriffs may also work within the Oklahoma prison system as correctional officers, and also answer to the warden of the institution in which they are employed.
  
  

Training and Probation

• Every approved Oklahoma deputy sheriff must undergo a period of training that includes physical training, gun training, Oklahoma legal education and other preparation for the job. Each deputy sheriff hired will also fulfill a five-year probationary period, during which they are considered an at-will employee.
  
  

Help with Appointments

• The sheriff can request aid in appointing a reserve force of deputy sheriffs. Permanent deputy sheriffs often help with the "grunt work" of choosing this reserve force, such as conducting interviews or serving as instructors for reserve training. Deputy sheriffs also oversee the members of the reserve force as they complete a required 160-hour police training course.
  
  

Deputizing Municipal Officers

• Many times, deputy sheriffs serve as second-in-command to the sheriff. If the sheriff is for any reason indisposed, a deputy sheriff may be appointed to deputize municipal officers. This is especially true during times of crisis or emergency.
  
  

Enforce the Law

• Most important, Oklahoma deputy sheriffs help to enforce the laws of the state. Oklahoma deputy sheriffs should cooperate with any and all branches of law enforcement with a vested interest in their area to maintain a sense of goodwill and ensure peace and safety for the state's citizens. Additionally, deputy sheriffs should always be prepared to assist any jurisdiction within the state of Oklahoma that requests emergency aid.