Careers with the Mesa County Sheriff's Office

The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office is located in the heart of the Western Slope, a high desert oasis surrounded by mesas, rivers, mountains, and Colorado's wine country.

As the largest Sheriff’s Office in Colorado west of the Continental Divide, we employ over 270 dedicated professionals who provide services to rural and densely populated urban areas.

The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office patrols, responds to emergencies, and fights wildland fires in an area encompassing more than 3,300 square miles.

We are an innovative agency striving to better the community and find creative ways to manage increasing crime rates and jail populations. Integrity, Service, and Community are our guiding principles.

Become a Detention Deputy

The Detentions Division is often an excellent place for less experienced applicants wanting to start a career in law enforcement. Many of our current Patrol Deputies, Investigators, and even former Sheriffs began their law enforcement careers as Detention Deputies. It can be a rewarding career and a valuable way to gain experience to enhance your criminal justice career.  

Duties include:

• Providing safety, security, and care to the inmates, staff, and visitors in the detention facility.
• Upholding the civil and constitutional rights of inmates.
• Transporting inmates when needed.

Detention Deputies do not need to be P.O.S.T. certified or have prior experience.

How long does an application stay active if there are no positions available?

Your application will remain active for one calendar year.

How long does the recruitment process take?

Many variables play into the length of time that it takes to get an applicant hired and started with the Sheriff's Office. The entire process can take 8-12 weeks.

Would anything keep me from applying with the Sheriff's Office?

Applicants that meet any of these conditions are not eligible to work at the Sheriff's Office and will be disqualified from further consideration.

• You have ever been convicted of a felony or domestic violence.
• You have twelve points or more for traffic violations within the last three years.
• You have had one DUI or drug-related driving conviction in the last three years.

What if I pass all testing, but no positions are available?

Your name will be placed into a hiring pool of employment-eligible candidates to be considered for future employment should a position become available.

• Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training 
• Western Colorado Peace Officers Academy 

Investigator William Barbee

• Phone: 970-244-3354
• Email: william.barbee@mesacounty.us

Investigator Jenifer Keyes

• Phone: 970-244-3937
• Email: jenifer.keyes@mesacounty.us

Sergeant Craig Bowen

• Phone: 970-623-8041
• Email: craig.bowen@mesacounty.us