SkillBridge Internship

The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office is excited to offer a SkillBridge opportunity that will allow service members the knowledge and experience necessary to determine if a career in law enforcement is right for them.  Upon completion of the program, participants will be encouraged to apply for a position with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office as either a Deputy Sheriff or Cadet.  The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office has created a training plan that encompasses many aspects of the responsibilities and expectations a position in law enforcement entails, to include patrol, investigations, civil process, courthouse and airport security, booking, and communications.  The goal of this internship is to provide the DoD SkillBridge Intern with the tools necessary to make an informed decision for a civilian career path.  Service members who complete the internship will be better equipped to step into a position as a Deputy Sheriff or employed as a Cadet entering the academy to later be added to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Sheriff ranks.

**Background Investigation Waiver (Required):  Please Click Here for the Background Waiver.**  
  Patrol duties involve:
 Patrolling assigned zones
Taking calls for service
Enforcing traffic and pedestrian laws
Helping citizens
Engaging with the community
Writing reports
Following up with witnesses and victims
Making arrests
Transporting prisoners to the booking facility

Civil process duties involve:
Taking calls for service
Serving criminal summons
Reviewing warrants, capias, and court orders
Service of process

Airport duties involve:
Providing safety and security to the citizens and visitors within and around the airport
Assist the Department of Homeland Security with security matters
Engage with the public
Provide a good first impression to visitors of law enforcement in the area

While shadowing investigators, one will get to experience different aspects of investigations:
 Responding to crime scenes
Collecting and processing evidence
Interviewing victims and witnesses
Attending autopsies
Research and corroboration with other investigators and agencies
Remotely observing criminal polygraphs

Courthouse deputies include:
 Courtroom inspections
Escorting the Judge
Protecting the Judge and Jury
Escort prisoners to and from court proceedings
Take people into custody
Book and transport prisoners
Monitor video surveillance

Dispatcher responsibilities include:
Call taking
Dispatch of law enforcement units
Relay and instruction of emergency medical services
Dispatch of fire rescue
 

• Service members may participate within 180 days of being discharged or released from active duty and service members must have served 180 continuous days on active duty.
• Approval authority rests with the first field grade commander authorized to impose non-judicial punishment under Article 15 of the UCMJ in the service member's chain of command.
• Such commanders may approve or disapprove participation by a service member based upon unit mission requirements.