Sponsorships are available to candidates looking for a career in law enforcement 

EATON COUNTY, MI – Considering a career in law enforcement? Do you want to give back to your community? The Eaton County Sheriff’s Office will pay your way through the police academy.

“The training process is rigorous and lengthy because it has to be,” Eaton County Sheriff Tom Reich said.” The ten-month process includes a 17-week Police Academy followed by five to six months of Field Training with new Deputies. This means a delay in new hires being able to fill an open position immediately, adding to the stress of filling positions.” 

The County faces the same difficulties felt by other local units of government when it comes to recruiting and retaining officers. Difficulties like wage pressure caused by the highest inflation rate in 40 years have exacerbated these efforts. Eaton County has seen increased difficulty keeping up with retirements from an aging workforce and changes to the County’s compensation structure. 

“At Eaton County Sheriff’s Office, we have a particularly difficult problem retaining our Deputies because they have many opportunities to earn significantly higher wagers at other regional agencies.” Sheriff Reich continued. “That’s why we need to be creative in the package we offer our deputies.”

The Eaton County Board of Commissioners and Administration are working with Sheriff Reich to explore ways to give his Office tools for recruiting while simultaneously preparing for contract negotiations in the coming year. All seven County labor agreements will expire in 2024, two of which cover the compensation for Sheriff Deputies and Command members within the Sheriff’s Office. 

“Working in public safety is high-stress and high-risk,” said Eaton County Controller /Administrator Connie Sobie. “It is important and necessary work. Eaton County is analyzing how to make these positions as attractive as possible, starting with the sponsorship program, but we are not stopping there. Members of the Board and Sheriff Reich know the community needs more, and our Deputies need more.” 

“This is a great place to work and offers endless possibilities for specialty assignments and work details,” says Sergeant Justin Barber, who serves as a School Resource Officer as part of his assignments. “This is the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to work here and continue to grow as a Deputy.” 

The Eaton County Sheriff’s Office currently has nine open positions it is looking to fill, with at least two more expected to open in the next few months due to general attrition and retirements. If you or someone you know might be interested in a career in law enforcement, visit https://bit.ly/eatonjobs to apply. 

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Founded in 1837 as a pioneering community, Eaton County now boasts a diverse socio-economic base that includes agriculture, business, automotive, manufacturing, health care, education, and insurance. Residents enjoy all the best of rural and suburban living ideally situated near the greater Lansing region.