The Real Cost of Hiring a New Deputy in Broadwater County
Author: Broadwater County Sheriff's Office
The Real Cost of Hiring a New Deputy in Broadwater County
Broadwater County Sheriff's Office
Broadwater County covers some 1,239 square miles, nestled between the Big Belt and Elkhorn Mountains, serving a population of roughly 9,000 residents. Retaining staff and maintaining coverage across the county is one of the major challenges for the Sheriff’s Office.
The national average for law enforcement is approximately 2.4 sworn officers per 1,000 residents. In contrast, the ratio varies by county population for Sheriff’s Offices in Montana.
Rural counties with populations between 5,000 to 10,000 residents range from 1.32 to 3.00 deputies, likely due to sparse populations and large coverage areas.
When the Broadwater County Sheriff’s Office brings aboard a new deputy who lacks previous law enforcement experience, the expenditures extend far beyond salary and benefits. From uniforms and equipment to academy training and field supervision, the upfront investment can be a substantial cost borne by the county and ultimately by taxpayers.
A deputy without previous certification must first complete 12 weeks at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy. At the time of this article, the cost is approximately $3000 to include lodging and food. Once the new deputy successfully completes the Academy, he or she enters a supervised field training program and is mentored by a veteran deputy for 16 weeks prior to working independently.
In addition to training, equipping a new deputy at the Broadwater County Sheriff’s Office requires purchasing a uniform package that includes shirts, trousers, a duty belt, and outerwear suitable for Montana winters. Each deputy also receives a standard-issue firearm and holster, portable radio, body armor, taser, and badge. A conservative estimate places these costs at $8,000 to $9,000 before any vehicle or patrol assignment gear is included.
The combined costs of training, uniforms, and equipment, with the cost of supervision and vehicle load out, make the investment for hiring a first-time deputy in Broadwater County $35,000 to $45,000 before he or she is fully operational. With the first year’s salary, the total investment in a fully certified deputy ranges from $105,000 to $116,000.
The decision to become a Deputy Sheriff in Broadwater County, Montana, reflects a deep commitment to public service and community safety across a wide and diverse rural area. The loss of a deputy, whether through resignation, retirement, or tragedy, has a profound impact on the Sheriff’s Office team. It can strain resources, increase workloads, and affect morale among remaining deputies.
Beyond the operational challenges, such a loss is deeply personal, as deputies work closely together in high-stakes situations and share a strong sense of duty and camaraderie. Hiring and supporting a new deputy is a strategic, long-term investment and requires considerable financial planning and commitment from both the Sheriff’s Office and the new deputy.
