New year, new career doing what you love

With the holiday season coming to a close, everyone starts looking ahead to the new year and what they hope it’ll bring.

Coming out of several tough years, more and more people are moving away from quick fix New Year’s resolutions that’ll be dead in the water before Valentine’s Day; people are taking a beat to think about what they really want and the changes they want to make in 2023. 

Time for a change

For many of those thinking about how to live a more rewarding life in 2023, a career change is top of the list. 

According to a recent poll, almost a quarter of American workers feel unhappy in their current job. From returning to school to getting a new job or promotion, half of U.S. workers are looking to make a New Year’s Resolution that puts professional development first. 

One department, many careers

When people think of a career in law enforcement, the first thing that often comes to mind is our most visible department members – uniformed deputies on regular patrols and responding to calls for service. 

But law enforcement is an incredibly wide field with a whole range of options for all different types of people and their unique talents. 

Within the Sheriff’s Department, there are many different teams. From Major Crimes to Property Crimes, Training to Community Services, our employees are encouraged to try out different areas and find their fit. 

Starting out as a detention deputy, Lieutenant Paula Hare worked her way up to administrative sergeant followed by her current role as administrative lieutenant. Also a certified corrections supervisor, her career has spanned more than 18 years. Read more about Lt. Hare’s story and her journey through the Department. 

Eagle-eyed investigators 

Uniformed deputies looking to develop their career and who have a real aptitude for getting to the bottom of things, can pursue a career in the Major Crimes Unit.

Working closely with our patrol deputies and crime scene investigators, investigators focus on felonies, misdemeanors and violent crimes piecing together the evidence to build an understanding of what’s taken place. 

Take a look at how our investigators returned a mysterious package of $23,000 to its rightful owner. 

It’s a science 

To get a full understanding of what’s happened, you need to take a scientific approach. That’s why our department is home to many forensic experts who harness their skills to provide crucial insights that help solve crimes and deliver justice. 

For example, we’re currently on the lookout for a chemist to join our team. Their role will involve working in the lab to examine physical evidence using chemical, physical, microscopic and instrumental analysis. 

Behind the scenes 

In addition to our deputies, we have a whole range of support staff, administrators and legal professionals who keep the department moving forward. 

From experts in human resources that help us recruit the next department superstars to front desk specialists ready to give everyone a warm welcome to our HQ, these roles are an essential part of the Sheriff’s Department family. 

Building bonds 

For those who feel a calling to give back to their community, a career in law enforcement could be the perfect career change for 2023. 

What we look for in our team members is a real community focus – someone with the skills to build bonds within the community they serve. 

Not only are we a more effective law enforcement agency as a result, but the ability to give back to their community is what really drives many of our deputies. 

Records Technician Kari Pait says: “It’s really satisfying to know Lexington County is making a huge difference in people’s lives and making sure everybody is taken care of.”

From connecting with our county’s youth as a school resource officer to organizing regular community outreach initiatives as part of the Community Action Team, a career with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department is perfect for those looking to connect and give back. 

A family feel 

What sets us apart as a department isn’t just what we do, but the way we do it: we’re a family, and that’s how we treat one another. 

Among the 37 deputies who were promoted in 2022, the team’s family feel was a common theme. 

Talking about her West Region co-workers, Crime Scene Investigator Hannah Joslin said: “They’re all like big brothers to me… I’m like the annoying little sister they never wanted, but they got anyways,” she jokes. 

Master Deputy Kalie Natale shared a similar view: “We’re here more than we are home,” she says. “So it’s really easy to make friends and just make your own family here.”

What we’re looking for

Thinking about a career change can be daunting, but Sheriff Jay Koon emphasizes the importance of the right mindset over the perfect resume. 

“We want somebody that is eager to come and join our family and serve our wonderful community, someone that’s dependable and looking to advance their career in a wonderful place,” he says, encouraging “any and all to apply.” 

Hear more from Sheriff Jay Koon as he welcomes those seeking new career opportunities with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. 

How to apply

Serving the community is an important role, and we take the process of finding the right people for the job seriously. 

From cognitive and physical tests to job shadowing and interviews, our process is designed to make sure everyone finds the right role for them. 

You can get a better understanding of each step in the application process on our LCSD recruitment site. 

Ready for your new career? 

If you have the integrity, passion and community focus that we’re looking for, then a new career at the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department could be your perfect New Year’s Resolution.

You’ll find all our current vacancies listed on our website, and feel free to reach out and get in touch with us through our contact us form if you have any questions about the jobs or working at LCSD. 

We look forward to welcoming you to the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department family in 2023!