OH HB548

Sheriffs must be elected every four years and serve four-year terms beginning the first Monday in January following election.

Candidates must be U.S. citizens, county residents for at least one year, qualified electors, possess a high school diploma or GED, and have no felony or first-degree misdemeanor convictions involving moral turpitude.

Candidates must have obtained a valid peace officer certificate within the last four years and either five cumulative years of peace officer employment (any time in the past) OR five cumulative years of law enforcement employment (any time in the past), changed from the previous requirement of continuous employment in the last four years.

Candidates must have supervisory law enforcement experience, law enforcement supervisor schooling certification, OR at least one year (changed from two years) of post-secondary education with a minimum of 45 credit hours, which can include previous college credits, law enforcement education, or military service.

Newly elected sheriffs must complete at least two weeks of Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission basic training before taking office, and all sheriffs must complete 16 hours of continuing education annually.