A Level 2 Snow Advisory has been issued for Hamilton County.
Click here to learn about the different Snow Emergency Alert Levels.

Snow Emergency Level Details

At times, Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey may need to declare a Snow Emergency. This is an explanation of the three different alert levels. You can also see more real-time updates on the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Facebook Page.

Hamilton County, Oh Snow Emergency Level Explanation

315.9  Snow Level Declaration

Under Ohio Law, the Sheriff has the responsibility to monitor snow conditions and to declare a “snow emergency” when it has been determined that the highway conditions within his/her respective jurisdiction are such that unrestricted use of the highways by motorists is a threat to maintaining the public peace. (ORC § 311.07 and 311.08) (Ohio Attorney Opinions 86-023 and 97-015).

The Sheriff’s Office is without authority to arbitrarily determine what occupations, job descriptions, or duties constitute essential or non-essential employees. Persons who claim to be en route to or from work, or any legitimate errand or business, are to be given the full benefit of the doubt when considering the filing of charges for ORC § 2917.13 Misconduct at an Emergency.

315.9.1  Snow Level One Declaration

Highways and roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow.

  1. Roads are icy, and drivers should proceed very cautiously.
  2. No roadways are closed, but unnecessary travel is discouraged, and drivers are asked to be extremely cautious.
  3. Generally, snow accumulates on roadways as temperatures drop, potentially creating dangerous road surfaces.
315.9.2  Snow Level Two Declaration

All or certain roadways in the County are hazardous with icy spots, and blowing and drifting snow, causing low visibility.

  1. Only those individuals who feel it is necessary to travel should be on the roadways, and they should use extreme caution.
  2. Outside employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work.
  3. All non-emergency and non-essential personnel traveling the roadways during the Level Two snow emergency may be subject to prosecution under ORC § 2917.13 Misconduct at an Emergency.
315.9.3  Level Three Declaration

Ice, blowing, and drifting snow have created extremely hazardous road conditions.

  1. Low visibility, extremely low temperatures, and worsening road conditions have caused the closing of all or certain County roadways to all but emergency and essential persons.
  2. No one should be on the roadways unless absolutely necessary.
  3. Outside employees should contact their employers to see if they should report for work.
  4. All non-emergency and non-essential essential personnel traveling the roadways during the Level Three snow emergency may be subject to prosecution under ORC § 2917.13. Misconduct at an Emergency.

Jail Services

Corrections Officers play a critical role in the custody, security, and treatment of inmates or detainees while learning and developing the interpersonal skills required to perform a range of corrections officer assignments. Working in the jail provides valuable experience, knowledge, and communication to prepare Deputies to move into various roles within the Sheriff’s Office.

Our employment process is rigorous, and we only select those few who are passionate about engaging with their community and serving those around them. Due to the significance of the sworn position, applicants must always be truthful in their application responses and during the entire certification/hiring process. Failure to be truthful during the certification/employment process may disqualify an applicant. Truthfulness and candor in this application process are important requirements for becoming a Correctional Officer.

Corrections Academy

Corrections Officers are hired into our 10-week, paid Corrections Academy, where they learn Teamwork, Inmate communication/de-escalation tactics, Teamwork, physical conditioning, defensive tactics, first aid, and laws/regulations. Students must meet the testing, attendance, and physical conditioning requirements to complete the Academy successfully. Recruits learn a sense of community and Accountability the HCSO way:

Minimum Requirements:

  • Candidate must have a High School Diplo9ma or GED equivalence
  • Candidate must possess a valid driver’s license and a clean driving history
  • Candidate must be able to pass a drug screening, medical examination by a licensed physician, and a CVSA (lie detector)
  • Candidate must be 18 years of age prior to the hire date
  • Candidate must be a U.S. citizen or Naturalization Certified
  • Candidate must have a clean criminal record, including no felony convictions
  • Candidate must not have had a DUI conviction within the past five years and no more than two in a lifetime
  • Candidate must have an Honorable Military Discharge, if applicable

Applicants may be disqualified from consideration for certification/employment as a Correctional Officer if it is determined that the applicant:

  • Was untruthful, deliberately omitted, concealed, or falsified relevant facts during the certification/employment consideration process;
  • Been convicted of a felony;
  • Committed serious employment-related crimes;
  • Sold illegal drugs;
  • Used illegal drugs within a specific period of time; OR
  • Acquired extensive debt or evidence of extreme financial negligence


Schedule:

Corrections Officers work 12-hour shifts: 7 am – 7 pm or 7 pm to 7 am. There is occasionally mandatory overtime in 4-hour increments. There is also a mandatory shift that is worked once every 30 days.

Please note:  If you apply for a corrections officer position, most communication(s) from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office will be via email. It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to ensure your email address is current in your online profile and that you check your email, including “Spam” and “Junk” folders, to ensure you do not miss any notifications. In addition to checking your personal email account, you may also check for notifications by logging in to the online application system and utilizing your login and password.