Public safety is at the top of the Sheriff's list of priorities. To ensure public safety, and the safety of those in the court system, the Sheriff's Office has implemented a rigorous training policy for its staff and has activated special tactical units to supplement the court security provided daily by Deputies. The Sheriff's Training Unit provides the men and women of the Sheriff's Office with the skills, procedures and training needed to stay abreast of the latest innovations and changes in court security and prisoner transportation.

BASIC TRAINING
Upon being appointed a Philadelphia Deputy Sheriff Officer (DSO), the appointee must pledge to follow office directives and extensive codes of conduct before they receive the standard blue uniform, badge, baton, handcuffs and regulation firearm.  Throughout the first 80 hours of service, the DSO begins basic skills instructions for proper prisoner search techniques, correct courtroom procedures and secured prisoner transportation methods. Each DSO must also qualify with a .38 caliber pistol.  This basic training is a prelude to the state-mandated requirements for certification as a Deputy Sheriff in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  The curriculum for the continued training and development of Sheriff Deputies has been prescribed by the Deputy Sheriff's Education and Training Board of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.