A Master Deputy is a law enforcement officer who has risen through the ranks and demonstrated exceptional skills, knowledge, and commitment to their job. The term "Master Deputy" is used in some law enforcement agencies, such as the Richland County Sheriffs Department in South Carolina. In general, a deputy is a starting rank within a sheriffs department, and to start work as one, you need to pass an initial training program. Corporal is the next step in the hierarchy, followed by Captain, Major, and Chief Deputy Sheriff, which is the highest rank to which you can be appointed. The responsibilities of each rank vary, but generally, higher ranks involve more supervisory and management duties.