A deputy is a law enforcement officer who serves under the authority of a sheriff, police chief, or other high-ranking officer. Deputies are typically sworn officers who have the same powers and responsibilities as police officers, but they may not be as senior or experienced.

In law enforcement, a deputy is primarily in charge of conducting investigations on crimes and arresting criminals, performing regular patrols on streets, responding to calls of distress, and assisting citizens in calamities, disasters, accidents, or any forms of threat.