WCSO Recruitment Information
Deputy Sheriff - Recruit and P.O.S.T. Certified
Washoe County maintains two lists for persons interested in employment as a Deputy Sheriff.
- One list is the Deputy Sheriff Recruit where the candidate has no prior law enforcement experience or training.
- The second is a list of P.O.S.T. Certified Persons who have been awarded a valid P.O.S.T. Category I certificate.
Washoe County has implemented a continuous testing process for both lists described above. Applications for these positions are accepted only when the position is posted under Job Opportunities.
Hiring Process Overview
1. Application Process
Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications and complete the required application materials.
-
Minimum qualifications include 21 years of age at time of application, high school diploma or GED, no felony or gross misdemeanor convictions, and U.S. citizen at time of appointment.
-
In addition, the minimum qualifications for Deputy Sheriff include possession of valid Category I P.O.S.T. certificate.
- Complete the required online application and submit by the deadline date.
Sheriff's Self-Screening Checklist
2. Written Exam
Completed applications will be screened for minimum qualifications and applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be scheduled for the Deputy Recruit/Sheriff written exam. The notice to attend the written exam will be sent via email from Human Resources.
Study Guide for Deputy Recruit Written Exam
3. Physical Abilities Test
Selected candidates will be required to take a physical abilities test, which consists of exercises to measure an individual's strength, endurance, and agility. The test exercises are subject to changes but currently are composed of the following:
- Handgrip strength test - 68 kilograms - combined total of both hands
- Bend, touch, and twist - 11 repetitions within 20 seconds
- Sit and reach - 16 inches
- Push-ups - 18
- Sit-ups - 27 in one minute
- Vertical jump - 16 inches above individual's resting mark
- 300-meter sprint - 77 seconds
- 1.5 mile run - 15:20 min/sec
Sheriff's Physical Abilities Test Information
4. Background Investigation
Investigators will contact employers, friends, neighbors, relatives, and creditors to verify the information you provided. It is imperative that you are honest and describe all incidents truthfully, rather than have the negative findings discovered in the course of the background investigation. Any failure to be candid and honest in any phase of the process will result in immediate rejection of any candidate. Honesty and trustworthiness are important characteristics of a Deputy Sheriff.
5. Hiring Board
The background investigation files for all candidates under consideration are submitted to a Hiring Board consisting of the Undersheriff and the Assistant Sheriffs from the two Bureaus within the Sheriff's Office. Based on the facts and information from the background investigation, the Hiring Board will make a recommendation to give a conditional offer of employment to a candidate or reject a candidate for employment.
6. CVSA (Computer Voice Stress Analysis) Examination
Selected candidates will be required to take a CVSA examination to verify information provided in earlier steps of the selection process. The examination is conducted by a certified CVSA Examiner.
7. Medical Examination and Drug Screening
Selected candidates will be required to have a physical examination and drug testing performed by a physician designated by the Sheriff. The cost of this examination will be borne by the Sheriff's Office. Certain conditions may disqualify a candidate from consideration.
8. Psychological Screening
Selected candidates will be required to undergo a psychological screening. This consists of a battery of tests and an interview with a psychologist.
Thank you for visiting the Washoe County HR