For entry-level candidates, the hiring process usually takes between 30-45 days. Once you apply, you’ll be sent a comprehensive Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ) that will go in-depth into your life. It will ask questions regarding financial history, legal, employment, driving, military, crime sheet, personal habits and behaviors. Most of these questions are “yes or no” and if you mark yes it will ask for an explanation. Once you complete the PHQ, you’ll be scheduled for an intake interview, where we will go over the PHQ with you. If everything looks good, we will schedule you for a polygraph examination and once you pass that, you’ll be scheduled for a psychological and medical assessment and a background investigation. At that time, we will schedule you for a ride along. Once all those are complete, the information is sent to the Sheriff who makes the decision on whether to hire.
The Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA) is Washington State's Mandatory training Academy for all entry level law enforcement. Students attend a variety of courses throughout the 720 academy hours over a 4-month period.
Must have a high school diploma or GED certificate. Must be a United States citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or a deferred action for childhood arrival (DACA) recipient as per RCW 41.14.100. Candidates must be at least twenty (20) years old at time of application for Deputy Sheriff and Corrections Deputy, with no maximum age. Support staff positions must be eighteen (18) years old. Must pass job related tests.
EXCEPTIONAL DEPUTY SHERIFF ENTRY MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must be twenty-one (21) years old at time of appointment, no maximum age. Must pass job related tests. Must have been employed as a full time, paid Police Officer, Deputy Sheriff, State Trooper or Tribal Officer with full police powers and duties for less than two (2) years within the previous four (4) years. Must provide documented successful completion of a state basic law enforcement academy.
LATERAL DEPUTY SHERIFF MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Must be twenty-one (21) years old at time of appointment, no maximum age. Must pass job related tests. Must have been employed as a Police Officer, Deputy Sheriff, State Trooper or Tribal Officer with full police powers and duties for at least twenty-four (24) of the last thirty-six (36) months. Academy time does not count towards the twenty-four (24) months. Must provide documented successful completion of a state basic law enforcement academy. Completion of the Equivalency Academy is required within one year from date of hire if the applicant is not already certified in the State of Washington. Federal Law Enforcement experience may qualify, pending a review from the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center.
The salary for each position is listed on the job description. Please click the apply now button to find active job openings and the salary information.
Out of State Lateral:
Yes: As specified in WAC 139-05-210, a Law Enforcement agency hiring a lateral entry officer is required to complete the equivalency certification process. This includes the successful completion of the Basic Law Enforcement Equivalency Academy [BLEEA]. In compliance with the Law Enforcement Training and Community Safety Act and education about current laws and patrol tactics, the BLEEA provides instruction on the Washington Model of Policing. The Equivalency Academy is 10 days of training.
To ensure proper review of training from out-of-state lateral transfers, the WSCJTC will review applicant’s previous basic training academy curriculum/syllabus hours. A curriculum/syllabus should include training titles and the corresponding training hours.
In State Lateral:
If you are a lateral within Washington State currently employed as a law enforcement officer and have already completed the Washington State Basic Law Enforcement Academy, you do not need to attend Basic Law Enforcement Academy.
Yes, all lateral and entry level candidates are paid while attending the academy.
Tattoos: At no time while the member is on-duty or representing the Office in any official capacity shall any offensive tattoo or body art be visible. Examples of offensive tattoos include but are not limited to those that exhibit or advocate discrimination; those that exhibit gang, supremacist, or extremist group affiliation; and those that depict or promote drug use, sexually explicit acts, or other obscene material. The Sheriff shall be the sole determiner of what is considered offensive.
Piercings: Body piercing or alteration to any area of the body visible in any authorized uniform or attire that is a deviation from normal anatomical features and which is not medically required is prohibited except with prior authorization of the Sheriff.
Facial hair must be clean, neat, trimmed, and may be no longer than half an inch in depth with no hair extending on the neck below the "Adam's apple". Facial hair must not interfere with any specialized equipment and will not interfere with member's safety and effectiveness.
No, you are not required to live in Snohomish County.
You do not need to take the written or physical test. Once we receive your application you’ll be sent a comprehensive Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ) that will go in-depth into your life. It will ask questions regarding financial history, legal, employment, driving, military, crime sheet, personal habits (drug history), and sexual behaviors. Most of these questions are “yes or no” and if you mark yes it will ask for an explanation. Once you complete the PHQ, you’ll be scheduled for an intake interview, where we will go over the PHQ with you. If everything looks good, we will schedule you for a polygraph examination and once you pass that, you’ll be scheduled for a psychological and medical assessment and a background investigation. Once all those are complete, the information is sent to the Sheriff who makes the decision on whether to hire. The hiring process usually takes between 20-45 days.
Precinct assignments will be determined by seniority within the bargaining unit. Employees shall be allowed to bid annually (Per DSA union Contract). Most patrol deputy positions work three days on and four days off, followed by four days on and three days off. This schedule repeats every two weeks.
No applicant will be placed into a specialty unit until he/she has satisfied the probationary period. No positions will be held open while awaiting a probationary employee to complete probation. Other specific prerequisites and requirements, if applicable, will be outline in specific unit's standard operating procedures and will be available, upon request, from the unit supervisor and/or be posted in the notification. (Per DSA Contract)
