(Entry Level Applicants)

STEP ONE: CIVIL SERVICE PROCESSING

Applicants who are interested in applying for the Deputy Sheriff-Entry Level position must first complete testing through Public Safety Testing. This constitutes taking the Law Enforcement Written Exam and Washington Physical Ability Test.

  1. Written Exam and Physical Ability Test (PAT) through Public Safety Testing

– Local/Washington applicants can register for a test by visiting: Public Safety Testing

– Out of state applicants can register for a test by visiting: Public Safety Testing Out of State.

– Tips and study guides for the written exam are available for purchase on the public safety testing website. They can be found here.

– If you have already passed the Law Enforcement Written Exam, you will also need to pass the Washington State CJTC Physical Ability Test (PAT). To register for a PAT, please visit: publicsafetytesting.com and click on “Schedule a Test”.

Tips and information regarding what to expect for the PAT can be found here.

  1. Application Process

– Once you have completed testing with Public Safety Testing, and sent your score to our agency, you will become eligible to apply for the Deputy Sheriff-Entry Level position. You will need to apply online through Government Jobs and can do so by clicking the link above.

– Be sure to read through the entire job posting prior to submitting your application and pay special attention to the minimum requirements. If you feel you meet these requirements, proceed with submitting your application.

– To submit your application, scroll to the top of the job posting and click ‘Apply’.

– Clicking ‘Apply’ will redirect your web browser to GovernmentJobs.com. You will need to create an account, answer all sections on the application completely and truthfully, including the supplemental questions. NOTE: If you use the Government Jobs function to upload your resume, confirm all your employment history is populated correctly! This is not a recommended function to use, as it is known to cause several discrepancies on the application, resulting in applications having to be rejected. Be sure to answer all the Supplemental Questions fully and make sure to list ALL of your education and employment history. Finally, before clicking on Submit, make sure that all additional required documents are uploaded to your application; this will be the last step on the application. Applications without the following documents will not be accepted:

  • Copy of Valid Driver’s License (front side only)
  • Copy of DD 214, Member Form 4 (if applicable)
  • Copy of Permanent Resident Card AKA “Green Card” (if applicable)

– In addition, all applicants must provide official transcripts. Official transcripts from the school of your highest level of education, plus transcripts showing proof of any degree, MUST be received by Civil Service. Examples of transcripts that need to be submitted are:

-If you graduated high school or have a GED and no further education, please order that transcript

-If you graduated high school or have a GED, plus some college credits (but no degree), you will need to order BOTH high school and your college transcript(s)

-If you have an associate or bachelor’s degree and no additional college above that degree, then only order the transcript showing proof of your degree

-If you have an associate or bachelor’s degree plus additional college courses, then order both college transcripts

-If your highest level of education is a master’s degree or doctorate, please order that transcript

Accepted methods for submitting transcripts are:

    1. Preferred method: If your school distributes official electronic transcripts, have the registrar email the official transcripts directly to: Lschwebs@spokanecounty.org. Electronic transcripts will only be accepted if sent directly by the school; applicants may not attach transcripts to their application or email them directly.
    2. If your school does not issue electronic transcripts, please mail sealed official paper transcripts to:
      Spokane County Civil Service
      13033 W. SR 902
      Spokane, WA 99224
    3. If you have already submitted official transcripts to Spokane County Civil Service, please verify Civil Service has your transcripts on file before re-ordering new transcripts.

– Once you submit your application, it will be sent to Civil Service for review. Applications are reviewed continuously, and you will be contacted by email once your application has been reviewed. That email will notify you whether you are moving forward in the process, if your application is missing anything, and/or the next steps. Be sure to check your SPAM and/or Junk folders while you are waiting for a response. The email will be sent to the address on file with your Government Jobs profile.

– After it has been determined that your application meets the minimum requirements, is complete with all required documents uploaded, and your transcripts have been received, then you will be invited to take the Spokane County Civil Service Obstacle-Course Physical Ability Test (PAT) (see more information below under Obstacle-Course Physical Ability Test). Dates and instructions on how to sign-up for this test will be emailed to applicants.

– At the end of each processing round, all applicants with complete applications and who have passed the Obstacle Course PAT will be placed/merged onto the eligibility list. Civil Service will email applicants with their placement on the eligibility list, along with instructions on how to submit the background packet to the Sheriff’s Office, which includes how to complete your Public Safety Testing Personal History Statement (PHS), how to submit the additional waivers, and the other required documents which must be submitted to the Sheriff’s Office Background Unit by a specific due date, which will be listed in that same email. Applicants will have 10 days to complete this paperwork.

– All applicants who submit their Personal History Statement, waivers, and additional required documents by the due date will remain on the eligibility list; those who fail to submit their documents prior to the deadline will be removed from the eligibility list. Civil Service processing is then complete. See Step 2: Sheriff’s Office Processing for the next steps.

** TIPS: Your application, background packet, and Personal History Statement must be completed in their entirety to be considered for employment. The top two reasons for being disqualified from Sheriff’s Office positions are the following:

  1. Forms are incomplete.
  2. An applicant falsifies information on a form.
    Remember, we are “the police”. Our department has expert background investigators who will find out if you fabricate, withhold, or are dishonest about the information you provide. This is an automatic disqualification. It will prevent you from EVER working for the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office. It’s just not worth it!

Questions on Sheriff’s Office policy disqualifiers can be found by visiting: https://spokanesheriff.info/wp-content/uploads/Policy-1000-Updated-10.2023.pdf

Notes:

– An applicant is not officially removed from a certified eligibility list until they are notified directly by Civil Service.

– Once Civil Service testing is complete (initial PST testing, application, Obstacle-Course PAT), applicants who are selected for further processing will be notified directly by the Sheriff’s Training Division. (See Step Two: Sherrif’s Office Processing)

(Intermediate & Lateral Applicants)

STEP ONE: CIVIL SERVICE PROCESSING

Deputy Sheriff-Intermediate Lateral and Deputy Sheriff-Lateral applicants must apply directly with Spokane County Civil Service (do not test through Public Safety Testing)

First, be sure to read through each job posting prior to submitting your application to ensure you apply for the correct position; pay special attention to the minimum requirements. If you feel you meet these requirements, proceed with submitting an application.

  1. Application

– To submit your application, scroll to the top of the job posting and click ‘Apply’ or use the links above.

– Clicking ‘Apply’ will redirect your web browser to GovernmentJobs.com. You will need to create an account, answer all sections on the application completely and truthfully, including the supplemental questions. NOTE: If you use the Government Jobs function to upload your resume, confirm all your employment history is populated correctly! This is not a recommended function to use, as it is known to cause several discrepancies on the application, resulting in applications having to be rejected. Be sure to answer all of the Supplemental Questions fully and make sure to list ALL of your education and employment history. Finally, before clicking on Submit, make sure that all additional required documents are uploaded to your application; this will be the last step on the application. Applications without the following documents will not be accepted:

  • Copy of valid driver’s license (front side only)
  • Copy of your State CJTC Basic Academy Certificate
  • Copy of your Academy Syllabus (Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission is now requiring a copy of each applicant’s Academy Syllabus to confirm reciprocity for the WSCJTC Basic Law Enforcement Equivalency Academy.)
  • Copies of all training records applicable to this position
  • Copy of DD214, Member Form 4 (if applicable)
  • Copy of Permanent Resident Card AKA “Green Card” (if applicable)

– In addition, all applicants must provide official transcripts. Official transcripts from the school of your highest level of education, plus transcripts showing proof of any degree, MUST be received by Civil Service. Examples of transcripts that need to be submitted are:

-If you graduated high school or have a GED and no further education, please order that transcript

-If you graduated high school or have a GED, plus some college credits (but no degree), you will need to order BOTH high school and your college transcript(s)

-If you have an associate or bachelor’s degree and no additional college above that degree, then only order the transcript showing proof of your degree

-If you have an associate or bachelor’s degree plus additional college courses, then order BOTH college transcripts

-If your highest level of education is a master’s degree or doctorate, please order that transcript

Accepted methods for submitting transcripts are:

    1. Preferred method: If your school distributes official electronic transcripts, have the registrar email the official transcripts directly to: Lschwebs@spokanecounty.org. Electronic transcripts will only be accepted if sent directly by the school; applicants may not attach transcripts to their application or email them directly.
    2. If your school does not issue electronic transcripts, please mail sealed official paper transcripts to:
      Spokane County Civil Service
      13033 W. SR 902
      Spokane, WA 99224
    3. If you have already submitted official transcripts to Spokane County Civil Service, please verify Civil Service has your transcripts on file before re-ordering new transcripts.

– Once you submit your application, it will be sent to Civil Service for review. Applications are reviewed continuously, and you will be contacted by email once your application has been reviewed. That email will notify you whether you are moving forward in the process, if your application is missing anything, and/or the next steps. Be sure to check your SPAM and/or Junk folders while you are waiting for a response. The email will be sent to the address on file with your Government Jobs profile.

  1. Civil Service Testing (Training & Experience Form and Obstacle-Course Physical Ability Test)

– After it has been determined that your application meets the minimum requirements, is complete with all required documents uploaded, and your transcripts have been received, then you will be requested to complete a Training & Experience (T&E) Form. You will have 7 days to complete the T&E Form. Training & Experience forms will ask detailed questions about your work history, specialized assignments, and past training. The T&E score will be used for placement onto the eligibility list.

– Once you have submitted your T&E Form to Civil Service, you will then be invited to take the Spokane County Civil Service Obstacle-Course Physical Ability Test (see more information below under Obstacle-Course Physical Ability Test). Dates and instructions on how to sign-up for this test will be emailed to applicants.

– Upon successful passing of the Obstacle Course PAT, applicants will be placed/merged onto the eligibility list. Civil Service will email applicants with their placement on the eligibility list, along with instructions on how to submit their background packet to the Sheriff’s Office, which includes information on how to complete the Personal History Statement (PHS), how to submit the additional waivers, and the other required documents which must be submitted to the Sheriff’s Office Background Unit by a specific due date, which will be listed in that same email. Applicants have 14 days to complete this paperwork.

– All applicants who submit their Personal History Statement, waivers, and additional required documents by the due date will remain on the eligibility list; those who fail to submit their documents prior to the deadline will be removed from the eligibility list. Civil Service processing is then complete. See Step 2: Sheriff’s Office Processing for the next steps.

STEP TWO: SHERIFF’S OFFICE PROCESSING
(APPLIES TO ALL DEPUTY APPLICANTS)

– After you have been placed on the eligibility list by Civil Service, the Sheriff’s Office will begin processing applicants.

– The Sheriff’s Office Background Unit will review an applicant’s entire Personal History Statement. Eligible applicants will be contacted by the Sheriff’s Office for a pre-background interview, meeting with a background investigator, and will be scheduled for fingerprinting.

–After a full background investigation, eligible applicants will then be invited for a Sheriff’s Interview, which will take place at the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office.

Conditional Offer of Employment

Upon successful completion of the Sheriff’s interview, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office may extend eligible applicants a conditional offer of employment.

The offer is conditional on you passing the following:

  1. A polygraph test
  2. A psychological evaluation
  3. A complete medical evaluation/pre-employment physical

This process, from start to finish, can take anywhere from two months to six months, or longer. The factors which determine the timeframe from application to hire include Civil Service testing, applicant and Sheriff’s Office staff availability, the resources available to process applicants, along with many other variables.

OBSTACLE-COURSE PHYSICAL ABILITY TEST
(APPLIES TO ALL DEPUTY APPLICANTS)

Test Description:

These series of obstacles and tasks have been designed to create an assessment of the physical abilities necessary to perform essential police related job tasks. The test will be a timed event up to the completion of Station #7. The test consists of the following:

Start Position: Seated in Patrol Car with seatbelt on

– Station #1: Agility Course

– Station #2: 3-Foot Obstacle

– Station #3: Two 30 lb. Object Carry for 60-Feet

– Station #4: Simulated Downed Deputy/Victim Rescue, 50-Foot drag to cover

– Station #5: Simulated 4-Foot Ditch Jump

– Station #6: 6-Foot Obstacle

– Station #7: Patrol Car Push, 25-Feet (time stops)

All components of the test are timed continuously. Applicants will be required to complete Stations 1-7 within 2 minutes 45 seconds.

Test Rules:

  1. Arrive early for the test

    Failure to arrive on time will result in disqualification and removal from the testing process. Photo identification is required at check-in. All applicants will be required to sign a notarized waiver prior to starting the test.

  2. Wear appropriate clothing

    Do not wear clothing that is restrictive for movement. It may be helpful to check local weather reports for temperature conditions expected for the day of testing. Suggested attire may include: athletic shoes, t-shirts, shorts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, etc. The only equipment that will be supplied by the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office is the ballistic vest that you will be required to wear during the test. Applicants are welcome to bring their Patrol Gloves or work/gardening gloves to use while running the course.

  3. Follow all instructions given by Sheriff’s Office and Civil Service personnel

    Personnel will be available to answer questions prior to the administration of the test. Once you begin the test, your overall time will be tracked, and you will be monitored to ensure you proceed through the test in the correct manner and complete all stations to standard. Failure to do so will eliminate you from moving further in the hiring process. If you should do something incorrectly at a station and the standard allows you to repeat the station, personnel at that station will instruct you on what must be corrected to pass the station. You will have three opportunities to pass each station.

  4. Once applicant begins test, they must remain on the course until completion

    Once you begin the test, you must remain on the course until it is completed or the time expires. You may rest at any time, but the time will continue to run on the clock. If you choose to withdraw from the test/course, you may do so at any time and must communicate this to personnel administering the test.

PAT Course:
Prior to the administration of the test, applicants will be taken on a walk-through of the course to familiarize them with the course, each station, and the rules for the course. Once the test begins, there will be only one applicant on the course at a time.

START
The applicant will be given a ballistic vest to wear. The applicant will be seated in a patrol car with the seat belt fastened and the door closed. Time will start when the applicant exits the vehicle. The applicant will sprint to Station #1.

Station #1: Agility Course
The applicant will negotiate a series of cone weaves and possible curb height jumps to test their mobility while running. The applicant will run to Station #2.

Station #2: 3-Foot Obstacle
The applicant must climb over the obstacle but will not hurdle the obstacle. The applicant will run to Station #3.

Station #3: Two 30 lb. Object Carry
The applicant will pick up two 30-lb objects, carry them 60-feet, and will then set them down in a controlled manner. The applicant will not be allowed to run while carrying the objects. The applicant will run to Station #4.

Station #4: Simulated Downed Deputy/Victim Rescue
The applicant will encounter the victim/dummy. The applicant must drag the dummy 50-feet. The entire dummy must be dragged past the 50-foot line before the station is complete. The applicant will run to Station #5.

Station#5: Simulated 4-foot Ditch Jump
The applicant will approach the simulated ditch, marked by traffic cones, and will jump the 4-foot span. The applicant will then run to Station #6.

Station #6: 6-Foot Obstacle
The applicant will approach the 6-foot obstacle and must successfully climb over it. The applicant will then run to Station #7.

Station #7: Patrol Car Push
The applicant will return to the parked patrol car. The applicant will be required to push the vehicle from a stopped position (while the vehicle is in neutral) 25-feet forward on a level surface. Once the vehicle has been pushed 25-feet, the time is stopped.

Applicants will be required to complete Stations 1-7 within 2 minutes and 45 seconds.
*The obstacle course may be indoor or outdoor depending on weather conditions and facility availability, which may affect the order of stations.

RIDE-ALONG (OPTIONAL TO INTERESTED APPLICANTS)

Complete a Ride-Along with a Deputy Sheriff!

Fill out the Ride-Along Request Form and the Ride-Along Waiver and email both forms to: Recruiting@spokanesheriff.org OR drop the completed forms off at either one of the Sheriff’s Office precincts at: 12710 E. Sprague Ave. Spokane Valley, WA or 1100 W. Mallon Spokane, WA.

You must also provide a clear/legible copy of your driver’s license with the Ride-Along Forms.

Ride-Along Request Form Download
Ride-Along Waiver Form Download

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?

Contact the SCSO Recruitment Team or Spokane County Civil Service at 509-477-4711, option 2 with any additional questions you may have.