How to Become a Deputy Sheriff in Kansas

Johnson County Sheriff Department Jobs

The Johnson County Sheriff’s Department serves Johnson County’s more than 544,000 residents in northeast Kansas. A largely suburban county, it is part of the Kansas City metropolitan area, as well as Overland Park and other cities.


If you’re interested in pursuing a Johnson County deputy sheriff job, here is some preliminary information, as well as the steps you should take.

  1. Requirements
  2. Civil Service Examination
  3. Application and Personal History Packet
  4. Physical Agility Test
  5. Personal and Psychological Interview, Polygraph and Drug Test
  6. Background Investigation
  7. Interview by Sheriff’s Hiring Board
  8. Law Enforcement Training Center

Step 1. Requirements

Here are some of the basic qualifications necessary to learn how to become a Johnson County sheriff’s deputy:

  • United States citizen
  • Ability to communicate (read, write and speak) in English fluently
  • 21 years of age
  • High school diploma or GED certificate
  • Possess a valid Kansas driver’s license, with a minimal traffic record.
  • No felony convictions or limitations per KSA 74-5605 or its equivalent under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
  • Average or above physical condition, with weight proportion to height, and able to physically perform the duties of a Sheriff’s Deputy.
  • Normal hearing and olfactory senses.
  • Eyesight should be correctable to 20/20 in both eyes, with complete color vision acuity, as well as night and peripheral vision.

Step 2. Civil Service Examination

All applicants for Johnson County deputy sheriff jobs are required to pass a civil service examination. The test is administered by the Personnel Division on Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. A score of 70 % or higher is necessary. Those who achieve a passing score will receive an application for employment and Personal History Packet.

Contact:
Human Resources
111 S Cherry, Suite 2600
Olathe, KS 66061
Phone: 913-715-1400

Step 3. Application and Personal History Packet

After you receive an application and Personal History Packet, which covers your background, you must complete and submit both to the Personnel Division.

Step 4. Physical Agility Test

You will be notified where to take a physical ability test to determine that you can perform the standard duties of a deputy sheriff. The course must be completed in 72 seconds or less and will include:

  • 175 yard course
  • Run under two 5 foot obstacles
  • Climb 4 foot 6 inch fence
  • Climb 5 stairs up and down
  • Drag a 150 pound dummy 15 feet

Step 5. Personal and Psychological Interview, Polygraph and Drug Test

You will have an oral interview to determine if your qualifications, motivation and personality are suited to a deputy sheriff position, as well as an interview conducted by a psychologist.

You will also have a polygraph examination that may cover your responses on your application.

In addition, you will have a physical exam and undergo drug screening.

Step 6. Background Investigation

A thorough investigation is conducted where individuals you have given as references, as well as others such as family, friends and neighbors, will be contacted regarding your employment history, driving record, and background. This information will be evaluated by the Civil Service Board to determine eligibility.

Step 7.  Interview by Sheriff’s Hiring Board

Once you are recommended by the Civil Service Board, you will be placed on an eligibility list and called in to be interviews by the Sheriff’s Hiring Board, made up of command staff officers. If the Board recommends, you will receive a conditional offer of employment, subject to further testing.

Step 8. Law Enforcement Training Center

You will be required to attend and complete at least 320 hours of training at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC). You will also have to pass a written competency test, and a test of firearms proficiency administered by KLETC.

Sedgwick County Sheriff Department Jobs

The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Department serves the Wichita metropolitan area, as well as more than 21 cities and unincorporated areas. Here are some guidelines to help you qualify for Sedgwick County Deputy Sheriff jobs.

  1. Typical qualifications
  2. Application
  3. Written examination
  4. Physical Agility Test
  5. Interview, Polygraph and Background Check
  6. Medical Exam and Psychological Test
  7. Training at Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center

Step 1. Typical Qualifications

These are some of the basic qualifications and standards that the Sedgwick County Sheriff Department looks for when hiring deputy sheriffs. Before learning how to become a Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Deputy, be sure you meet the standard qualifications:

  • Possess a high school diploma or a GED
  • Be 21 years of age
  • U.S. citizen
  • Possess a valid Kansas driver’s license
  • Pass physical agility test
  • Available to work rotating shifts as necessary, including weekends and holidays
  • Undergo drug testing
  • Possess no felony, domestic violence or DUI convictions

Step 2. Application

The Sedgwick County Human Resources department handles all pre-employment testing for the Sheriff’s Department and uses an online application process. Visit www.hrepartners.com to search for deputy sheriff jobs and to submit an application for the Sheriff Department of Sedgwick County. You must log on to Kansas HRePartners to create an account. Please contact Human Resources at 316-660-1160 if you have any questions.

Step 3. Written Examination

After completing and submitting your application, phone 316-660-1160 to schedule your written test. Testing will take place at the Old Historic Courthouse, 510 N. Main, 3rd floor, Wichita KS 67203.

Step 4. Physical Agility Test

Once you pass the written test, you will be notified when and where to appear for a physical agility test.  Suggested attire for the test is athletic shoes and loose fitting clothing. The testing could include such events as dragging a mannequin, scaling a five (5) foot fence, and running 200 yards within a specified time period.

Step 5. Interview, Polygraph and Background Check

If you successfully pass the physical ability test, the next step is a background check. Your background will be thoroughly investigated, which may include interviews with those you provided as references, family, acquaintances and former employers.

You next have a screening interview with the Sedgwick County Human Resources department, and then with the Sheriff’s Department. Additionally, candidates will have a drug test and undergo a polygraph test.

Step 6. Medical Exam and Psychological Test

The next step is a physical medical examination performed by a licensed physician and a psychological test administered by a psychologist. Upon successfully passing, you will become a probationary sheriff deputy of Sedgwick County.

Step 7. Training at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center

All Sedgwick County peace officers will undergo training according to standards issued and maintained by the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training (C.P.O.S.T.) You may expect to attend training at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center.

Shawnee County Sheriff Department Jobs

Jobs with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Department, located in northeast Kansas, involves serving the city of Topeka, the state capital and county seat of Kansas, as well as twelve townships. If you are interested in learning how to become a Shawnee County Sheriff’s Deputy, follow these steps:

  1. Qualifications
  2. Initial Physical and Written Testing
  3. Background Check and Interview
  4. Medical Exam and Drug Test
  5. Probationary Sheriff Deputy

Step 1. Meeting the Qualifications

Here are some of the qualifications that the Shawnee County Sheriff Department looks for when hiring deputy sheriffs:

  • High school graduate or GED certificate
  • U.S. citizenship
  • Possess or obtain a valid Kansas driver’s license
  • No felony or domestic convictions
  • Height and weight in good proportion
  • In good health
  • Good credit history

Step 2. Initial Physical and Written Testing

The Shawnee County Sheriff Department periodically schedules testing for the position of deputy sheriff. As part of the testing process, the following steps will take place. You must pass each step before proceeding to the next one.

  • Step 1) Height and weight verified to ensure minimum standards are met. For example, for applicants that measure 68 inches, a woman’s maximum weight is 170 pounds and for a man, it is 181 pounds.
  • Step 2) Physical ability test, which includes completing: four laps, with each lap 110 yards and consisting of climbing a four (4) foot wall; running up and down stairs; pulling the trigger of a gun multiple times in each hand; performing  a jump and then change direction. After each lap is completed, applicants must lift eighty (80) pounds above their waist and carry the weight approximately twenty (20) yards.
  • Step 3) Written examination that tests reading comprehension, mathematics, grammar and incident report writing. A score of 70 percent must be achieved in each section.  Study guides are available for purchase in Human Resources for $4.00.

Within ten (10) days, you will receive a letter with the results of your testing. If you have passed the written examination, you will receive the following documents: a Personal History Statement and Personal Information Form. Fill out and return these documents by the date indicated in the accompanying letter. Note that there are pages in the Personal History Statement that require the signature of a Notary Public. These additional certified documents must also be submitted (all original copies will be returned): birth certificate; high school transcript or GED certificate; college transcripts; Military Form DD 214 (if applicable).

Step 3. Background Check and Interview

The applications of candidates that successfully pass the initial physical and written testing process will be submitted for consideration to the Sheriff’s Office.

  • A background investigation will be performed.
  • Candidates that pass the background check will be contacted for an interview with the Professional Standards Unit.
  • Polygraph examination will be administered
  • Candidates will be ranked and a list provided to the Sheriff
  • Sheriff will interview each candidate and select those who will receive a conditional offer of employment

Step 4. Medical Exam and Drug Test

Candidates will then undergo a pre-employment physical, drug screen testing and a psychological examination. Those who successfully pass the final round of testing will be given a final offer of employment and become a probationary sheriff deputy.

Step 5. Accept a Probationary Sheriff Deputy Position and Receive Training

All probationary Sheriff Deputies will initially work with a Field Training Offer for on-the-job training. In addition, during your 18 month probation period, you will attend an accredited Law Enforcement Training Center.

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