How to Become a Deputy Sheriff in Louisiana

East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff Department Jobs

East Baton Rouge Parish deputy sheriff jobs are competitive. Researching how to become an East Baton Rouge Parish sheriff deputy will give you the advantage of knowing what to expect so as to make you a better candidate.

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The steps involved in the application and hiring process are as follows:

  1. Apply and Meet Basic Requirements
  2. Physical Fitness and Dry-Fire Assessment
  3. Oral Interview
  4. Criminal History and Credit Check
  5. Polygraph Examination
  6. Psychological Assessment and Medical Examination
  7. Training Academy

Step 1: Apply and Meet Basic Requirements

Before you fill out an application it is helpful to determine if you meet the following basic qualifications for consideration:

  • 18 years of age or older
  • High school diploma or GED
  • No convictions of felonies or crimes of moral turpitude
  • Louisiana driver’s license or ability to obtain one upon hire
  • Meet at least one of the following requirements
    • One year of experience as a certified law enforcement officer
    • One year of continuous active military service
    • Three years of full-time work experience
    • 90 semester hours of higher education
    • A combination of work and education experience

When you turn in the application for East Baton Rouge Parish sheriff’s department jobs, make sure it is legibly and completely filled out in blue or black ink. You may drop off your completed application along with all required photocopied documents at the sheriff’s department human resources office in Baton Rouge, Monday through Friday between 8:30am and 4:00pm. Make sure to include the following photocopies:

  • Driver’s license
  • Birth certificate
  • High school diploma, college transcripts, or GED
  • Signed social security card
  • DD214 if you served in the military
  • Court documents, if applicable
  • Peace Officer Standards and Training, if applicable
  • Doctor’s form
  • Your release from liability form

Step 2: Physical Fitness and Dry-Fire Assessment

When you turn in your completed application you will be scheduled for a physical fitness and dry-fire assessment. You will receive a confirmation phone call instructing you on the time and location of the assessment. All sheriff deputy jobs in East Baton Rouge Parish require the successful completion of this test, which consists of the following events and passing requirements:

  • Sit and Reach: 16.5 inches
  • Sit-ups: 27 in one minute
  • Push-ups: 18
  • 1.5 mile run: 15.33 minutes
  • 30 seconds to complete 45 trigger pulls, tested in both hands
  • 6 trigger pulls while steadying revolver barrel

Step 3: Oral Interview

Once you have demonstrated your basic physical abilities you will be scheduled for an oral interview with a panel of sheriff’s department officials. You will be asked about your motivations for wanting to become an East Baton Rouge Parish deputy sheriff and any issues that may disqualify you or be incompatible with this position. You will be questioned about your past employment history, relationships, illegal activity, and any other range of topics. Anything asked during your oral interview may be reexamined during your polygraph examination.

Step 4: Criminal History and Credit Check

After a successful oral interview you will proceed with a criminal history and credit check. You will be required to list any convictions or court appearances made throughout your lifetime, and your name will be checked against local and national databases. Your fingerprints may additionally be required. A credit check will be conducted and you will be asked about any outstanding judgments or ongoing cases in which you are involved. You will be required to list all the financial institutions with which you conduct business or maintain accounts.

Step 5: Polygraph Examination

Your polygraph examination will be administered by a professional technician. You may be asked any questions previously discussed during your oral interview or about issues discovered during your criminal history investigation and credit check. Other polygraph test subjects areas can include:

  • Past criminal activity for which you have never been caught
  • History of illegal drug use or prescription drug misuse, or the sale or purchase thereof
  • Theft of any property from previous employers
  • Previous workplace fraud: time-card cheating, sick days, workers compensation claims
  • Ever having bought or sold sexual activity

Step 6: Psychological Assessment and Medical Examination

This is your last step before you will be cleared to begin the training academy. A psychological risk assessment will be performed to determine if you are likely to be able to withstand the stress and pressure that comes with East Baton Rouge Parish jobs as sheriff deputies. An additional medical physical and examination will be performed to ensure you are healthy with no undiscovered maladies. Once you are given a clean bill of psychological and physical health you will be ready to begin the training academy.

Step 7: Training Academy

You will attend the Capital Area Regional Training Academy (CARTA) as the final step on the road to becoming an East Baton Rouge Parish sheriff deputy. This academy conforms to the Louisiana Peace Officer Standards and Training requirements, and offers 12 weeks of training where you will live on-campus and be provided with meals. You will be allowed weekend leave and be expected to report back to the academy by Sunday night. The academy will cover all the basic skills you will need, including:

  • First aid and CPR
  • Legal regulations and procedures
  • Self-defense and defensive tactics
  • Firearms training
  • Driving techniques and maneuvers
  • Vehicular accident investigation
  • Crime scene investigation
  • Survival skills

Additionally the academy requires that you as a student:

  • Behave like a mature adult
  • Conduct yourself with professionalism and treat others courteously
  • Pass all tests with at least a 70% grade, with one chance to correct a failing grade
  • Not use any tobacco products on the academy grounds
  • Excuse any absence with the following circumstances:
    • Personal illness
    • Serious illness or death of a family member
    • Court appearance
    • Other emergencies

Upon graduation you may begin your new career as a East Baton Rouge Parish deputy sheriff. Depending on your experience you may be paired with a training officer who will help you adjust to your new job and show you how to carry out basic procedures.

Jefferson Parish Sheriff Department Jobs

Jefferson Parish deputy sheriff jobs are competitive and filled by the most qualified candidates. Researching how to become a Jefferson Parish sheriff deputy will make you a more prepared candidate and better organized for the application process, which consists of the following steps:

  1. Minimum Requirements and Application
  2. Pre-Employment Tests
  3. Interview
  4. Background Investigation and Polygraph Examination
  5. Medical Exam and Psychological Evaluation
  6. Training Academy
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Step 1. Meet Minimum Qualifications and Apply

Before you fill out an application for Jefferson Parish sheriff’s department jobs you should first check to make sure you meet the minimum requirements. These are:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Willingness to work rotating shifts
  • U.S. citizen
  • Good moral character
  • No drug, domestic violence, or felony convictions
  • Valid driver’s license

Fill out your application completely and legibly. You must drop off your application at the sheriff’s personnel office in Harvey between 8:30am and 3:30pm, Monday through Friday. Make sure to include copies of the following documents:

  • Birth certificate
  • Naturalization papers (if applicable)
  • High school diploma or GED
  • College diploma or transcripts (if applicable)
  • DD214 if you have served in the armed forces
  • Social security card
  • Driver’s license

Step 2. Pre-Employment Test

If your application makes it through an initial screening you will receive a phone call from the personnel office to schedule you for a pre-employment test. You will take a short general knowledge test to check your basic level of education and writing ability. All deputy Jefferson Parish sheriff’s department jobs also require you to pass a basic physical abilities test which includes timed events in:

  • Sit-ups
  • Push-ups
  • Sprinting
  • Running

Step 3. Interview

If you make it past step two you will be scheduled for an interview with sheriff’s department officials. You will receive a general orientation of the department, details about the deputy sheriff position, and have the opportunity to ask any questions you might have. You will also be questioned about your background, previous employment, and motivations for your decision to apply for sheriff deputy jobs in Jefferson Parish. After a successful interview you will be asked to fill out a background investigation questionnaire and be scheduled for a polygraph examination.

Step 4. Background Investigation and Polygraph Examination

In order to complete a thorough background investigation you will be asked to complete a questionnaire that details:

  • Previous residency addresses
  • Financial history and institutions where you have accounts
  • Driving history
  • Criminal history
  • Friends, relatives, and close associates including previous employers

After a few weeks your investigation will be complete, and you will take a polygraph examination which addresses the findings. It will additionally inquire into subject areas not limited to:

  • Any previous sale, purchase, or use of illegal drugs or abuse of prescription medications
  • Any past dishonesty in your previous places of employment, including theft of any property, improper time-card completion, or taking unnecessary sick days
  • Crimes you have committed but for which you have never been caught
  • Any deviant behavior
  • Past personal relationships

Step 5. Medical Examination and Psychological Evaluation

Once you are informed your polygraph test has cleared you for employment you will proceed to take a medical exam that includes lab work, tests, and a physical. You will also be required to complete a psychological evaluation that determines your ability to handle stress and the mental pressures involved in a job as deputy sheriff. When you receive a clean bill of mental and physical health you will have one final interview to make sure everything is proceeding well and answer any last questions you have before you start the training academy.

Step 6. Training Academy

The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office conducts its own training academy for law enforcement officers throughout the state. It is certified by the Louisiana Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Council and will instruct you in all the basic skills you will need to become a successful law enforcement officer. You will live on-campus during your training which will last about 12 weeks, with free weekends. Areas of study will include:

  • Criminal justice system
  • CPR and first aid
  • Legal procedures
  • Firearms training
  • Traffic services
  • Investigations
  • Patrol operations
  • Family and domestic situations
  • Specialized training courses

Upon graduation you will be ready to begin your first day as a Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Deputy. If you require some additional training you will be partnered with a more experienced patrol officer.

Orleans Parish Sheriff Department Jobs

If you’re interested in learning how to become an Orleans Parish sheriff’s deputy, review these steps:

  1. Minimum Qualifications and Apply
  2. Tests and Interviews
  3. Background Investigation and Polygraph Test
  4. Medical Exam and Psychological Evaluation
  5. Training Academy
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Step 1. Meet the Minimum Qualifications and Apply

Before filling out an application for Orleans Parish sheriff’s department jobs you should make sure you meet their basic qualifications for employment, which are:

  • U.S. citizen
  • Driver’s license
  • High school graduate or have a GED
  • Honorable discharge from the military, if applicable
  • No felony or domestic violence convictions
  • At least 21 years old

When filling out your application, do so completely and legibly in blue or black ink. You can mail in your application or drop it off in person at the sheriff’s human resources department in New Orleans. Make sure to sign all places where a signature is required and include photocopies of the following documents:

  • Driver’s license
  • Updated resume
  • Social security card
  • Birth certificate
  • High school diploma or GED

Step 2. Tests and Interview

Before you will be scheduled for an interview you must pass a basic school ability education test. This will measure your reading, writing, and comprehension level. You must be able to pass at the 11th grade level to be considered for sheriff deputy jobs in Orleans Parish. Upon successful completion you will have your first interview with a panel of sheriff’s department officials. They will ask you questions about your past employment history and whether or not you have a criminal record or any other issues that would disqualify you from the position. You will also have an opportunity to ask any questions you have as well. Once your interview is completed you will be required to pass a short physical abilities test in the events of running, push-ups, and sit-ups.

Step 3. Background Investigation and Polygraph Test

After a successful interview you will have an investigator assigned to complete a background investigation of your past personal, professional, financial, criminal, and driving history. As part of your initial application you will have provided a list of your past employers, relatives, and places you have lived. Your background investigator will conduct interviews with your former neighbors, friends, and family among others, in addition to checking your name against database records.

Your initial application also includes a polygraph pre-screening questionnaire you are required to complete. Your polygraph examiner may ask you a wide range of questions about your past actions and viewpoints, not limited to the following subject areas:

  • Past criminal activities, including those for which you were not caught
  • Past instances of deviant behavior or thoughts
  • Instances of theft from anyone, including former employers
  • Any instance where you have taken advantage of someone
  • Any instance when you have been fired or asked to resign
  • Past illegal drug sale, purchase, or use, or the abuse of prescription drugs
  • Buying merchandise you knew was stolen
  • Any other sources of income you presently have

Step 4. Medical Exam and Psychological Evaluation

After the successful completion of your background check and polygraph examination you will have a medical examination. This will comprise of lab work, a physical, and a urinalysis drug test. You will be evaluated for common pre-existing conditions or those to which you are predisposed because of your medical history. You will also undergo a psychological evaluation to test your ability to handle stress and the stability of your metal state. Once your examining doctor and psychologist determine you are qualified, you will be cleared to begin the training academy. You will have time to consult with sheriff’s department officials about any questions you have before your first day of the academy.

Step 5. Training Academy

To begin your job as an Orleans Parish sheriff deputy you must complete about 12 weeks in a Louisiana-certified Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) academy. The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Department will keep you informed when the next training academy is scheduled to begin. You will live on campus and be allowed to leave for the weekends. You will receive the training needed to be a successful Orleans County deputy sheriff, with instruction in the fields of:

  • Firearms training
  • Self-defense and defensive procedures
  • Driving techniques and maneuvers
  • Patrol techniques
  • CPR and first aid
  • Legal procedures
  • Crime scene investigation
  • Criminal justice system

Graduation from the training academy qualifies you to begin your new career as an Orleans Parish deputy sheriff. You will initially be partnered with a senior training officer who will ride with you the first few weeks to help you get adjusted and learn the appropriate procedures.

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