How to Become a Deputy Sheriff in Texas

Bexar County Sheriff Department Jobs

The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office (210-335-6010) is responsible for the safety of the residents and visitors of Bexar County, Texas, the 19th most populous county in the United States. As of 2010, Bexar County had more than 1.7 million residents.

If you want to learn how to become a Bexar County Sheriff Deputy you will need to familiarize yourself with the specific steps that must be taken. As such, this guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to become eligible for Bexar County Sheriff Deputy jobs:

  1. Achieve state certification through TCLEOSE
  2. Meet the minimum employment requirements for Bexar County Deputy Sheriff jobs
  3. Apply for employment
  4. Take the written exam
  5. Take the physical agility test
  6. Undergo a psychological test
  7. Complete a physical examination and background examination
  8. Attend the Sheriff’s Academy

Step 1: Achieve State Certification Through TCLEOSE

The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCLEOSE) regulates and grants licenses to all public security officers, peace officers, and county jailers in Texas. You must complete the required training and achieve state certification before you can apply for Bexar County Deputy Sheriff jobs.

Step 2: Meet the Minimum Employment Requirements for Bexar County Deputy Sheriff Jobs

All candidates seeking Bexar County Sheriff Department jobs must meet all minimum employment requirements set forth by the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, which includes:

  • Must be at least 21 years of age
  • Must possess a high school diploma or GED
  • Must have no felony convictions or be on probation
  • Must have no history of Class A or Class B misdemeanors within the last 10 years
  • Must have no family violence conviction
  • Must have a valid driver’s license
  • Must be a U.S. citizen

Step 3: Apply for Employment

You can either complete the application for Bexar County Deputy Sheriff jobs online (you must create a user name and password) or print the application and return it to the County Civil Service Personnel Department at the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, 200 North Comal Street, San Antonio, Texas 78207.

It will take approximately three business days to process your application for employment. After the third business day, call either 210-335-6802 or 210-335-6486 between 8:00AM and 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, to schedule an appointment for the written exam.  You will be asked to provide your Social Security number and your driver’s license number at this time.

Step 4: Take the Written Exam

All of the written exams for Bexar County Sheriff Department Jobs are given at the Bexar County Adult Detention Center, 200 North Comal Street, San Antonio, Texas 78207. You must bring your driver’s license or other photo identification card on the day of the exam.

Step 5: Take the Physical Agility Test

All applicants who pass the written test will be expected to immediately take the physical agility exam, so it is important to bring gym clothes and athletic shoes with you to the appointment.  The physical agility test includes push-ups, sit-ups, and a 1.5-mile run.

Step 6: Undergo a Psychological Test

Only those candidates who successfully pass the physical agility test are eligible to continue the pre-employment process, which includes undergoing a psychological test.

Step 7: Complete a Physical Examination and Background Examination

All individuals seeking Bexar County Deputy Sheriff jobs must undergo a thorough physical examination and a background examination upon passing the psychological exam.

Step 8: Attend the Sheriff’s Academy

Only a select few candidates will receive a job offer and an invitation to attend the Sheriff’s Academy and Patrol Division of Bexar County, which is located at 3805 FM Road, San Antonio, TX, 78223.

Dallas County Sheriff Department Jobs

The Dallas County Sheriff’s Department (214-565-1185) is the chief law enforcement agency in Dallas County. Dallas County is home to the seventh largest jail in the United States, with more than 2,400 employees.

Individuals who want to learn how to become a Dallas County Sheriff Deputy must complete a number of specific requirements. As such, this guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to become a Dallas County Sheriff Deputy:

  1. Earn state certification through TCLEOSE
  2. Meet all minimum testing requirements for Dallas County Deputy Sheriff jobs
  3. Submit an employment application and register with the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office
  4. Achieve a passing score on a written examination and physical readiness assessment
  5. Interview with the hiring manager
  6. Undergo a background investigation
  7. Successfully pass a polygraph test and a psychological test
  8. Undergo a physical examination and a drug screen
  9. Obtain a place on the eligibility list

Step 1: Achieve State Certification Through TCLEOSE

The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCLEOSE) is responsible for certifying all peace officers, county jailers, and public security officers in Texas. You must achieve state certification to apply for Dallas County Deputy Sheriff jobs.

Step 2: Meet Minimum Testing Requirements for Dallas County Deputy Sheriff Jobs

All candidates for Dallas County Sheriff Department Jobs must meet specific minimum requirements, which include:

  • Candidates must have 2 years’ experience as a Detention Service Officer with the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department OR have completed at least 30 semester hours of college coursework from an accredited college or university with a “C” or better.
  • Candidates must possess an honorable discharge from the Armed Forces OR currently serve as a Texas Peace officer with at least two years of continuous employment.
  • Candidates must be at least 21 years of age.
  • Candidates must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Candidates must have a Social Security number.
  • Candidates must have a valid driver’s license.

Step 3: Submit an Employment Application and Register with the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office

All current Dallas County residents must complete the online application found on the iRecruitment system, attach original transcripts of all colleges/universities attended, attach a copy of the TCLEOSE certification, and bring all documents, including proper identification, to the following address to register for the position of Deputy Sheriff with the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office:

Dallas County Human Resources/Civil Service Department
509 Main Street, Room #101 (Records Building)
Dallas, Texas 75202

Pay close attention to open registration times on the Sheriff’s Office website, as you may only do so during these times.

External applicants outside of Dallas County may apply using the job portal. The Human Resources/Civil Service Department will contact you to take a written examination and physical readiness assessment if you meet all minimum employment requirements.

Step 4: Achieve a Passing Score on a Written Examination and Physical Readiness Assessment

If you are contacted to take the written examination, the HR Department will provide you with an official Deputy Test Study Guide, as well as additional study materials.

The physical readiness test, which is conducted by the Sheriff’s Department Training, includes the following assessments:

  • Vertical jump
  • Bench press
  • Agility run
  • Push-ups
  • Sit-ups
  • 300-meter run
  • Endurance run

Step 5: Interview with the Hiring Manager

Hiring managers review all job applications and schedule their own interviews. You can expect to be contacted within 2 to 4 weeks.

Step 6: Undergo a Background Investigation

During the same time period as the written test and the physical readiness test, the HR Department will submit all required background information to a third-party vendor.

Step 7: Successfully pass a Polygraph Test and a Psychological Test

Only those candidates who pass the written test, physical readiness test, polygraph test, and psychological test can move on with the pre-employment process, which includes a physical examination.

Step 8: Undergo a Physical Examination and a Drug Screen

A pre-employment physical (at the county’s expense) is required of all candidates for Dallas County Sheriff Deputy jobs, and the offer of employment is contingent upon passing the physical examination and drug and alcohol screening.

Step 9: Obtain a Place on the Eligibility List

All candidates who successfully complete the entire process are placed on an eligibility list, along with their test scores, ranking from high to low. Candidates are invited to attend the Sheriff’s Department Academy as vacancies become available.

Harris County Sheriff Department Jobs

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office (Recruit@Sheriff.hctx.net, 713-877-5250), which was founded in 1837, is the largest sheriff’s office in Texas, consisting of more than 4,000 employees who oversee the safety of the county’s nearly 4 million residents.

If you want to learn how to become a Harris County Sheriff Deputy and achieve Harris County Deputy Sheriff jobs, you must complete a specific number of steps as set forth by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to become a Harris County Sheriff Deputy:

  1. Achieve state certification through TCLEOSE
  2. Meet all minimum requirements for Harris County Sheriff Department jobs
  3. Apply for employment
  4. Take the written exam
  5. Undergo a polygraph examination
  6. Undergo a background investigation
  7. Undergo a medical examination and psychological testing

Step 1: Achieve State Certification Through TCLEOSE

The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCLEOSE) grants licenses to all peace officers, county jailers, and public security officers. You must hold state certification to achieve Harris County Deputy Sheriff jobs.

Step 2: Meet Minimum Requirements for Harris County Sheriff Department Jobs

In addition to holding TCLEOSE certification you must meet the minimum requirements for deputy sheriff employment as set forth by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, which include:

  • At least 21 years of age
  • Honorable discharge (if applicable)
  • Acceptable vision and hearing
  • No use of illegal drugs
  • U.S. citizen
  • A valid Texas driver’s license
  • At least two years’ experience as a full-time law enforcement officer with one agency prior to applying for a job with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office

Step 3: Apply for Employment

To apply for Harris County Deputy Sheriff jobs you must visit the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Recruitment page.  You may search job openings and apply online through the Recruitment page.

Applying for employment with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office includes taking a questionnaire to determine if you meet all HCSO’s minimum requirements. If you meet all minimum requirements, you will be contacted by email with a test date for the written test phase of the pre-employment process.

Step 4: Take the Written Exam

You must take a written test that is specific to the position of Deputy Sheriff. If you achieve the minimum score on the written test you will be scheduled for a polygraph examination.

Step 5: Undergo a Polygraph Examination

The polygraph examination, which includes completing a questionnaire and taking the exam, may take up to 4 hours to complete. Successfully completing the polygraph examination qualifies you to undergo a background investigation.

Step 6: Undergo a Background Investigation

You can expect a Background Investigator to contact you within 3 days of receiving your file to schedule a personal interview. You will be asked to bring a number of original documents with you to this interview. While there you will complete additional paperwork and be fingerprinted.

Upon completing the background investigation and personal interview, a supervisor will review your file and submit it to the Administrative Review Board (ARB). The ARB will, once again, determine if you meet all minimum requirements to continue the employment process. If you meet all requirements you will be instructed on the steps needed to complete the pre-employment process, which includes undergoing both a medical examination and psychological testing.

Step 7: Undergo a Medical Examination and Psychological Testing

Only those candidates who pass the medical examination and psychological testing will receive an offer of employment and go on to be accepted into the training academy.

Tarrant County Sheriff Department Jobs

The Tarrant County Sheriff’s Department (speel@tarrantcounty.com,817-884-3099), which consists of more than 1,200 sworn and non-sworn personnel, is a progressive agency committed to building trust with citizens, solving community problems, and creating strategic partnerships.

To learn how to become a Tarrant County Sheriff Deputy, you must complete a specific number of steps:

  1. Achieve state certification through TCLEOSE
  2. Meet all minimum requirements for Tarrant County Sheriff Department jobs
  3. Submit an application for employment
  4. Complete a personal interview
  5. Pass the written examination
  6. Undergo a background examination, physical examination, and drug screening test
  7. Undergo a psychological examination
  8. Meet with an oral review board
  9. Meet with the Chief of Police

Step 1. Become State Certified Though TCLEOSE

The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCLEOSE) grants licenses to all peace officers, county jailers, and public security officers for the State of Texas. You must hold state certification before you can apply for Tarrant County Deputy Sheriff jobs.

Step 2. Verify Eligibility for Tarrant County Sheriff’s Department Jobs

Before applying for Tarrant County Sheriff Department jobs you must ensure you meet all minimum requirements as set forth by the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Department:

  • Be at least 21 years of age
  • Have no misdemeanor convictions during the last 10 years
  • Have no dishonorable military discharge
  • Be a U.S. citizen

Step 3. Submit Your Application

You may apply for employment through the Tarrant County website. Applications are also available at the Human Resources Department.

Candidates outside of Tarrant County may have applications mailed or faxed to them.

You can listen to new job listings (Job listings are updated every Monday afternoon.) for the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Department by contacting the 24-hour Job Line: 817-884-1188 (Option #1).

Step 4. Complete a Personal Interview

All applications for Tarrant County Sheriff Deputy jobs are screened by Human Resources, and all applications that meet the minimum job requirements are forwarded to the Hiring Department. The Hiring Department will then select candidates for an interview.

You can expect to be contacted by the Hiring Department if you meet all minimum requirements for Tarrant County Sheriff Department jobs.

Step 5. Pass the Written Exam

The written examination measures basic reading comprehension and writing skills, and general intelligence, among others. Only those candidates recommended by the Hiring Department are invited to complete a written examination.

Step 6. Undergo a Background Check, Physical Examination, and Drug Screening Test

Only those candidates who pass the written examination are eligible to complete the next step of the pre-employment process, which includes a background examination, physical examination, and drug screening test.

Step 7. Undergo a Psychological Examination

The psychological examination, which is reserved only for candidates who successfully pass the background and physical examination, is performed by a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist and usually includes standardized testing.

Step 8. Meet with an Oral Review Board

The oral review board usually consists of problem-solving exercises that measure a candidate’s decision-making ability.

Step 9. Meet with the Chief of Police

The final phase of the pre-employment process includes a follow-up interview with the Chief of Police (or a designated police official).

Travis County Sheriff Department Jobs

The Travis County, Texas Sheriff’s Office (512-854-9770) is tasked with providing law enforcement and safety services to the residents and visitors of Travis County.

Travis County, which is part of the Austin-Round Rock metropolitan area, is swiftly growing, and currently has a population of about 1 million people.

If you want to learn how to become a Travis County Sheriff’s Deputy follow these step-by-step instructions:

  1. Achieve state certification through TCLEOSE
  2. Submit an application for employment
  3. Complete the Pre-Employment Screening checklist
  4. Take all required tests
  5. Complete an application packet
  6. Undergo a background investigation
  7. Meet with an Oral Review Board

Step 1. Get Certified Through TCLEOSE

Before you can apply for peace officer jobs in Texas you must become licensed through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCLEOSE).

TCLEOSE grants licenses to all peace officers, county jailers, and public security officers for the State of Texas. You must receive the required training and pass the TCLEOSE exam before you can apply for Travis County Deputy Sheriff jobs.

Step 2. Submit an Application for Employment

The Travis County Sheriff’s Office always accepts application for jobs as corrections officers, although law enforcement officer positions are accepted only during specific test dates. You can visit Officer Testing to learn of upcoming testing dates.

Step 3. Complete the Pre-Employment Screening Checklist

The Pre-Employment Screening checklist determines if you meet the minimum requirements set forth by the Travis County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCLEOSE). The checklist is completed on site and reviewed by the Sheriff’s Personnel Office.

If you meet the minimum qualifications for Travis County Sheriff Department jobs you will be scheduled for testing. Individuals who live outside the Austin City limits can mail in the checklist, but it must be notarized. You can download and print the Pre-Employment Screening checklist and then mail it to: Travis County Sheriff’s Office, P.O. Box 1748, Austin, TX 78767

Step 4. Take all Required Tests

Bring a valid form of picture identification with you on the testing day, and bring a doctor’s medical release. In addition, dress appropriately for physical testing. Testing for Travis County Deputy Sheriff jobs includes:

  • Vocabulary test – 45 questions with a 20-minute time limit
  • Reading comprehension test – 48 questions with a 35-minute time limit
  • Obstacle course
    • 200-yard run
    • Climb over a 4’ chain link fence
    • Crawl under a 3’ obstacle
    • Drag a 150-lb dummy
    • Jump over six hurdles
    • Run three flights of stairs
    • Run through a sandpit
    • Run through a series of heavy bags
    • Run through a serpentine wall
    • Walk across a balance beam

Step 5: Complete an Application Packet

Once you successfully complete all required testing, you will be issued an application packet, which includes the following documents:

  • I-9 form
  • Travis County Sheriff’s Office application
  • Application Information form

You must complete all forms in the application packet and include certified copies of the following:

  • Birth certificate
  • Military form DD-214 (if applicable)
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Educational related documentation (high school diploma, college transcripts, GED certificate, etc.)
  • Proof of certification
  • Social Security card

Step 6: Undergo a Background Investigation

Only those applicants who have completed the application packet will be scheduled for an interview with a Background Investigator. If the Background Investigator determines that you meet all Travis County Sheriff’s Office standards, your application will be passed onto the Oral Review Board.

Step 7: Meet with an Oral Review Board

You will be asked a series of general and situational questions by the Oral Review Board. You must pass this part of the pre-employment process to be placed on the eligibility list.

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