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Sheriff's Office - PCSO Job Opportunities

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1. How do I apply for a position with the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office?

Find deputy employment opportunities.

2. What are the required qualifications for Deputy recruits?

For Deputy Recruits, the entry level position for the Pinal County Sheriff's Office, applicants must be 21 years old at the time of the Academy graduation (or at least 20 years and 9 months at time of application). You must be a U.S. citizen and possess at least a high school diploma or a G.E.D. You must also possess a valid Arizona Driver License. All recruits must pass a written examination, a physical agility examination, an oral board examination, background investigation, polygraph examination, physical examination, drug and alcohol screening, and a psychological examination.

3. What are the required qualifications for an out of state applicant wanting to apply for Deputy Sheriff/Reserve Deputy?

Reserve Deputy Requirements: High School Diploma or G.E.D.; must be a minimum age of twenty-one (21), a United States citizen. Must be AZ POST Certified (Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training). Must possess a valid Arizona Driver's License. All candidates passing the written examination must also successfully pass a physical agility examination, oral board examination, background investigation, polygraph examination, physical examination, drug and alcohol screening, and psychological examination.

Out-Of-State Lateral: Applicants will need to follow AZ Post Rules.

Out-Of-State applicants to be considered for application review must complete and attach to the application an AZPOST Record of Equivalent Training to include all required verifiable documentation (PDF). (Download PDF reader)

4. What are the required qualifications for Lateral Deputy?

Lateral Deputy: Must currently be AZ POST Certified (Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training), currently employed by an Arizona law enforcement agency, and have completed the normal probationary period of his/her current employer. Documentation will be required. Must possess a valid Arizona Driver License. All qualified candidates must successfully pass an oral board interview, background investigation, polygraph examination, physical examination, drug and alcohol screening, psychological examination.

5. Are there any automatic disqualifiers?

The following can result in the disqualification from the process, but not limited to:

Drug Use:

• Marijuana - Illegally possessed or used marijuana; including THC extracts, cannabis, hashish, marijuana extracts and marijuana edibles any time in the past two years.
• Steroids - Illegally possessed or used; to include anabolic-androgenic steroids and corticosteroids, any time in the past three years.
• Adderall - Illegally possessed or used Adderall; except prescribed by a physician, in the past three years.
• Dangerous Drugs - including methamphetamine, amphetamine, barbiturates, speed, spice and bath salts. Narcotics - including crack, cocaine, heroin and opioids. Hallucinogens - peyote, mushrooms, ecstasy, LSD, ketamine, mescaline, salvia, PCP. Prescription Drugs (containing an ingredient that is a narcotic). Any illegal possession or use within the past seven years, no more than five times for all combined substances and shall not have used more than one time since age 21.
• Sale, Production, Cultivation or Transportation for Sale of illegal drugs at any time.
• Any sale, production, cultivation or transportation for sale of any Dangerous Drug, Narcotic, Hallucinogen or Prescription Drug at any time.
• Any pattern of abuse of prescription drugs.

Theft or Misappropriation of Property:

• Any demonstrated pattern of habitual theft.
• Any theft while serving in a position of trust.

Acts Constituting a Felony or any Conviction for Domestic Violence Involving Physical Violence:

• A conviction/deferred prosecution for any act which would constitute a Felony/Misdemeanor in the State of Arizona, at any time.

Fraud or Misrepresentation:

• Any intentional attempt to practice any deception or fraud in the Employment Application, Background Questionnaire, Testing Process, or any failure to properly complete the application.

Driving Record:

• Any recent demonstrated pattern of excessive traffic violations. (for positions that require operation of a motor vehicle).

Applicants should be advised that:

• Applicant will not receive nor are entitled to a copy of the contents of their test results.
• No documents, copies of reports submitted by the applicant will be returned.
• No documents, reports or information utilized for, or obtained, during the selection process will be furnished to the applicant.
• Applicant will not be advised of the reason(s) for non-selection.

6. What is on the written exam?

The written exam consists of two parts: an essay and 100 multiple choice questions. Candidates must achieve a 70% combined score to pass. Thirty minutes is allotted to the essay and 2 hours for the multiple choice. The multiple choice questions are broken into two main sections. The first section tests your ability to read, comprehend, and recall information. You are given an information packet to study for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, you will be asked 50 questions regarding the information in the packet. You will not be allowed to refer back to the packet. The second section of the test assesses your ability to reason and solve problems using judgment and logic.

7. What are the requirements for the physical assessment exam?

The physical assessment exam consists of:

1. One Minute Sit Up - 29 or more (one minute time limit)
2. 300 Meter Run - 68 seconds or better
3. Maximum Push Ups - 25 or more (no time limit)
4. 1.5 Mile Run - 15:20 minutes or better

If you fail any portion of the physical assessment exam, you will be eliminated from the testing process.

8. The physical assessment doesn't seem too difficult. Do I need to be in shape?

Many applicants have a misconception that the physical assessment exam is easy. What many applicants fail to acknowledge is that each event must be completed in random succession with little time to rest. If you are not in good shape, you will not have the stamina or strength to complete each event successfully.

9. What happens if I fail the written or the physical assessment exam?

If you fail the written exam or any portion of the physical assessment exam, you will be eliminated from the testing process. You will be permitted to reapply for the Pinal County Sheriff's Office on a later date. You will have to start the process over starting from step one.

10. Do lateral (out-of-state) applicants have to go through the academy again?

If qualified, applicants do not have to attend our academy but will be required to challenge AZPOST by taking a waiver test. To qualify, lateral (out-of-state) applicants must be in good standing with a law enforcement agency in the capacity of a full authority law enforcement officer; must have a minimum of one year of law enforcement experience.

11. I only want to be in a specialty position assignment (i.e. Detective, SWAT, K9 etc). Do I have be a patrol officer first?

All deputies initially enter patrol. Deputies who wish to test for any of our specialty assignments must meet the minimum standards the specific assignment as posted in the specific announcements. Time requirements may vary depending on the specialty assignment.

12. Is the deputy academy a "live in" academy? Do I need to pay for it?

The living arrangements will depend on the location of the academy. Some academies are live- in. If not the Agency will evaluate whether to allow the recruit to commute from their residence or if hotel arrangements will need to be made. Recruits are paid employees of the department and live where they want to within Pinal County. They attend the academy Monday through Friday, eight and ½ hours a day for 18 to 20 weeks. Upon graduating from the academy, they are promoted to Deputy Sheriff.

13. How long does the hiring process take?

The average length of time to process a successful applicant is two-four months. However, the hiring process can take up to one year.

14. Is there a maximum age limit?

No.

15. How does the process work for out-of-state applicants?

An out-of-state applicant will go through the same process as an in-state applicant. The applicant must make an initial trip to Florence, AZ (approximately 4 to 5 days) for the written and physical assessment exams. If the applicant passes both of these exams, the applicant may be scheduled for an oral interview, and background interview (during the same trip). After successful completion of the initial phases, the applicant will be asked to travel back out (approximately 4 to 5 days) for a command interview after which the applicant may be offered a conditional hire offer. This will include a complete medical examination, polygraph examination, U/A, and psychological evaluation. Upon successful completion of the background investigation, including the medical and psychological exams, the out of state applicant may be offered a final offer at which time the applicant will need to make arrangements to relocate to Arizona. Pinal County Sheriff's Office will not be responsible for any travel arrangements.

16. When does the academy start?

Academy start dates will be determined once a final offer has been made. Once an applicant completes the process, they are usually placed in the next available academy class.

17. I meet all but one of the listed minimum requirements. Does Pinal County Sheriff’s Office allow any latitude to the requirements?

No. All applicants must meet the minimum standards without compromise. The minimum standards listed are just the minimum standards. In order to insure the integrity, credibility, and professionalism of the men and women of the Pinal County Sheriff's Office, the standards and selection process for Deputy are very high.

18. Does the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office offer transition assistance?

We do not offer transition assistance.

19. I am in the military. Should I apply now? I am in college. Should I apply now?

An applicant should keep in mind that they must be available for the written exam, physical assessment exam and oral interview. We are able to make some accommodations on a case by case basis.

20. If I have a background investigation done with another agency, or have a top secret clearance in the military, will Pinal County Sheriff’s Office still do a background check?

Yes. The Pinal County Sheriff's Office will conduct their own thorough background investigation on every applicant who submits a background investigation packet.