EMPLOYMENT POLICIES FOR SWORN PERSONNEL

FAQ's

What are the requirements for employment?
What happens in the testing process?
How are new recruits trained?
When is the next examination?

 

What are the Employment Requirements?    

Age:  As mandated by Nebraska State Statute 81-1410, an applicant must be at least 21 years of age prior to the start of training. Proof of age must be furnished at the time of application.

Driver's License: An applicant must possess a valid current driver's license. The applicant must not have been convicted of driving while intoxicated in the two (2) years immediately preceding admission to the training academy.

Education: As mandated by Nebraska State Statute 81-1410, a qualified applicant must have graduated from high school, or must possess certification of an educational development of at least a high school graduation level (G.E.D.). An applicant must also be able to read and comprehend at the 11th grade level.

Health: An applicant must be able to perform the physical requirements of the position. Mental and physical fitness will be determined by examination.

Vision: An applicant must have correctable to 20/30 and have no evidence of irreversible disease, which will affect the person's sight.

Citizenship: By mandate of Nebraska State Statute 81-1410, an applicant must be a citizen of the United States.

Conviction Record: By mandate of Nebraska State Statute 81-1410, the applicant must be free of any conviction by any state of the United States for a crime punishable by imprisonment in a penitentiary for a term of one (1) year, or more, or by any foreign government for a crime which is punishable for a term of one (1) year, or more, if committed in Nebraska, or has been pardoned for such offense, or has had a conviction for such offense overturned or reversed by a court of competent jurisdiction. 

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What happens in the testing process?

In order to be appointed as a deputy with the Sarpy County Sheriff's Department, a candidate must successfully pass the following steps (not necessarily in the order listed) in the examination process:

Written Examination: All eligible candidates will be given a paper and pencil test designed to measure the candidate's ability to successfully fulfill the duties of a deputy.  Candidates are not tested for knowledge of State Statutes or theories of law enforcement.  Candidates scoring below the minimum pass/fail point will NOT be eligible to continue with the selection process for the position of deputy.

Eligibility List Score/Ranking: Candidates passing the written examination will be placed on the eligibility list.   Ranking on the eligibility list is based on the written examination (with veteran's preference points added) only.  Depending on the number of vacancies, candidates may then be invited to participate in the following procedures:

1. Physical Agility Examination: The nature of deputy work calls for strenuous physical activity.  This test measures physical strength, endurance, and agility. This examination is graded on a pass/fail basis.

2. Preliminary Interview: Candidates are interviewed by a panel of deputies.  Each candidate is asked a series of questions.   The interview is designed to measure the skills required of a deputy, such as oral communication, dependability, situational reasoning, initiative, and interpersonal skills.

3. Background Investigation: An in-depth background investigation will be completed on each candidate who progresses to the final phase of the selection process.  Each candidate will be required to complete a detailed background questionnaire.  Falsifying information or deliberate omissions may cause the candidate to be disqualified.  This investigation will include gathering information on financial, military, educational, employment, traffic, and criminal histories.  Listed below are some of the items which may disqualify a candidate.  This list may be used to determine suitability of personal background.   Please note that this list is provided for purpose of example, and is not all inclusive.

a) History of financial problems, i.e., continuous garnishment of wages, non-payment of bills, recent filing of bankruptcy, chronic history of debt, problems with collection agencies.  Civil lawsuits where the candidate was named as a defendant will be investigated.
b) Felony convictions.  Candidates with a felony conviction will be automatically disqualified (as outlined in Nebraska State Statute 81-1410).
c) Criminal and traffic records will be checked.  This includes items such as driving while under the influence (DWI) or driving during suspension of license.
d) Poor employment history, i.e., fired from several jobs, excessive absences/tardiness, and long-term unemployment.  Unexplained gaps in employment record.  History of unexplained accidents.
e) Lack of high school diploma or G.E.D.
f) History of drug and/or alcohol abuse.  A drug screen test will be administered to all candidates by Sheriff's Department personnel.
g) A dishonorable discharge from the military will automatically disqualify the candidate.

4. Home Visit - A Command Officer will visit the applicant's residence.

5. Personal Interview with the Sheriff and his staff: The Sheriff and his staff (or designees) will conduct a personal interview with the candidates who are referred to the final phase of the selection process

 6. Psychological and Medical: After a conditional offer  of employment is made, the candidate will be required to take the following     examinations:

 - Psychological Evaluation.  A clinical psychologist will test and interview candidates.

 - Medical Examination.  A comprehensive medical history, physical examination, and lab analysis are administered by a County physician.

The physical agility, structured interview, background investigation, and the personal interview with the Sheriff and his staff may be conducted at different stages of the selection process and not necessarily in the order listed above.  The psychological evaluation and the medical examination will be conducted before the official offer of employment.  Individuals must pass the medical and psychological examinations to receive a final offer of employment.

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How are New Recruits trained?

The Sarpy County Sheriff's Department sends its recruits to the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center in Grand Island. At that time, they will  receive their first introduction to law enforcement duties during twelve weeks of classroom training.

The twelve weeks in Grand Island are followed by two  weeks of classroom training at the Sarpy County Sheriff's Department. The recruit then enters into the Deputy Field Officer Training (F.T.O.) Program. The F.T.O.  is broken down into two phases. The first phase is ten weeks of training with the Road Patrol Division and ten weeks of training with the Jail/Transportation Division. During these two  phases of training, the recruit works with veteran deputies.

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When is the next Examination?

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