Deputy Hiring Process

Records of prior misconduct – illegal drug use, driving under the influence, theft, arrest, or conviction – are usually not, in and of themselves, automatic disqualifiers. 

There are few reasons that a Denver Sheriff Department (DSD) applicant will receive an automatic rejection. Deliberate misstatements or omissions can and often will result in a rejected application, regardless of the nature or reason for the misstatements/omissions. Failure to fill out applications completely and accurately could also result in rejection. But, the number one reason individuals “fail” background investigations? They withhold or misrepresent job-relevant information from their prospective employer.

Automatic disqualifiers to becoming a Denver Deputy Sheriff include:

• Felony conviction and/or felony deferred judgement
• Misdemeanor conviction/deferred judgment within the last five (5) years (other than a DUI or DWAI) 
• Domestic violence conviction/deferred judgement
• Gang affiliation or association of any kind
• Sold illegal drugs
• Used, consumed, and/or purchased marijuana within 12 months prior to submitting an application
• Used illegal narcotics within the last 60 months
• DUI or DWAI in the last three (3) years, and no more than two (2) in a lifetime
• Unauthorized alcohol consumption during work hours in the last 12 months
• Missed work due to alcohol consumption in the last 12 months
• Negative employment history (i.e. more than one suspension from a job in the last five (5) years)
• Theft from employers (merchandise or money) within the last five (5) years
• Shoplifted with the last three (3) years
• Negative driving record

The physical demands of law enforcement jobs are real. You may be called upon to move an accident victim to safety, subdue a violent criminal, climb flights of stairs to render first aide, or several other scenarios during your career. The overall stress of a career in public safety is a part of the job. After consulting with your doctor, consider a regular fitness and nutrition program as part of your daily lifestyle.

Recruits receive extensive firearms training at the range and must pass all shooting qualifications to graduate the academy. Once you become a sworn deputy, semi-annual qualifications are required for all firearms that are issued and/or carried. All deputies must maintain a shooting score of 80% or above during their employment.

Note: tests may be added or removed as appropriate during the academy.

Physical Fitness Standards:

All fitness tests and evaluations taken throughout the academy will be calculated toward your seniority and/or badge number and awarded upon graduation. To prepare for required fitness testing and attaining set goals, access to the academy facilities will be given and encouraged throughout the academy. The academy weight room and running course are available for use during daily lunch breaks, as well as before and after hours.

Required fitness and defense tactics tests include:

• The Academy Fitness Test:
  This test is given three (3) times throughout the academy: a pre-test/baseline (first week of academy), a midterm/progress test, and a final exam (end of academy). Each test has varying point values depending upon the instructor's composition of the test and what performance is required by the recruit. Scores are derived from the Cooper Fitness Standards which compare fitness levels of law enforcement officers nationwide.
• Fitness Test:
  Determines changes and improvements made during the academy.
• Practical Defensive Tactics Test:
  Demonstrates your understanding and ability to apply and perform the various techniques taught in defensive tactics training.
• Shooting qualifications:
  Receive at least an 80% passing score on all shooting qualifications. 

Academic Standards:

If chosen to attend the academy, you will be held to specific academic standards. A passing grade of no less than 80% is required for all written tests.

Academic evaluations include:

• An academic knowledge test given bi-weekly, usually consisting of 50 questions, totaling five (5) to eight (8) tests upon completion of the academy.
• Written tests in areas such as firearms safety, concealed weapons, driver safety, D.E.V.O.C., taser, defensive tactics (use of force and philosophy concerning inmate control), and CPR.
• Firearms tests determine your cognitive ability to retain and explain information about weapons safety, use of force, deadly force, and the mechanics of how to shoot. 

• Several final tests given at the conclusion of the academy.