Note: the deputy sheriff hiring process was updated November 2018.
Application process:
Failure to fill out applications completely and accurately could result in rejection.
Personal history packet:
The Department of Safety Human Resource Technician will email the applicant an electronic Personal History Statement. The information provided will be used in the background investigation to assist in determining suitability for a position with the Denver Sheriff Department. It is the applicant’s responsibility to complete the packet and provide all the required information. Applicants must respond to all items and questions. If a question does not apply to the applicant, write “N/A” (not applicable) in the space provided for the response. Applicants must be honest, truthful and specific in all responses. All answers/responses will be subjected to verification.
There are very few factors that result in an automatic rejection. Issues of prior misconduct, such as prior illegal drug use, driving under the influence, theft, arrest or conviction, are usually not, in and of themselves, automatically disqualifying factors. However, deliberate misstatements or omissions can and often will result in your application being rejected, regardless of the nature or reason for the misstatements/omissions. The number one reason individuals “fail” background investigations are because they withhold or misrepresent job-relevant information from their prospective employer.
National Crime Information Center (NCIC) background check:
A broad review of an applicant's criminal record, if applicable.
Job Suitability Assessment:
This type of evaluation assesses a prospective hire’s personality factors as they are relevant to their suitability for working in a position of public safety and do not address any psychological and/or medical concerns. The suitability interview does not address any information that would be covered under the Americans With Disabilities Act.
Integrity Interview:
This interview is designed to ascertain the applicant’s integrity, basic background, and qualifications.
Polygraph:
Candidates will be required to complete a polygraph exam.
Physical Fitness Exam:
Applicants will be measured on their ability to perform job-related physical tasks.
- Pat and frisk searches on a simulated prisoner
- Emergency calls (timed exam); the first emergency consists of running and stair climbing with a fire extinguisher. The second emergency call will consist of running and descending stairs, as well as a prisoner move (150 pound dummy).
Background:
A thorough background check will be conducted to ensure that applicants do not have any personal or professional issues that would preclude them from public safety service. Background investigators will review employment history, character references, academic records, residency history, criminal history, and credit history.
National Testing Network REACT exam (written test):
There are four test components to the REACT Testing System:
- video-based human relations
- reading
- math
- report writing
Testing takes approximately 2 hours. Minimum passing scores are as follows: 78% video, 80% reading, 70% math. Please be advised that the National Testing Network offers a pre-test for an additional $24.90.
Conditional Offer:
Upon review and approval by the Denver Sheriff Department and the Executive Director of Public Safety, the candidate will receive a conditional job offer. A conditional letter of employment is a formal job offer that is dependent on the employee passing certain tests or conditions. The job offer is formalized only after all the conditions are successfully met. If the applicant does not pass the requirements, the job offer will be rescinded.
Post-Conditional Psychological Screening:
Psychological screenings occur at the final stage of the hiring process. These tests assess personality factors relevant to an individual’s fitness for working in a position of public safety, as well as their current level of emotional stability and psychological functioning.
Medical Exam:
A physical exam will evaluate medical fitness and whether physical requirements of the job are met. Specifically, applicants should be able to perform the “essential job functions” as listed in the job posting.
Drug Test:
Drug tests are routinely administered to check for the presence of illegal substances.
Facility Tour:
A tour of the Downtown Detention Center and/or the Denver County Jail will expose candidates to the routine duties of a Denver Deputy Sheriff.
Appointment Letter:
Upon successfully completing all required tests, an appointment letter will be issued with an academy start date.