Age

Applicants must be 20 years old at the time of hire for the position of Deputy Sheriff but must turn 21 after completing the Academy. 

Citizenship

The Code of Virginia requires applicants for the position of Deputy Sheriff be citizens of the United States prior to appointment.

Education

Applicants must have a High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED) certificate. 

Criminal Record

1. No conviction of a felony.
2. No conviction as an adult of any offense involving moral turpitude, including but not limited to larceny.
3. No conviction or admission of guilt of domestic violence.
4. No conviction of any serious misdemeanor offense (Class 1 or 2, excluding traffic offenses),  within the past five years.

Driving Record

1.  Valid Virginia driver’s license.  Out-of-state  applicants must obtain a Virginia license within 30 days of hire. 
2.  No driver’s license suspension for moving  violations within the past 12 months.
3.  No conviction of DWI or driving under the  influence DUI within five years of application.
4.  No less than -2 points on a current DMV driver’s  transcript.
5.  No conviction of driving on a suspended or  revoked license within the past 5 years.

Drug Use

1.  No use of a controlled substance listed in Schedule I of the Code of Virginia.
2.  No non-medicinal use of a controlled substance listed in Schedule II of the Code of Virginia for   the last five years.
3.  No non-medicinal use of a controlled substance listed in Schedules III-VI of the Code of Virginia,  or any noxious chemical inhalant in the last two years of application.

Credit History

A demonstrated history of financial irresponsibility may be grounds for disqualification. 

Military

An applicant’s employment history, including any terminations, leaving an employer in lieu of termination or anything other than honorable discharge will be thoroughly assessed and may be grounds for disqualification.

Other Disqualifiers

1.  Untruthfulness and/or the intentional withholding of information on any application,   interview, or paperwork associated with the position. 
2.  Failure to comply with reporting times, appointments, or deadlines during any portion of  the   hiring process.
3.  Cannot have previously engaged in behavior  which is in conflict with the law or which would   place the person or department in a position of  compromise, undue embarrassment or   criticism,  or loss of public credibility.
4.  Engagement in behavior that does not   necessarily reach the level of severity of the   eligibility listed above, but which may still be a   basis for rejection after consideration of each   case on its individual merits.

Professional Appearance

A professional appearance is to be maintained at all times. NNSO has the sole discretion in determining what is considered professional as it relates to the position being filled. Any and all tattoos, branding, voluntary disfigurement, or scarification shall be carefully reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Applicants must not have tattoos and/or brands on their ears, head, face, nose, eyebrow, neck, or tongue. 

Only earrings authorized in General Orders will be allowed.  No other body piercing jewelry shall be worn. Employees are prohibited from wearing jewelry in their tongues, eyebrows, cheeks, or other body parts (except in the ears) while on duty.

Applicants for the position of Deputy Sheriff go through a comprehensive series of steps designed to advance those who are most qualified and prepared for every aspect of being a Deputy Sheriff.

Physical Fitness Assessment

The physical fitness assessment is designed to simulate typical work-related situations that require the ability to perform specific physical activities.

Written Assessment

The written assessment is designed to measure the reading comprehension necessary to successfully complete all required employment training and certification. The written assessment consists of the following:

• Reading Comprehension
• Problem Solving
• Report Writing Skills

Background Investigation

A comprehensive background investigation will be conducted on each applicant. The investigation includes but is not limited to verifying information about prior employment, drug use, personal references, criminal records, Department of Motor Vehicle records, and credit records.

Polygraph Examination

This examination is used to verify data in the Background Information Packet.

Panel Review Board

Applicants are scheduled for an oral interview with the Panel Review Board. The Board’s responsibility is to evaluate the applicant’s qualities, personal characteristics and ability to perform as a Deputy Sheriff. 

During the interview, applicants will be asked questions to measure their communication skills, professional qualifications and life experiences as they may relate to the position. 

Conditional Job Offer

Candidates who are extended a job offer must successfully complete a medical and psychological evaluation. Candidates will also acknowledge department policies as part of their offer.

Medical Examination

Candidates must pass a medical evaluation to determine if candidates are medically capable of performing the essential functions of the job. 

At the Newport News Sheriff’s Office,  employees are our most important asset. 

Our salary is competitive with other law enforcement agencies in Hampton Roads ($53,124 p/year). That, combined with terrific benefits, gives the NNSO one of the best packages our deputies and their families can count on throughout the years.

Comprehensive Benefits Package

Retirement Benefits:

• 25 years credited service for sworn Deputy Sheriff at age 50

Health & Well-Being Benefits:

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance/Long- and Short-term Disability
• Life Insurance

Payable & Non-Payable Benefits:

• Paid Personal Leave (PPL) - 12-18.5 hours per month
• Paid Medical Leave (PML) - 5.5 hours per month
• Military Leave
• Bereavement Leave

Other Benefits:

• Employee Recognition Programs
• Paid Academy Training
• Specialized Training
• Paid Equipment and Uniforms
• Uniform Allowance
• Wellness Programs Including on-site Gym

The Hampton Roads Criminal Justice Training Academy (HRCJTA), located in the City of Newport News, conducts the Basic Combined Jailor, Court Security & Civil Process, Basic Law Enforcement and Basic Telecommunication Training courses.

Basic Combined

The entry-level training for a Deputy Sheriff is more  than 550 hours of instruction involving lectures and skill performance objectives and over 15 weeks in three main areas:

• Jail Officer/Inmate Security
• Court Security
• Civil Process

Deputy recruits attend a 15-week Academy in a  classroom setting participating in lecture and practical exercises. Courses are coordinated by Academy staff and arranged by trained professionals dedicated to providing individual and professional development in the areas of:

• Physical Training
• Criminal Law
• Report Writing
• Defensive Tactics
• Practical Exercises
• Emergency Vehicle Operations
• Firearms Training
• Civil Process
• Bailiff & Judicial Facility Security
• Jail Operators
• First Aid CPR
• Crisis Intervention Training