Careers

• High school diploma or G.E.D.
• At least 21 years of age (at time of appointment)
• Valid Arizona driver's license (at time of hire)
• Registered voter in Pima County (at time of hire)
• United States citizen
• Be of excellent character
• Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language
• If Prior Military: Must have been honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces
• No felony convictions
• No unlawful use of a narcotic or dangerous drug within the past seven (7) years
• No unlawful use of marijuana within the past two (2) years
• No pattern of drug abuse
• Must be willing to work rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays

Physical Fitness Assessment

This test consists of five (5) individually administered tests. These tests were developed through extensive examination and detailed job analysis, and simulate actual job-related tasks for deputies. These tests are all judged as Pass/Fail.

• 99-YARD OBSTACLE COURSE: Run a 99-yard obstacle course consisting of several sharp turns, a number of curb height obstacles, and a 34-inch high obstacle that must be vaulted. 
• BODY DRAG: Lift and drag 165-pound, lifelike dummy 32 feet. 
• CHAIN-LINK FENCE: Run five yards to a six-foot, chain-link fence, climb over fence, continue running another 25 yards.
• SOLID FENCE CLIMB: Run five yards to a six-foot solid fence, climb over fence, continue running another 25 yards.  
• 500-YARD RUN: Run 500 yards (equivalent to one lap plus 60 yards of a standard running track).

This will be a pass/fail test.  For more information please review the POPAT Time Requirements and visit AZ POST.

Multiple Choice Test

The test has two parts - Knowledge of Basic Writing Concepts and Reading with Understanding.

Here are 2 reading comprehension practice quizzes with answer keys.

• Reading Comprehension Practice Quiz #1
• Reading Comprehension Practice Quiz #2

Oral Board Interview

Upon completion of the Multiple Choice Test, applicants will be scheduled for Oral Board Interviews. If the applicant successfully completes the Oral Board, there will be 2 additional steps before a job offer is extended. Those steps include:

• a Polygraph/Background screening
• Executive Review: The Executive Review Board identifies applicants for hire contingent upon passing post-offer psychological testing and interview, a medical examination to include drug screening, an intense background investigation, and a final review.
• Take a look at our oral board prep video.  Click here.

Preference Points:

• Training assignment in the Pima County Adult Detention Complex
• Twenty-three (23) week Basic Law Enforcement Academy
• 3-week advanced training located in Tucson (Deputy recruits are required to supply certain clothing items for the academy at their own expense)
• Twelve-week (12) Field Training Program
• Twenty-four (24) month probation period beginning at the start of the academy

Job Description: Summary

Under general supervision: Performs law enforcement work of moderate difficulty in enforcing laws, maintaining order, protecting life and property, and investigating and assisting in the prevention of crime. Performs related work as required. Work may be required on weekends and holidays according to assigned shift and duties. May be assigned to any geographical area or functional unit of the department.

This classification is the entry-level commissioned officer in the Sheriff's Department and is actively engaged in law enforcement activities. It is distinguished from Sergeant which has supervisory responsibilities for a unit or an assigned shift.

Duties & Responsibilities

(Work assignments may vary depending on the department's needs and will be communicated to the applicant or incumbent by the supervisor.)

• Patrols assigned area for the prevention of crime and enforcement of laws and ordinances;
• Responds to request for law enforcement services and takes appropriate action;
• Arrests violators of laws and ordinances, and ensures violators are booked on charges;
• Escorts prisoners to jail and court;
• Enforces traffic laws, directs traffic, and provides information concerning the location of streets, routes, and buildings;
• Investigates and prepares detailed reports of collisions;
• Investigates suspicious conditions, activities, or persons;
• Investigates and check for wanted or missing persons and stolen property;
• Participates in the operation of various units and the service of civil and criminal subpoenas and other court orders;
• Participates in riot and crowd control;
• Controls and restrains potentially violent persons;
• Carries a department-authorized firearm at all times while on duty;
• Prepares a variety of reports;
• Conducts investigations of criminal cases and gathers, preserves, and analyzes facts and evidence;
• Conducts follow-up on preliminary investigative reports;
• Interviews complainants, suspects and witnesses while acting as the preliminary investigating officer;
• Records statements and testimony; 
• Prepares and submits reports of criminal offenses, including modus operandi and description of incriminating evidence, for determination of guilt and prosecution of charges;
• Prepares material evidence for courtroom presentation and testifies in court on various matters, including findings of investigations;
• Provides information to attorneys and other authorized persons;
• Assists in rescue activities for sick and injured persons;
• May be assigned limited supervisory duties on a temporary basis;
• Will have direct physical contact with arrestees during arrest procedures and subsequent custody.

Knowledge & Skills

Knowledge of:

• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws and ordinances;
• Law enforcement support service and investigative work;
• Law enforcement practices and procedures;
• Principles and practices of leadership;
• Social sciences as they relate to public service and law enforcement;
• Roads and routes within the County;
• Rules, regulations, and policies of Pima County and the Sheriff's Department.

Skill in:

• Observing situations analytically and objectively, making quick decisions, and recording information clearly and completely;
• Managing situations firmly, courteously, tactfully, and impartially;
• Preparing and maintaining records and reports;
• Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Reacting quickly and calmly in emergencies;
• Operating a motor vehicle safely during pursuit and routine driving;
• Performing work which requires good physical condition and physical strength;
• Performing defensive tactics which require quick reflexes, agility, and coordination;
• Understanding and following written and oral instructions;
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with the public, department members, and others;
• Obtaining valid information by interview and interrogation;
• Gathering, analyzing, and evaluating facts and evidence;
• Safe use of law enforcement equipment;
• Operating a laptop/desktop to include word processing and spreadsheets
• Operating a smart phone or similar type device
• Firearms tactics and operation and accuracy in shooting
   

Essential Functions

Ability to:

• React to physical confrontations and emergency situations quickly and effectively;
• Stand and sit for long periods of time;
• Bend, reach, kneel, and crouch;
• Climb up and down stairs with speed and agility;
• Perform tasks requiring dexterity and agility after running moderate distances;
• See and recall visual details;
• Hear and understand speech and radio transmissions;
• Communicate clearly in person and via a police radio and/or phone;
• Type and/or enter data on a keyboard;
• Lift and carry up to 75 pounds;
• Perform multiple physical tasks simultaneously;
• Drive an automobile;
• Qualify with a department-authorized firearm and defensive weapons;
• Wear required uniform articles and safety equipment for extended periods of time;
• Wear and use a respirator.

Other Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
At the time of appointment, applicants must possess a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Licenses and Certificates: Possession of a valid Arizona driver license with appropriate endorsement(s), as defined by the appointing authority. Failure to maintain the required licensure shall be grounds for termination.

Special Notice Items: At time of appointment, must be 21 years of age, a resident of the State of Arizona, registered as voter in Pima County, able to read and write the English language and eligible to be certified by AZPOST per rule R13-4-105. All positions require satisfactory completion of a background investigation due to the need for access to law enforcement, corrections and courts facilities, property, communications and associated confidential information information and documents, databases and evidentiary materials. Per/Post appointment drug screening and polygraph examinations are required of all positions due to the need for access as described above. All positions are required to work an assigned post that can be rotated/reassisgned at managememnt's discrestion.

MEDICAL CATEGORY: A

Special Notice Items:
At the time of appointment, must be 21 years of age, a resident of the State of Arizona, registered as a voter in Pima County, able to read and write the English language, and eligible to be certified by the Arizona P.O.S.T. This class specification is intended to indicate the basic nature of positions allocated to the class and examples of typical duties that may be assigned. It does not imply that all positions within the class perform all the duties listed, nor does it necessarily list all possible duties that may be assigned.

Modified 04/12/19 PCSD

Starting Salary:  Deputy Sheriff  -  $28.13

• Fifteen (15) vacation days per year (various increases per County schedule thereafter)
• Ten (10) paid holidays per year
• Paid days off in honor of Cesar Chavez and Juneteenth
• Fifteen (15) sick leave days per year
• Group insurance coverage (medical, dental, and life)
• Twenty five-year (25) retirement plan
• VA education benefits during training (for veterans only)
• Worker's Compensation
• Take-Home Vehicle Program
• $1050.00 annual uniform allowance
• Weapon, body armor, and other uniform accessories provided
• Paid overtime
• Premium pay for shift work
• Deferred Compensation Programs (for investment and tax savings)
• Free counseling for individuals and families
• Promotional opportunities
• Flexible spending accounts for child care, medical, and parking
• Fifty (50) college credit hours (47 upon graduation from the academy and 3 upon completion of the FTO program)
• Tuition Reimbursement