If you meet the basic employment requirements and a position is available, you may begin the application process. The selection process for employment with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office consists of a number of specific phases designed to identify the most qualified candidates for any position. The general hiring process consists of the following depending on position applying for: written or computer test, application, integrity interview, polygraph examination, physical examination, hearing test, background check, psychological evaluation, interview and staff review. Failure to meet any of these requirements may result in disqualification from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office application process.

Written Test

The general aptitude test for deputies and specialists consists of multiple-choice and true-false questions. The Critical Test for dispatchers is a multi-tasking test designed measure an applicant's listening, data entry, map, and critical thinking skills. Clerical staff are required to take a data entry/typing test.

Application

Initial employee applications are screened for suitability based on a variety of factors. Approval of the application moves the prospective employees to the background phase.

Integrity Interview

The interview consists of experienced personnel who give the applicant an opportunity to express themselves verbally. This provides an opportunity for the applicant to further articulate and highlight personal factors which previous testing may not have revealed. The interview also provides a forum in which the applicant will answer a variety of questions and discuss the applicant's personal integrity, ethics and values.

Polygraph

A polygraph interview and examination is used as a tool to assist background investigators in determining accuracy of the completed application.

Physical Examination

All applicants for deputy sheriff and specialist must have a physical examination conduct by a medical doctor selected by Douglas County Sheriff's Office. Employment may be contingent upon medical examinations to determine the applicant's fitness to perform required duties.

Hearing Test

Dispatchers are required to have a hearing test conducted.

Background Check

The comprehensive background check is intended to reveal the applicant's history, behavior, and personality. It may consist of, but is not limited to, a review of the following:

• Employment history - a complete employment/educational history is required.
• Personal references - a minimum of three personal references excluding family members or pervious/present employers is required.
• Military and education - a verification of school transcripts or documentation of the type of military discharge, where applicable.
• Criminal and driving record - any criminal record, traffic citations, stops or investigations the applicant may have been involved in, where applicable.
• Character and demeanor - the intangibles of character, ethics and responsibility are the cornerstone of all Douglas County Sheriff's Office employees. This investigation makes use of a wide variety of sources, and must deal with individuals and organizations.
• Credit and financial history - this investigation may be used to determine whether an applicant is suitable for the position.

Psychological Evaluation

Employment may be contingent upon psychological examinations to determine the applicant's fitness to perform required duties.

Staff Interview

Dispatch and clerk positions required an interview with the prospective applicant to determine if the applicant clearly understands the duties of the position.

Staff Review

Upon completion of the comprehensive background check, successful candidate applications are submitted to staff review.

Additional requirements may be added based on position applying for. Requirements and testing procedures are subject to change.