FAQ's for Becoming a Deputy

What is the age requirement to join?: Applicants for Deputy positions can be 20 years of age at time of application but must turn 21 while attending the academy.

How long is the hiring process: On average, the hiring process takes approximately three to four months.

Are any steps in the processed waived/can you use my information from other agencies?: We do not waive any steps in the hiring process, even for certified applicants. Our agency requires that all applicants complete each step with us. This means we are unable to accept polygraphs, medical exams and/or psychological exam results from other agencies or the military.

What is the starting salary?: The starting salary for Deputy Sheriff – Field Operations is $28.36/hour or $58,997.12/year with no experience. The starting salary for Deputy Sheriff – Court Services is $25.73/hour or $53,531.30/year with no experience. Stafford County Sheriff’s Office gives 50% credit for years of DCJS Law Enforcement or Regional Jail (for Court Services position).

What academy will I attend?: Both Field Operations and Court Services Deputies attend the Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy located in Fredericksburg. The academy lasts approximately 20 weeks and is four days a week. This is not a live-in academy. Deputies receive their full salary and benefits while attending the academy.

When does the academy start?: We have three academies each year. They start in January, April and July.

Does my out of state or federal law enforcement certification count?: Stafford County does not recognize out of state or federal law enforcement certifications. We require that out of state and federal applicants attend RRCJA to receive their DCJS law enforcement certification. Due to the fact that these applicants need to attend the academy, they are not given credit on our pay scale. *Metropolitan Police Department (DC) is not DCJS certified.

How long is Field Training?: Field Training takes approximately 10 weeks and is broken out into two phases. Each phase is completed with a different Field Training Officer.

What are you shifts?: Field Operations has three 11.5 hour shifts. They are 0530-1700, 1500-0230, and 1830-0600. These shifts are on a rotating basis of 3 on > 2 off > 2 on > 3 off. Deputies are assigned to permanent shifts with the option to put in new shift bids twice a year. Court Services work Monday – Friday, approximately 0730-1600 with the potential of some later nights depending on court cases, trials, etc.

Do you offer shift differential?: Our evening and night shifts do receive shift differential. Evening shift (1500-0230) receives an additional $1.00/hour and night shift (1830-0600) receives an additional $1.50hour.

When can I put in for a specialty team?: Typically, Deputies are eligible to put in for specialty teams after being fully released from Field Training for one year.

Do I get a take home car?: Deputies working in Field Operations that live within 30 miles of the Stafford County line are eligible to take their cars home at the end of every shift.

Can I work overtime?: Deputies are provided a variety of opportunities to work overtime assignments.

Do you have mandatory overtime?: Deputies are occasionally required to work late or come in on their off days for court. Outside of emergency circumstances, Deputies are not required to work mandatory overtime.

I’m currently active duty military. When should I start the hiring process?: When recommend you submit an application when you have approximately three to six months left on your enlistment time of service. This will give you enough time to get through the process prior to getting out.

Can I do a ride-along and how do I sign up?: The Sheriff’s Office offers the opportunity for individuals to ride-along with a Deputy during a normal shift and experience the typical day-to-day duties and responsibilities. This gives potential applicants an idea of what to expect working as a Deputy. To sign up for a ride-along, reach out to our Recruiting Sergeant at 540-658-5204 or sheriffrecruiter@staffordcountyva.gov.