HIRING PROCESS
Step 1: Complete and Return Application and Background Packet
- The first step in becoming a reserve deputy recruit is to download and fully complete the Reserves/Volunteer Application and Background Packet. In order to continue with the application process, please attach you birth certificate, copy of social security card, High School Diploma or GED, and copy of valid driver’s license.
- Please contact a recruiter for questions or to schedule a time to return.
Call the Recruiting Office Email the Recruiting Office
Step 2: Physical Aptitude Test (PAT)
- Offered only to those who successfully complete the application and background. The test will be administered at Shelby Sheriff’s Office Training Academy (993 Dovecrest Road, Memphis, TN 38134). The test consist of 5 assessments:
- 40 Push Ups (minimum 25) (worth 10 points)
- 40 Sit-ups (minimum 25) (worth 10 points)
- 5 pull-ups (worth 10 points)
- Broad jump – jump up to 8 feet from standing flat foot position
- Dummy Drag – Lift and drag 185-pound, lifelike dummy 30 feet (worth 10 points)
- 1 mile run – 11 minutes or less (worth 50 points)
- Must complete a passing score (75 or Higher).
- Expected timeframe is 1-2 hours
Step 3: General Knowledge Test
- Offered only to those who successfully complete Step 1 and Step 2. Test will be administered at Shelby Sheriff’s Office Training Academy (993 Dovecrest Road, Memphis, TN 38134)
- Test will be administered by Sheriff’s Office Human Resources.
- Must get a passing score of 70.
- Expected timeframe 2-3 hours
Step 4: Interviews
- Offered only to those who have successfully completed steps 1-3. Interviews will be held at Shelby Sheriff’s Office Training Academy (993 Dovecrest Road, Memphis, TN 38134).
- Must be in business attire
- Prepared to answer questions
- Expected timeframe total is 1-2 hours.
Step 5: Psychological Test
- Offered only to those who have successfully completed steps 1-4. Test will be held at Shelby Sheriff’s Office Training Academy (993 Dovecrest Road, Memphis, TN 38134).
- Written Test administered by licensed professionals.
- Expected Timeframe 2-4 hours.
- Approximately, 1-2 weeks after the written portion, an Interview will be held with a licensed professional for further questions and follow-up.
Step 6: Drug Screen
- Offered only to those who have successfully completed steps 1-5. Drug Screen will be administered by a Sheriff’s Office selected contractor.
- Specific day will be chosen by Sheriff’s Office and must a complete during regular business hours being 8am to 4pm.
- Expected timeframe 30-45 minutes
Step7: Medical Examination
- Offered only to those who have successfully completed steps 1-6. Examination will be done by Doctor of your choice.
- Sheriff’s Office Form must completed
- Will be given 1 week to complete process
Step 8: Acceptance Letter
- Acceptance will mailed and emailed to each individual selected for the Reserve Program.
- Letter will designate your start date at the Academy
THE ACADEMY
Academy Classes
- Reserve Deputy Recruits will attend the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Reserve Academy. To accommodate career job demands, the academy is held on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 6:00 PM– 10:00 PM, and on Saturdays from 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM.
- The academy consists of 659 hours of state-mandated Peace Officer Standards & Training (POST), and it takes approximately 9 months to complete the weekday evening and weekend schedule.
- Recommended Academy start time is September with completion being in May.
- If a retired officer or previously trained POST officer within the past 5 years, you may be approved to attend a 344 hours of transitional training which is approximately 4.5 months. You would attend specific training classes designated by the Training Academy Staff for completion.
- Must be able to show previous training records and completion certificate.
- Please note TN POST does recognize all training programs across the country.
- Expected academy start time would be September of each year.
Academy Training
- Academy Training includes firearms, physical conditioning, and a curriculum of law enforcement instruction. Academy training includes topics such as professionalism and ethics, criminal law, traffic law, patrol tactics, cultural diversity, constitutional law, community relations, criminal investigations, report writing, firearms, defensive tactics, first aid, physical conditioning and driving. Academy Training may also qualify for college credit.
Academy Graduation
- Upon graduation from the academy, reserve deputies are certifiable as full-authority of the Sheriff’s Office and are promoted to Reserve Deputy Sheriff.
BEING A RESERVE DEPUTY SHERIFF
- After graduation, new reserve deputies will be assigned to Uniform Patrol and expected to complete the Officer in Training (OIT) process which requires 50 patrol rides and passing of one-person certification test.
- Ability to request transfer to different Reserve Divisions within Reserve Policy.
- All Reserve Deputy Sheriffs are required to work 24 hours a month minimum consisting of 16 hours in assigned division and 8 hours for special events unless otherwise directed by Command Staff.
- All Reserve Deputy Sheriffs are required to complete 40 hours of yearly In-Service Training with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Academy. Reserve Deputies have two options:
- 1. Attending class Monday thru Friday with the Career Officers (full-time)
- 2. Attending class Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 6:00 – 10:00PM and Saturdays 8:00AM – 4:30PM except for Night time qualifications.