Basic Qualifications for All Applicants

• You must be a United States citizen at the time of application; 
• You must have the ability to read, speak, and write the English language fluently; 
• You must be at least 20 years of age at the time of application; age 21 on the date of hire;
• You must have a Washington State driver's license or be able to obtain one; 
• You must have a high school degree or GED;
• You must meet KCSO medical standards, as determined by a medical exam following an offer of employment; and 
• You must be able to pass the background investigation. (We have provided a short self-screening background questionnaire that will help us determine whether you meet some basic background qualifications. This is attached to Deputy Sheriff Job Application and must be filled out as a part of the application package.)
• See list of disqualifying behaviors at left, click 'disqualifiers'

Additional Qualifications for Lateral Entry Applicants with Previous Experience

• Experience as a full time commissioned police officer with at least 12 months of active patrol; 
• Successful completion of probation as a commissioned officer with a city, county or state police or sheriff's department; 
• Less than a two-year break in service from a former police officer position; and 
• Academy training that meets or exceeds the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center's standards.

Basic Skills You'll Need To Be a Law Enforcement Officer

• Am I able to speak clearly and listen to others well? Can I write a report with grammatically correct English?
• Do I read and comprehend well to learn the laws and procedures of law enforcement in the academy? 
• Do I have a good memory to recall what I've learned and what I've witnessed in incidents? 
• Am I able to follow maps and find my way around? 
• Do I have excellent physical fitness? 
• Do I have basic computer skills?