Career

Do you have what it takes to join the Chesapeake Sheriff’s Office?

We are looking for individuals who are good leaders, motivated professionals and pride themselves in helping others. We are looking for aspiring deputies who are willing to work hard to learn the necessary skills for this challenging, but critical role in law enforcement.

Two-Stack-Training

Salary & Benefits

As of January 7, 2025: New starting salary for a Virginia DCJS-certified Deputy Sheriff will be $55,100++. New starting salary for a Deputy Trainee will be $51,150++. 

Educational Stipends:

Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree: $1,000

Associate's Degree: $600

Benefits

  • Virginia Retirement System (VRS) participant
  • Annual Leave & Sick Leave
  • Life Insurance
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Uniforms and Equipment Provided
  • Long and Short Term Disability (optional)
  • 24-hour Gym Access

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must be a United States citizen.
  • Must be aged 20+ to apply
  • Must have a high school diploma or GED certificate.
  • Must possess a valid driver's License.
  • Must have no felony convictions or any convictions involving acts of domestic violence, dishonesty, deceit, or immorality.






WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU APPLY

Automatic Disqualifying Factors

  • Certain suspensions or revocations with your driver's license within the past 24 months (2 years).
  • Conviction of DUI (alcohol or drugs) within the past 36 months (3 years).
  • Conviction of reckless driving within the past 36 months (3 years).
  • Conviction of speeding 20 miles per hour or more within the past 12 months.
  • Three or more convictions involving any moving violation within the last 12 months.
  • Conviction of possession, manufacturing, and/or distribution of illegal drugs.
  • Use of Cocaine, LSD, PCP, or any type of hallucinogenic drug within the last five (5) years.
  • Other Than Honorable (OTH); General; Dishonorable discharges from any military service. Uncharacterized discharges will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Candidates discharged for "conduct" reasons will not be considered.
  • Untruthfulness or the withholding of pertinent information on any application, interview or paperwork associated with the application process (omission of the requested information in your Personal History Statement may disqualify you from further consideration)
  • Cheating on any examination or testing associated with the position.

Step 1: Physical Ability Test

 

When the Chesapeake Sheriff’s Office is hiring we will post physical ability testing dates on our Facebook account and website. To register for the test, register online. Applicants will receive an email within a week of the test with testing details and more information. Upon receipt, applicants should confirm their reservation.

Applicants must complete a timed obstacle course in one minute and 36 seconds or less to measure stamina and cardiovascular fitness for various job-related physical tasks.

Description of the Physical Ability Test 

Sit on a bench and listen to the suspect's description.

Run 25 yards and jump over a 3-foot simulated ditch.

Run 25 yards and climb over a 5-foot high wall.

Run 10 yards and crawl under an obstacle (24 inches high and 10 feet long).

Run 25 yards and climb up & down a standard step for 12 repetitions.

Run 15 yards and crawl through a window opening (36" W X 30" H).

Run 10 yards and identify the suspect (picture).

Run 15 yards and drag a 150 lb dummy 15 feet.

Run 20 yards and complete the trigger pull exercise.

*Applicants must complete obstacle course within two attempts. If an applicant is unable to pass on the initial day of testing, they can schedule a re-test on a later date. If an applicant cannot climb the 5ft high wall in one try, they can bypass it and proceed with the rest of the course.

 

Physical and Dexterity Requirements

Requires work that involves walking, running, standing, stooping, jumping, or lifting much of the time, involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis, and exceptional skill, adeptness, and speed in the use of fingers, hands, or limbs in tasks involving suspect restraint, firearms, and other law enforcement duties.


"Ability Test"

Step 2: Written Test

Upon successful completion of the Physical Ability test, applicants will take the LESI exam. LESI is a written personality test to gauge how an applicant would react in various situations.

Step 3: Application Packet

Applicants must fill out and return application packet in a timely manner. The packet includes a personal history statement. Do not leave any information out. Omissions and untruthful responses will result in your disqualification.

Step 4: Background Investigation

Applicants will undergo a detailed background investigation. Applicants will meet with a department background investigator at least once to go over the information in your Personal History Statement. Applicants who successfully pass the background investigation will move forward in the process which includes background interviews, a polygraph, urinalysis, and a jail tour.

Step 5: Administrative Interviews

Interviews with the Command Staff and a final interview with Sheriff Jim O’Sullivan.

Step 6: Physical Examination

If offered a Deputy Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff Trainee position, you must successfully complete a physical examination.

The Chesapeake Sheriff’s Office offers pre-employment physical ability testing. Please check this site periodically for employment opportunities.



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