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.

Salary & Benefits

As of January 7, 2024, starting salary for a Virginia DCJS-certified Deputy Sheriff is $54,000++. Starting salary for a Deputy Trainee will be $50,155++. 

 

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 and/or use of Marijuana within the last three (3) 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.

Physical ability testing for the position of Deputy Trainee will comprise of four different testing modules: Physical Ability Course, Push Ups, Sit Ups, and a 1.5 Mile Run.

Description of the Physical Ability Test This test is an un-timed obstacle course consisting of the following tasks: While in a sitting position, you will be given a suspect's description. At the word "go" you will:

  1. Run 25 yards and jump over a marking measuring 3’ in length;
  2. Run 25 yards and climb over 5’ wall;
  3. Run 10 yards and crawl under an obstacle measuring 2’ in height and 10’ in length;
  4. Run 25 yards and 8” step up and down (12 times). The motion must be up/up-down/down;
  5. Run 15 yards and climb through a window measuring 36” wide X 30” height X 3’ above the ground;
  6. Run 10 yards and identify the suspect described before starting the course;
  7. Run 15 yards and drag 150 lbs. victim 5 yards;
  8. Run 20 yards and perform the trigger pull exercise. Place the barrel of the weapon through a 6” opening and pull the trigger once with the dominant hand. The weapon will then be transitioned to the non-dominant hand; place the barrel of the weapon through the 6” opening again and pull the trigger once. The weapon will then be placed back down. Time will then be stopped.




Sit-Ups: Proper form for sit-ups will be as demonstrated by the assessment administrators. Applicants get in formation to perform this test. When the command is given to start applicants will begin doing sit-ups. The applicant must remain in motion of performing the exercise. The testing is stopped when the applicant stops motion. Time limit for this testing phase is 1 minute. Push-Ups: Proper form for push-ups will be as demonstrated by the assessment administrators. Applicants will get in formation to perform this test. When the command is given to start – applicants will begin doing push-ups. The applicant must come down a fist distance from the ground and fully extend up for a push-ups to count. The applicant must remain in motion of performing the exercise. Applicants should continue this testing until exhaustion. There is no time limit. 1.5 Mile Run: Applicants must successfully complete this phase in a time of under 17 minutes and 30 seconds for males and 18 minutes and 30 seconds for females. Run Description: Applicants will be escorted to the starting line of the course. Applicants will run to a point designated by the assessment administrators, where they will turn around and return to the starting point. The time for the run begins when the command is given to “Go.”

 

 

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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