Deputy Sheriff Hiring Process
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Q: What is involved in the hiring process for Deputy Sheriff?
A: 1. Physical Agility (fitness) Tests
2. Written Examination
3. Oral Interview with the Civil Service Commission
4. Completion of Long Form Application
5. Certification of Civil Service List
6. Background Investigation
7. Interview with Sheriff’s Command Staff
8. Conditional Offer of Employment
9. Polygraph Questions that will cover the following:
- Educational experience
- Employment experience
- Personal health
- Credit and debt history
- Drug and alcohol use or abuse
- Criminal history or activity
- Driver's license and traffic offense information
- Certain type of sexual activity
Re-application, Re-testing and Re-evaluation
Candidates not appointed to probationary status (employment) will be allowed to re-apply, re-test and be re-evaluated provided they meet the general requirements of the Code of Iowa and the County.
Re-testing will be acceptable if at least a one-year period of time has elapsed since the last testing session.
2. Q: When is the testing held for new deputies for the Linn County Sheriff’s Office?
A: The Civil Service testing date will vary, check back to this website often for updates on testing dates/times. The test site is Kennedy High School (cafeteria): 4545 Wenig Road NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Park in the North parking lot and proceed to the cafeteria. The physical test begins at 8:00 a.m. on a Saturday and is followed by the POST entrance written exam that same morning.
3. Q: How many deputies are hired each year?
A: The number of new-hire deputies will vary. Based on averages in the last ten years, the Sheriff’s Office will hire two or three new deputies each year. This is done to replace those officers who have retired, quit, or for some reason are no longer employed by the Sheriff’s Office.
4. Q: How do I find out when the hiring process is to begin?
A: The Civil Service Commission will announce the testing date and deadline for resumes in local and regional newspapers, as well as the internet and website.
5. Q: Where can I pick up an application form for the Deputy Sheriff position?
A: Applications for Deputy Sheriff are available at:
- Linn County Sheriff’s Office, 310 Second Avenue SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, or
- Linn County Employment Relations Office, 930 First Street SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
6. Q: What documents do I need to bring to the testing site?
A: To be admitted to the testing site, you must have turned in, by the posted deadline, a completed application form, including a photo and all high school and college transcripts. You also will need your photo driver's license and your social security card. You will not be admitted to the test site without all required documents.
7. Q: How soon will I know if I passed the Civil Service test?
A: You will know the results of the physical test immediately. If you fail the physical testing, you will not be allowed to take the written test that follows. The results of the written test are usually available approximately ten days later. You will be contacted by the Civil Service Commission advising that you passed or failed. If you passed the testing, you will be scheduled for an interview.
8. Q: How soon will I interview with the Sheriff for a Deputy position?
A: Your name will remain on an active list for one year. When the Sheriff is ready to interview, he will contact the first ten people on the Civil Service list and schedule an interview appointment.
9. Q: How soon will I know if I’ve been selected and offered a job?
A: The Sheriff will make a decision in five days or less, and you will be notified either way.
10. Q: What are the requirements for the position of Deputy Sheriff?
A: The minimum training and experience required for the position of Deputy Sheriff include:
- High school diploma or equivalent, an Associates Degree in a related field is preferred;
- No experience is required;
- Must pass the Civil Service Exam; and
- Complete the training program at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy during the probation period.
Necessary special requirements include:
- Valid State of Iowa driver’s license;
- The ability to obtain and maintain certification in the following areas:
- CPR
- First aid
- Weapons qualifications
- Intoxilyzer operation
- Radar unit operation
- Jail procedures, and
- Medication dispensing.
- SEE "BENEFITS PACKAGE AND MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS" LINK ON OUR MAIN PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON MINIMUM REQUIREMENT STANDARDS.
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