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Sheriff's Office Selection Process

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Steps in the Selection Process

*The time mentioned for each step is approximate and may vary up or down with each applicant.

Standards During the Process

 

Apply for position online and complete the personal history statement (will take several hours*)
Each applicant for the position of Deputy Sheriff must follow a two-step process. The first step is to submit a resume online through the Fairfax County Applicant Information Management System (A.I.M.S). This is required by the Fairfax County Department of Human Resources for all county government positions. The second step requires the applicant to complete a detailed personal history statement. The form is available online and also will be mailed to each applicant. Learn more or START the two-step process.
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Initial interview - 30 minutes*
After careful review of an applicant's file and if the applicant appears to be a viable candidate for the position of Deputy Sheriff, then a background investigator will contact the applicant to review his or her personal history statement (P.H.S) via the telephone.
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Polygraph examination - 3 hours*

  • The polygraph will take place at 4100 Chain Bridge Road in Fairfax, Virginia on the 10th Floor of the Massey Building.
  • Applicants must wear business attire and bring a picture ID.

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Psychological examination - 8 hours*

  • The psychological examination will take place at 10459 Warwick Avenue, Suite B5, in Fairfax, Virginia.
  • Applicants must wear business attire and bring a picture ID.
  • This exam will consist of multiple tests and an interview.

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Interview and jail or court tour - 2.5 hours*

  • The interview will take place at 4100 Chain Bridge Road in Fairfax, Virginia on the third floor of the Massey Building.
  • Applicants must wear business attire and bring all supporting documents.
  • Following the interview, applicants will take a tour of the jail or court.

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Medical examination - 3 hours*

  • The medical examination will take place at 4080 Chain Bridge Road at the Occupational Health Center in Fairfax, Virginia.
  • Applicants must wear workout attire and bring a picture ID.
  • Applicants must bring supporting documents about any pre-existing medical issues.
  • Applicants must receive a Class "A" on this exam to be considered for the position.

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Thorough background investigation - 3 to 4 months*

  • Each investigator will contact and review all information from the personal history statement.
  • Applicants may be required to submit additional information if requested to complete their background investigation.

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Drug use
Illegal drug use will be reviewed with respect to recency, type of drug, and frequency of use.
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Vision
Uncorrected vision up to 20/200 is allowed, provided there has been at least six months success wearing soft contact lenses. Without soft contact lenses, uncorrected vision cannot be worse than 20/100. In any case, vision must be correctable to 20/20.
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Work and residential history
Each of these sections within the personal history statement must be completed in their entirety to include all information requested, but not limited to, the name of residents, house numbers and street addresses of employments. Work history should represent stability.
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