APPLY NOW! 

At the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, we don’t take shortcuts when it comes to hiring. Our process is thorough because we’re looking for people with strong character, sound judgment, and the drive to serve with integrity. If you’re up for the challenge and ready to prove you’ve got what it takes, here’s what the process looks like:

Physical Ability – Entry Level Candidates:

The Physical Ability Assessment requires that applicants pass the following standards:

1. 1.5 mile run ( ENTRY STANDARD: max time 15:14) (EXIT STANDARD: max time 13:45)
2. 300 meter dash (ENTRY STANDARD: max time 71 seconds) (EXIT STANDARD: max time 64 seconds)
3. Push Ups (ENTRY STANDARD: minimum – 15 in 1 minute) (EXIT STANDARD: 25 in 1 minute)
4. Sit Ups (ENTRY STANDARD: minimum – 27 in 1 minute) (EXIT STANDARD: 37 in 1 minute)

Physical Agility – Lateral (Certified LEO’s) Candidates:

Lateral applicants who are currently certified peace officers in the State of New Mexico are exempt from the physical fitness requirement for testing purposes. However, lateral applicants must complete a Pursuit & Control Obstacle Course within 2 minutes and 5 seconds to continue in the selection process.

Police Officer Selection Test (POST):

 Immediately upon successful completion of the physical fitness test, applicants will move on to the Police Officer Selection Test,  a written test that measures the following skills:

1. Arithmetic
2. Reading Comprehension
3. Grammar
4. Incident Report Writing

Law enforcement experience is not required to be successful in taking the test. Applicants can find study materials for the written test at https://www.applytoserve.com/Study/  or can purchase study materials through online sources like Amazon.

Applicants may also take a free practice test online at http://www.tests.com/practice/police-test  The practice test, while similar to the Stanard POST test, does not guarantee success in the actual test. It serves to identify weak areas.

Should an applicant fail the written test, they are allowed to take the test again once more at the next open testing date. If the applicant fails again, they must wait at least 6 months before reapplying.

Written Evaluation

Whether you’re a lateral or entry-level applicant, you will be required to complete a written evaluation. You will be asked to write a few paragraphs about a specified topic within 45 minutes.

Panel Interview:

After passing the physical assessment and the POST test, applicants will be scheduled for an interview paneled by three Sheriff’s Office members. The interview will take approximately one hour.

Background Investigation:

After a successful panel interview, applicants may be moved forward into the background investigation phase. We utilize extensive investigations to ensure that applicants meet our standards and expectations.

Polygraph Examination, Psychological Evaluation and Medical Exam:

The polygraph, psychological and medical exams are the final tests before a final offer of employment is made. A comprehensive drug screening and TB test are performed at the medical exam.