Current Openings with WCSO

• Corrections Deputy

• Deputy Sheriff
  

General Information

• Who are we looking for?
• Minimum Qualifications
• The Testing Process
• Automatic Disqualifiers

The Testing Process

• Written Test
• Physical Agility Test
• Submit Application after successful completion of Written Test and Physical Agility
• Oral Board
• Administrative Interview
• Conditional Offer of Employment Polygraph
• Psychological Examination
• Comprehensive Medical Examination
• Complete Background Investigation
• Basic Law Enforcement Academy
• Field Training and Observation
• Completion of 15 Month Probationary Period

AUTOMATIC DISQUALIFIERS

THE FOLLOWING ARE AUTOMATIC DISQUALIFIERS - APPLICANTS SHOULD NOT APPLY TO OUR AGENCY IF THEY INDICATE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:

Felony/Misdemeanor

Conviction for any felony offense or for any misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor offense involving violence, theft, moral turpitude, sex crimes, altering documents, computer trespass, controlled substances or crimes evidencing disrespect for the rights of others. The term conviction shall include any disposition adverse to the applicant, except a decision not to prosecute, a dismissal, or an acquittal. A dismissal entered after a period of probation, suspension, or deferral of sentence is considered a disposition adverse to the applicant.

Driving

Conviction for driving while intoxicated or related charges, reckless driving, hit and run, criminal negligent driving or driving while license suspended or revoked within the past 5 years. Any DUI conviction ever, will require the applicant, due to the admissibility requirement to Canada, to obtain a "Certificate of Rehabilitation" from the Canadian Government. A driving history indicating a repetitive disregard for traffic laws, irresponsibility in meeting traffic court obligations, the failure to maintain required insurance or the involvement in an inordinate number of motor vehicle accidents. The term conviction shall include any disposition adverse to the applicant, except a decision not to prosecute, a dismissal, or an acquittal. A dismissal entered after a period of probation, suspension, or deferral of sentence is considered a disposition adverse to the applicant.

Group Involvement

Any involvement in an organization as a participant, officer or employee of any organization, association or group which advocates the overthrow of our government by unlawful means, advocates or approves committing acts of force or violence to deny others their legal rights or wants to change our form of government by unconstitutional means.

The following factors may also be considered when determining an applicant's suitability for employment with the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office. When reviewing these factors, the Sheriff's Office will consider the nature and seriousness of the act, the age and maturity of the applicant at the time of the act, the position of the applicant at the time, and any indications of rehabilitation or gain maturity since the act(s).

Employment History

Demonstrate poor performance with current or prior employers that relate to a failure to follow reasonable workplace rules or maintain good work habits or unexplained instability in employment.

Driving

A driving history indicating a repetitive disregard for traffic laws, irresponsibility in meeting traffic court obligations, the failure to maintain required insurance or the involvement in an inordinate number of motor vehicle accidents.

Financial

Gross failure to make arrangement for the payment of debt or incurring debt the applicant knows or should know that he or she will be able to repay shall be grounds for removal of the applicant unless a satisfactory explanation is provided.

Honesty/Responsibility

The commission of any act evidencing unfairness, untruthfulness, cheating, dishonesty or disrespect for the rights of others. The commission of acts evidencing recklessness or irresponsibility. If having served in the Armed Forces of the United States, receipt of no less than a fully honorable discharge.

Criminal Association

The applicant’s association of persons having notoriety for involvement in criminal activity, unless satisfactorily explained.

Controlled Substances

For purposes of the below requirements regarding controlled substances, “possession” is defined as any unlawful control, touching, holding, selling, delivering with or without compensation, transportation of any controlled substance or engaging in conspiracy or plans with others to do the same.

• No possession of marijuana within the past 5 years.
• No possession of marijuana more than 15 times during lifetime.  
• No possession of non-prescribed amphetamine stimulants including Ritalin (except methamphetamines) within past 5 years.  
• No possession of methamphetamines such as speed, crank, crystal, or ice at any time.  
• No injection of non-prescribed stimulants at any time.  
• No possession of hallucinogenic drugs (LSD, PCP, hallucinogenic mushrooms, etc.) in the last 10 years or more than 5 times in a lifetime.  
• No possession of non-prescribed opiates (heroin, morphine) at any time.  
• No possession of anabolic steroids within the past 5 years.  
• No possession of anabolic steroids more than 10 times during lifetime.  
• No possession of cocaine including “crack” cocaine at any time.  
• No non-prescribed/unlawful possession of any controlled substance subsequent to submitting an application for employment with any criminal justice or law enforcement agency within the past 15 years.  
• No non-prescribed possession of any controlled substance during the time of, or subsequent to, any employment with any criminal justice or law enforcement agency.  
• No actual possession involving being under the influence of controlled substances while working in any safety or security sensitive position.  
• No deriving income through the possession, sale or importation of controlled substances during lifetime.

If having served in the Armed Forces of the United States, receipt of no less than a fully honorable discharge.