This is a general outline of the process the Ada County Sheriff’s Office uses in evaluating potential new employees:
Preliminary Application Review
Once we have received your application and other required materials, they are thoroughly reviewed. All submitted applications are reviewed for consideration. Be sure to fill out each section thoroughly and attach your resume and a cover letter, if you have one. This is the first impression we have of you.
Screening Interview
This interview, which is done via email, phone, or in-person, reviews our hiring standards and asks details of your work history. This information gives us a better sense of your background moving forward.
One-Way Video Interview (if applicable)
Through modern technology, video interviews allow you the chance to get in front of (and impress) our hiring managers sooner in the process. You are able to record your answers at home to showcase your strengths and experience before in-person interviews. Please review our Guide to Video Interviewing Success for further tips and information.
Physical Agility Test and Written Pre-Employment Examination (if applicable)
Those applying for positions that require a physical agility test and/or written examination will be notified via email. The physical agility test consists of five events and is only required for the commissioned deputy positions.
Those who pass the tests and are approved to proceed in the hiring process are called/emailed and an interview is arranged. Those not approved to proceed receive a notification via email.
Scenarios (if applicable)
Those applying for Patrol Deputy positions complete table-top and/or role play scenarios. The process is designed to demonstrate how you manage stress, communicate in different circumstances, and your ability to retain, write, and share information.
Oral Interview Board
This interview, which typically lasts 30-45 minutes, gives us a chance to meet the person behind the application and to better familiarize you with the steps being taken to fill a particular position. One to three people conduct interviews for every position. The same interview questions are asked of all applicants for the same position.
Depending on the circumstances, top candidate(s) are sent a Conditional Offer of Employment (Note: this is NOT a final job offer). Candidates who are not selected are also notified via email of the final outcome of the application process.
Conditional Offer of Employment
Applicants receiving a conditional offer must complete a Personal History Statement and agree to undergo a series of evaluations, including:
- Criminal Records Check- where we review your criminal history.
- Polygraph Examination- performed by a certified polygraph examiner on our staff. After the polygraph session is completed, the examiner writes up a report which is later reviewed.
- Background Investigation (including a Credit Check)- a background investigator will conduct some interviews and further research about you. Once this is completed, the investigator writes up a report which is later reviewed.
- Psychological Evaluation (Deputy positions only)- performed by a licensed psychologist. After the evaluation is completed, the psychologist writes up a report which is later reviewed.
- Medical Examination (Deputy and Misdemeanor Probation Officer positions only)- you will receive a form to be filled out by your own physician (also at your own cost). Completed medical exams can be submitted to your background investigator.
Final Determination
Once these steps have been completed, the Human Resources Manager, Division Manager/Lieutenant, and Bureau Director/Captain give their recommendations as to who should be hired and given a final offer of employment.
Timeline
Some investigations take longer than others (this also depends on your rank on an eligibility list, if applicable). Generally, the time from conditional offer of employment to hire takes about 8-to-10 weeks.
Out-of-State Applicants
We will make every effort possible to combine the hiring process steps to candidates living outside of Idaho. When confirming your test date or if you are called for an interview, please advise the caller that you are an out-of-state applicant so your hiring process can be appropriately prepared.