"Ada County Sheriff Logo"
A A A
Home > Careers > Patrol Deputy

Patrol Deputy

Non-Certified Recruitment (Entry Level)

Entry-level Patrol Deputy recruitment generally occurs once per year (or as needed), with our Basic Peace Officer Academies starting in January, April, and August each year.  Screening, testing, scenarios/exercises, and oral board interviews are conducted to form an eligibility list/hiring pool of candidates.  If needed, the next posting is anticipated to open around June 2024 to attend our January 2025 Academy.

Lateral Transfer Recruitment (Experienced)

Lateral transfer recruitment generally occurs twice a year (or as needed).  Screening, physical testing, scenarios/exercises, and oral board interviews are conducted to form an eligibility list/hiring pool of candidates.  Lateral transfers typically attend our three-week Lateral Training Program and then complete field training.  If needed, the next posting is anticipated to open April 2024 to attend our October 2024 Lateral Training Program.

Job Notifications: To be notified via email when the next Patrol Deputy recruitment begins, subscribe to the Law Enforcement category under Job Notifications.

Out of state applicants: Please be aware that the selection process requires you to be in Boise for one to two visits.  If selected for a vacancy, one additional, longer visit is required for the hiring process steps.  Before applying, please make sure you can commit to the time and expense involved.

Sheriff Deputy with a laptop on the hood of police car

Career Opportunities/Collateral Duties within the Police Services Bureau:

  • SWAT Team
  • K-9 Unit
  • Bomb Team
  • Dive Team

And many more!

  • Juvenile Detective
  • Honor Guard
  • Major Crimes Detective
  • Traffic Enforcement
  • Firearms Instructor
  • Crisis Negotiations
  • Gang Unit
  • Civil Section
  • Marine Patrol
  • School Resource Officer
  • Narcotics Detective
  • Training Coordinator

Work Schedule/Shifts

Patrol Deputies work 10.75-hour shifts.  They work five days on, then have four to five days off.  There is a shift pick every six months.  Patrol Deputies must be available to work every shift option, including day, swing, and night shift.

Advancement Opportunities

Deputies are able to compete for the rank of sergeant when they have their Idaho Intermediate POST Certificate. The selection process typically includes a policy exam, peer review survey, supervisor feedback, scenarios, and an oral board interview.

Sergeants are able to compete for the rank of lieutenant. The selection process typically includes a peer review survey, supervisor feedback, and oral board interviews.

Lateral Transfer Wage Information

While the selection process may be similar to non-certified applicants, those transferring from other law enforcement agencies may receive a higher wage upon employment. View our wages plan.

  • Level III = Currently POST certified with two years of full-time field/patrol experience as a certified Peace Officer.
  • Base = Either (1) Current Idaho Advanced POST certificate or equivalent OR (2) Five years of full-time field/patrol experience as a certified Peace Officer.

Challenging the Basic Patrol Academy (Out-Of-State Lateral Transfer Candidates)

Any peace officer gaining employment with the Ada County Sheriff’s Office who, within the last five years, has been employed and certified or commissioned by another state or the federal government as a peace officer or student who has satisfactorily completed a Basic Police Academy equivalent of the Idaho POST Basic Patrol Academy within the last three years will be eligible for certification in the state of Idaho without attending the Basic Patrol Academy, provided the officer:

  • Submits a POST Certification Patrol Challenge Packet to POST Council, which must include copies of POST training records from other states.
  • Attends an approved course of study in Idaho law and passes the POST law exam.
  • Passes the POST certification exam, firearms qualification course, and the physical fitness test.
  • Completes a six month probationary period with the Ada County Sheriff’s Office.