Important Information
The Deputy Sheriff-Entry Level job posting is open for application. Applicants must complete both the Law Enforcement Written Exam & Washington Physical Ability Test (PAT) with Public Safety Testing prior to submitting an application with the Spokane County Sheriff's Office. Applicants can apply online by visiting: Deputy Sheriff-Entry Level
Deputy Sheriff - Entry Level SIGN-ON BONUS AVAILABLE (Effective 07/01/2023 - 06/30/2025)
The Spokane County Sheriff's Office is proud to offer a sign-on bonus of up to $10,000 to newly hired Deputy Sheriff-Entry Levels. The sign-on bonus does not apply to current Spokane County employees.*All sign-on bonuses must be given approval by the Spokane County HR Director prior to issuance.
The payout schedule is as follows: $5,000 of the bonus will be paid on the first regularly scheduled payday after the applicant becomes an employee of Spokane County as an Officer Candidate (hired from the Deputy Sheriff - Entry Level eligibility list). After graduation from the Basic Law Enforcement Academy, the Officer Candidate will be promoted to Deputy Sheriff. Upon completion of the one-year probation as a Deputy Sheriff, the remaining amount will be paid at an amount of 1/24th for the following 24 months of employment, so long as the employee remains in active status.
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The Spokane County Sheriff's Office is also actively hiring Deputy Sheriff-Intermediate Laterals and Deputy Sheriff-Laterals!
LATERAL APPLICANTS DO NOT NEED TO TEST THRU PUBLIC SAFETY TESTING.
Lateral applicants need to apply directly with the Sheriff's Office. You can find more information online by visiting: SpokaneSheriff.info or applicants can apply directly by visiting:
Deputy Sheriff-Intermediate Lateral
Deputy Sheriff-Lateral
Deputy Sheriff - Lateral - SIGN-ON BONUS AVAILABLE (Effective 07/01/2023 - 06/30/2025)
The Spokane County Sheriff's Office is proud to offer a sign-on bonus of up to $25,000 to newly hired Deputy Sheriff - Laterals. The sign-on bonus does not apply to current Spokane County employees.*All sign-on bonuses must be given approval by the Spokane County HR Director prior to issuance.
The payout schedule is as follows: $10,000 of the bonus will be paid on the first regularly scheduled payday after the applicant becomes an employee of Spokane County. Upon completion of the one-year probation as a Deputy Sheriff, the remaining amount will be paid at an amount of 1/24th for the following 24 months of employment, so long as the employee remains in active status.
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To speak with a recruiter, please email your contact information to recruiting@spokanesheriff.org or visit our recruiting website: www.spokanesheriff.info.
For information regarding the application process, please contact Spokane County Civil Service at 509-477-4711, Option 2.
*There is no residency requirement to work for the Spokane County Sheriff's Office. Employees are not required to live within the county limits.
*There is no COVID-19 vaccination requirement to work as a deputy with the Spokane County Sheriff's Office.
Community Information
Spokane County is the most eastern county in Washington State, sitting along the border of Idaho, and is located 92 miles south of the Canadian border. The county offers a unique, vibrant, urban setting, but retains the rural feel for those who desire it. The area serves as a business, medical, transportation, and cultural hub of the Inland Northwest.
Spokane has been inhabited for thousands of years and was named for the Spokane Indians, whose name in Salish means “children of the sun” or “sun people”.
The region provides an ideal balance for work, education, and recreation. Residents enjoy all four seasons, especially the long, warm, dry summer months that are ideal for camping, water sports, and outdoor activities. There are 78 lakes, 4 major rivers, 5 ski/snowboard areas and over 100 parks within a 50-mile radius. With over 12 affordable public and private golf courses and several new aquatic facilities, there is something for everyone.
Spokane County is proud to have Fairchild Air Force Base, home of the 92nd Air Refueling Wing, located in Airway Heights, as the largest employer in the county. Other large employment fields include: medical and health science centers, educational institutions, transportation companies, and businesses.
Higher education institutions, both public and private, surround Spokane County. The following colleges are located within a 100-mile radius: Community Colleges of Spokane, Gonzaga University, Whitworth University, Eastern Washington University, Washington State University, North Idaho College, University of Idaho, and Lewis & Clark State College. Washington State University’s Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine accepted it’s inaugural class of medical students in 2017.
Department Information
SPOKANE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE MISSION STATEMENT
The Spokane County Sheriff's Office will be a positive influence in our community by continuing to improve, promote, preserve and deliver quality services that result in a feeling of safety and security.
The Spokane County Sheriff's Office will accomplish this by working in partnership with the community to enhance our law enforcement effectiveness.
The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office embraces six ethical characteristics: trustworthiness, responsibility, respect, fairness, caring, and citizenship and is looking for applicants who share and believe in these characteristics while carrying out their assigned duties.
The Sheriff’s Office employs over 250 commissioned deputies, including 3 undersheriffs, 1 inspector, 8 lieutenants, 27 sergeants, and 42 detectives. In addition to patrol duties, opportunities for specialized assignments include: Explosives Disposal Unit (Bomb Squad), Field Training Officer (FTO), Firearms/Armorer Instructor, Investigative Division, Investigative SIIR (Spokane Independent Investigative Response) Team Member, K-9 Handler, Marine Enforcement/Dive Team, SWAT/Hostage Negotiator, Tactical Flight Officer/Air Unit (helicopter), Regional Intelligence Group (RIG9), School Resource Deputy, Traffic Unit, and much more.
Specific questions regarding the Sheriff's Office should be emailed to: recruiting@spokanesheriff.org. Questions regarding the application process should be directed to Spokane County Civil Service at: 509-477-4711, Option 2.
All positions within the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office are governed by State Civil Service rules which require specific testing and recruiting procedures.
Deputy positions are represented by the Spokane County Deputy Sheriff’s Association.
There is no residency requirement to work for the Spokane County Sheriff's Office. Employees are not required to live within the county limits. There is no vaccine mandate for COVID-19 for the Spokane County Sheriff's Office.
Area Information
County: Spokane
Population: 513,402 (2020)
# of Staff: 265
Hiring Status
Spokane County Sheriff's Office - Deputy Sheriff has 22 vacancies.
The eligibility list is a continuous listing and maintained as scores are received from PST. PST scores will be processed by Civil Service regularly and will be merged with the current eligibility list. Vacancies are filled according to the Civil Service "rule of five", in accordance with Spokane County Civil Service Rule XII Certification, Section 1.
Lateral applicants are encouraged to apply directly with the Sheriff's Office. You can find more information online by visiting: SpokaneSheriff.info.
Salary Information
OFFICER CANDIDATE
(WHILE ATTENDING THE ACADEMY)
SALARY
Annual Range: $51,886.35 – $57,323.45
DEPUTY SHERIFF
SALARY
2024 Annual Range: $62,362.80 – $95.643.36
LATERAL POSITIONS WILL BE PLACED ON THE BELOW PAY SCALE BASED ON HIS/HER YEARS OF SERVICE IN PREVIOUS AGENCY
2024 SALARY SCALE FOR DEPUTY SHERIFF:
Step 1 $62,362.80 – beginning
Step 2 $68,902.77 – after 1 year
Step 3 $76,152.28 – after 2 years
Step 4 $84,137.57 – after 3 years
Step 5 $88,348.32 – after 4 years
Step 6 $90,129.24 – after 10 years
Step 7 $91,928.08 – after 15 years
Step 8 $93,758.40 – after 20 years
Step 9 $95,643.36 – after 25 years
Benefit Information
SPECIALTY PAY INCENTIVES
Based on % of Step 5 Deputy Pay Rate
- K9 –7.5%
- Marine Enforcement –3%
- Investigative Deputy –3%
- SWAT –3%
- FTO –5%
- Bomb Tech –6%
- Armorer & Firearms Instructor –3%
- Air Support Unit –6%
- Hostage Negotiator – 3%
EDUCATIONAL & LONGEVITY INCENTIVES
Based on your Current Rate of Pay
You are paid either Educational or Longevity Pay (whichever is higher)
- Associate degree –3.5%
- Bachelor’s degree –7%
- Master’s Degree –9%
- 4 years @ SCSO –2%
- 8 yrs @ SCSO –3.5%
- 12 yrs @ SCSO – 5.5%
- 16 yrs @ SCSO –7%
- 20 yrs @ SCSO –9%
- 24 yrs @ SCSO –11%
SHIFT PAY INCENTIVES
Based on % of Top Step Deputy Pay Rate
- Swing Shift –1%
- Graveyard Shift –2%
UNIFORM ALLOWANCE
$2,200.00/year (received after 1 year of service)
Complete information is available from Human Resources Department
This information is subject to change
TAKE-HOME VEHICLE PROGRAM
Deputies that have completed the Field Training program and have been evaluated and cleared for solo patrol will generally have a vehicle assigned to them. They must live within proximity to Spokane County. Deputies may live in adjoining counties and Idaho.
PAID TIME OFF
Spokane County Observed Holidays for Deputy Sheriffs
Up to 6 paid holidays are observed by Spokane County.
Personal Holidays
Up to 7 Personal Holidays (Floating Holidays) are allowed each calendar year.
Vacation
For employees with less than five (5) years of continuous service, the accrual rate is 1 day of vacation each month up to 2.25 days per month for over 25 years of continuous service.
- Members with 1-4 years of service = 12 hours, max 320
- Members with 5-9 years of service = 14 hours, max 320
- Members with 10-14 years of service = 18 hours, max 320
- Members with 15 or more years of service = 20 hours, max 320
Leave Sell-Back
Employees can sell back up to a combined total of 80 hours of vacation and/or personal holidays per year. They can also sell up to 40 hours of accrued Comp time, twice per year (for a total of 80 hours).
Bereavement Days
Up to 5 paid days; 3 days for bereavement leave of qualified family member with up to 2 additional travel days if going more than 125 miles outside of Spokane County.
Sick Leave
Sick leave is earned at 1 day per month and can be taken as the days are accumulated.
Other Leaves
Spokane County provides several other paid leaves such as: bereavement leave, jury duty and military duty leave.
Exercising on Duty
Subject to certain agreements and requirements regarding availability, it is generally allowed for all commissioned staff to exercise during their paid lunch time. This includes Patrol deputies.
Bargaining and Labor Relations
Deputy Sheriffs belong to the Spokane County Deputy Sheriff’s Association and also have an Officer’s Bill of Rights in their contract.
Matching Deferred Compensation
1%
INSURANCE BENEFITS
MEDICAL INSURANCE
Two plans are currently available: Premera Blue Cross (PPO) and Kaiser Permanente (HMO). Spokane County pays 95% of the premium for full-time employees and 90% of the premiums for spouses and dependents. Please note that we have two pay periods per month.
2024 RATES:
Premera
Employee Only: $39.18 per month
Employee & Spouse: $154.00 per month
Employee & Family: $215.90 per month
Employee & Child(ren): $140.26 per month
Kaiser
Employee: $38.10 per month
Employee & Spouse: $149.12 per month
Employee & Family: $208.00 per month
Employee & Child(ren): $136.42 per month
DENTAL INSURANCE
Two plans are currently available: Delta Dental of Washington (PPO) and Willamette Dental (DMO). Spokane County pays 95% of the premium for full-time employees and 90% of the premiums for spouses and dependents.
Delta Dental
Employee Only: $5.92 per month
Family: $11.84 per month
Willamette Dental
Employee: $6.90 per month
Family: $13.80 per month
Group Life Insurance
The County provides a $25,000 group life insurance policy to employees. This benefit is paid in full by Spokane County.
Long Term Disability Coverage
Deputy Sheriff positions are provided a disability plan which pays 66-2/3% of income. For all other employees, disability coverage is paid for by Spokane County and covers 60% of income up to maximum of $5,000 a month..
RETIREMENT
Retirement Plan
Spokane County Commissioned employees are automatically included in the Washington State Retirement System called LEOFF Plan 2 (Law Enforcement and Firefighters). Both the employer and the employee contribute to the plan. This retirement plan provides a guaranteed lifetime monthly benefit once vested and eligible for retirement.
LEOFF PLAN 2 BENEFITS HANDBOOK Click Here
Additional Retirement Plan Option (457b)
Employees may supplement their retirement income and save money on taxes by participating in this optional County program. Roth (after-tax) option is also available through this retirement plan.
VOLUNTARY BENEFITS
AFLAC
Supplemental insurance is optional and is provided by AFLAC to help pay for benefits not covered by major medical insurance. The employee pays 100% of the premium.
Coverage for pet insurance through Trupanion is available and offered at competitive rates. Contact Human Resources for more information.
Travel Assistance
Provides additional travel protections anytime you travel more than 100 miles from home. Includes pre-trip information, emergency ticket replacement, and emergency evacuation coverage. This benefit is paid in full by Spokane County.
Flexible Spending Plan (FSA)
Spokane County sponsors a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account to allow out-of-pocket Medical & Daycare Expenses to be paid with Tax Free Dollars. Premiums are automatically set up pre-tax under the FSA.
Voluntary Term Life Insurance
Voluntary Term Life Insurance is additional optional life insurance provided through The Standard Insurance. New employees are guaranteed up to $100,000 for self and $30,000 for a spouse with no medical underwriting needed. Additional insurance above these limits can be purchased at low group rates with medical history form completed and approved by the carrier.
WORK/LIFE PROGRAMS
Employee Assistance Program
Employees and their family members are eligible to receive free counseling. There are also benefits relating to financial and legal concerns.
Reduced Cost Bus Pass Program
Spokane County participates in a program with Spokane Transit Authority which provides a free bus pass.
Wellness Programs
There are opportunities for nearby exercise programs at reduced cost and education programs around wellness themes including financial well-being, nutrition and stress reduction.
Discounts
There are local and national discounts available to Spokane County employees.
Spokane County Sheriff's Office - Deputy Sheriff Requirements
| Category |
Requirement |
Required at time of... |
| |
|
Test |
Hire |
| Written Examination |
Yes, required
|
|
|
|
LEO/CO Physical Ability Test (PAT)
|
Yes, required
Your physical ability test must be completed 180 days (~6 months) before or after your passing written exam.
|
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| PST Personal History Statement |
Yes, required within 14 days of passing required exam(s)
|
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| Minimum Age |
21
|
|
|
| Citizenship |
US Citizen / Lawful Permanent Resident / DACA-Recipient
|
|
|
| High School Grad/ GED |
Yes
|
|
|
| Driver's License Required |
Yes
|
|
|
| Felony Conviction(s) as an Adult |
None.
|
|
|
| Ability to Read, Speak & Write the English Language |
Yes
|
|
|
| Vision Requirements |
With or without corrective devices.
|
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| Prior Experience Requirement |
Applicants must have obtained experience in at least one of the following categories: -at least 60 semester credit hours or 90 quarter hours
from an accredited college institution -an A.A. degree or
higher from an accredited college institution -an equivalent to at least 2-years
full-time work experience (military experience qualifies as professional work
experience)
|
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| Veterans Preference Points |
Veteran's Preference Points in accordance to RCW 41.04.010. DD-214 Member Form 4 must be submitted with Spokane County application.
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| Multiple Scores from Same Applicant |
We only consider the most recent score
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| Request/Access Scores |
After Spokane County receives passing grades from Public Safety Testing, you will be sent an email with further instructions. Applicants with passing written and PAT scores must complete the Public Safety Testing Personal History Statement (PHS).
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Spokane County Sheriff's Office - Deputy Sheriff Disqualifiers
The following are automatic and potential disqualifiers. Applicants should not apply to our agency if they indicate any of the automatic disqualifiers. Potential disqualifiers will be considered on a case by case basis.
| Category |
Disqualifier |
| Driving |
| Automatic |
A conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs within three years prior to application or two convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs within 10 years of application. Diversion, sentence reduction, plea, or other similar action shall be the same as a conviction. |
|
| Drug Usage |
| Potential |
Illegal drug use or possession will be considered on a case by case basis. Please see Spokane Sheriff's Office Policy 1000.3.8 for more information regarding automatic disqualifiers of illegal use or possession of drugs. |
|
| Criminal Activity |
| Automatic |
Conviction of any crime of Moral Turpitude as an adult. Crimes of Moral Turpitude typically include, but are not limited to: Fraud, Theft, or crimes against persons or things. |
| Automatic |
Been convicted of a domestic violence related crime which precludes them from possessing a firearm. |
| Automatic |
Admission(s) of any criminal act, whether misdemeanor or felony, committed
against children including but not limited to: molesting or annoying children,
child abduction, child abuse, lewd and lascivious acts with a child, or indecent
exposure. Acts of consensual unlawful intercourse accomplished between two
minors shall not be included, unless more than four years difference in age
existed at the time of the acts. |
| Automatic |
Admission(s) of administrative conviction or any act while employed as a peace
officer (including military police officers) involving lying, falsification of any official
report or document, or theft. |
| Automatic |
Conviction of any felony as classified under Washington state law. Conviction of any crime involving false swearing. |
| Automatic |
Admission(s) of administrative conviction or criminal convictions for any act
amounting to assault under color of authority or any other violation of federal or
state Civil Rights laws. |
|
| Employment |
| Automatic |
Missed more than two days of work due to drinking in the last three years. |
| Automatic |
Been fired, or resigned in lieu of termination, from two or more jobs in the last
five years. |
| Automatic |
Missed more than two days of work due to drinking in the last three years. |
|
| Financial |
| Potential |
Financial affairs or personal life shows a history of poor judgment and refusal to confront problems. |
|
| Other |
| Automatic |
Any material misstatement of fact or significant omission during the application
or background process shall be disqualifying, including inconsistent statements
made during the initial background interview or polygraph examination or
discrepancies between this background investigation and other investigations
conducted by this agency, or other law enforcement agencies. |
| Automatic |
Any forgery, alteration, or intentional omission of material facts on an official
employment application document or sustained episodes of academic cheating
or personal dishonesty. |
| Automatic |
Having been dishonorably discharged from the armed services. |
| Automatic |
Having any outstanding warrants of arrest at the time of application. |
| Automatic |
Missing any scheduled appointment during the hiring/background process without prior permission. |
| Automatic |
Missing any scheduled appointment or established deadline during the process
without prior permission. |
| Automatic |
Submission of an incomplete Personal History Statement (PHS) that lacks
essential personal background data. |
| Automatic |
Having a pattern of uttering any epithet derogatory of another person's race,
religion, gender, national origin or sexual orientation |
| Potential |
For a detailed list of all automatic and potential disqualifiers, please visit: Sheriff | Spokane County, WA and click on the Policy Manual at the bottom of the page. Refer to Policy 1000. |
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