FAQ

• Must be 21 years old by academy graduation.
• Must be a United States Citizen
• Must have a High School Diploma or GED Equivalent
• Vision must be equal to or better than 20/100 and corrected to 20/30
• Must possess or obtain a New Mexico driver’s license by the start of the academy
• Must pass a written test
• Must pass a physical agility test
  • 1.5 Mile Run: 14:24
  • Push-Ups: 20 reps/min
  • Sit-Ups: 32 reps/min
  • Illinois Agility: 18 Seconds
  • 300 Meter: 1:07 Seconds

No Felony Convictions
Criminal activity in which an applicant has been convicted of, pled guilty to, or entered a plea of nolo contendere to any felony charge, been involved in any prosecution diversion program (PPP) as adjudicated for a felony crime committed will be permanently disqualified.

Domestic Violence
Any convictions of domestic violence. Domestic related incidents will be reviewed on a case by case basis and may result in disqualification. 

Driving While Intoxicated
Any conviction for driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs within the last three (3) years.

Bad Driving History
A noticeable pattern of traffic citations, arrests, and/or convictions within the last three (3) years. These include, but are not limited to: red light violations, stop sign violations, speeding, reckless driving, careless driving, etc.

No Driver’s License
Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license. Out of state applicants must obtain a New Mexico driver’s license within thirty (30) days of being hired.

Marijuana Use
No Marijuana use in the last 12 months.

Illegal drug use
Any illegal drugs including but not limited to: cocaine, crack, fentanyl, methamphetamines, heroin (or other opiates), hallucinogens, inhalants, steroids, and prescription medication not prescribed to you in the past 5 years.

Employment history
Any indication of a pattern of unsatisfactory employment history.

Financial History
Any history of chronic or recurring financial problems indicating an unwillingness or inability to live within his or her own financial means (filing of bankruptcy alone is NOT a disqualification).

Untruthfulness
Any deliberate misstatement of facts and intentional or unintentional omission of facts, during any part of the selection process.

The selection process consists of a PIQ and PHS, one (1) written exam, a physical agility exam, a background investigation, an oral interview, a polygraph examination, a psychological examination, and a medical examination.

Upon satisfactory completion of these requirements, all qualified applicants will be submitted to the Sheriff for final selection.

Rank                              Hourly            Annual

Cadet Pre-hire             $23.03            $47,902

Cadet                             $25.30             $52,624

Deputy 2nd Class        $31.57             $59,696

Deputy 1st Class          $39.29             $81,723

Lateral                           $39.29             $81.723

Sergeant                        $43.66             $90,813

Lieutenant                    $49.90             $103,792

Clothing/Cleaning Allowance             $236.25

• 25 year retirement at 75%
• 30 year retirement at 90%

Pay only 4% of your income into your retirement fund.

All Deputies will be issued a patrol vehicle while on FTO.

We offer tuition and credit hour reimbursement*, in-state and out-of-state opportunities as well as Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office Regional Training Staff accredited courses.

*A maximum of 30 credit hours per year

The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office is currently staffed with 315 sworn personnel. Over 60 of those positions are promoted ranks of Sergeant or higher. Over 30 Detective positions make-up our Criminal Investigations Division.

Our modestly sized agency provides ample opportunity for swift and honorable career advancement opportunities.

Detective         3 years

Sergeant          5 years

Lieutenant      2 years as rank of Sergeant

Captain            1 year as rank of Lieutenant

The Academy is approximately 28 weeks long and is a 40hr work week with weekends and Holidays off.  The Academy is based off the NMLEA 775hr Law Enforcement Certification.  The Sheriff’s Office also adds additional specialized training for a more comprehensive training experience with over 1000 hrs of training in total.  The major areas of training include criminal and traffic laws, patrol, criminal investigations, driving, firearms, crisis intervention and defensive tactics.

While in a Class A Uniform no visible tattoos are allowed.  This includes the hands, face and neck areas.

In a Class B or administrative uniform once approved leg and arm tattoos are allowed.

BCSO cadet’s receive a base pay of $25.30hr plus any overtime as earned in the academy.

From the initial testing date to being hired takes 3-6 months.  This depends on the number of applicants and then timeliness of you turning in the needed paperwork.

The required time on patrol is 3yrs before you can apply for most specialty units.

There are several steps that can be completed together that can make the number of trips in to town to 2 or 3 times.  The initial testing weekend consists of the written, physical, and submittal of needed paperwork.  The second trip is for the completion of the background interview, polygraph and psychological evaluation.  The third would consist of the Sheriff’s Review and medical to complete the hiring process.

The recruiters routinely travel to nearby states for recruiting events so check the websites or call a recruiter to see if we are testing in your area soon.

No, the academy has a 40hr work week schedule that allows you to go home at the end of every day.  The shift changes based on training needs from days to swing shifts.

No, the testing process is the same for all applicants.

The Sheriff’s Office supplies the duty belt and firearms for BCSO cadets.  You will need to purchase uniforms and prescribed accessories.  A detailed list will be provided upon being hired.

The county provides a uniform allowance that is paid out quarterly to help supplement the cost of uniforms and equipment.

After completion of the academy all cadets are promoted to Deputy 2nd Class.  You will be assigned to Field Services Division to complete the Field Training Program.  The program consists of 3 months of additional real-world training, followed by a month of evaluation and an additional month of solo performance.

The link to use is https://www.sss.gov/verify/

The initial testing date consists of a written and physical test.  These tests are not extremely hard, but do take preparation to pass.

The written test is rated at a 10th grade reading, writing, and math level.  This is not a hard test but if you have not worked on these specific items in a while, it might catch you off guard.  The recruiters have study guides to assist you in preparing you for the written.

The physical fitness portion is a minimum standard to enter into the process.  You have the option of coming out to a testing process as just a practice to evaluate your fitness level.