Hiring Process

You have submitted your application. Here are the next steps in becoming a Deputy with the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office.

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Physical Test

How to prepare yourself

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Testing Dates:

Once a large enough group is acquired for a particular test date, that date is removed from the website and is NO LONGER AVAILABLE; this does NOT mean that the test date is canceled. You are required to show up for the test date that you have been approved for unless you send an e-mail correspondence requesting a change/cancellation OR you are advised that the date has been changed by the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department Recruiting Unit. 

It is in your best interest to start the application process as early as possible. You will be scheduled for the test date that you have selected only after your pre-employment forms have been approved. When a suitable candidate pool has been developed for this process, all testing will be closed.

October 19

Time: 8:00 AM

November 9

Time: 8:00 AM

November 23

Time: 8:00 AM

Hiring Workshop:

Understand the process before you begin. This is a stress-free informational workshop about our hiring process. Receive study material for the written exam, learn how to prepare for the physical fitness test, be informed about the polygraph and the psych exams.

The Hiring Stages

Step 1:

Pre- Questionnaire and Test date Selection

Step 2:

National Deputy Sheriff Test (NDST) and Physical Fitness Test

Step 3:

Complete the Personal History Statement and Personnel Integrity Questionnaire.

Step 4:

Background Investigation

Step 5:

Polygraph

Step 6:

Oral Board Interview

Step 7:

Psychological Evaluation

Step 8:

Sheriff Review

Step 9:

Medical Evaluation

Step 10

Upon Acceptance

Pre- Questionnaire and Test date Selection

The pre-questionnaire helps to answer any quick questions we may have about your background to smooth out the hiring process. At the bottom of the questionnaire are the upcoming testing dates where the physical assessment and written test are completed. See steps 2 and 3 for guidance for these.

National Deputy Sheriff Test (NDST)

This test is an assessment of reading, writing and arithmetic that are important for successfully learning and performing an entry-level, law enforcement position.

Applicants may order the “National Deputy Sheriff Test (NDST) Online Test Candidate Orientation Guide” by clicking the following link: Orientation Guide.

The NDST Candidate Orientation Guide is a helpful tool to prepare for the exam and can be downloaded as a PDF file and saved or printed. Payments can be submitted via a PayPal account or on FPSI’s site using a credit/debit card. Once payment is submitted, the download link will be located on the order details-checkout status page. Applicants must pay close attention to ALL instructions on both FPSI and PayPal’s websites to access the instant download successfully!

Physical Fitness Test

Agility run, push-ups, sit-ups, Aerobic Power, Anaerobic Power

Cadet Assesment Requirements

  • 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

Agility Run Course Map

Lateral  Assessment Requirements

Lateral Officer Physical Standards
NMDPS Rescue Courses

 

Pursuit and Control Officer is seated in his/her vehicle with seatbelt in use and wearing a 10-pound weight belt around waist to simulate gun belt. As the timed exercise begins the officer will:

A – Undo seatbelt and open the vehicle door.

B – Run 30 feet and open building door.

C – Cross threshold (4 feet) and run up two flights of stairs and pause for 60 seconds. Rise & Run of 7″x11″ is standard, 8″x10″ or 6″x12″ are acceptable variations. Standard floor landings are 10′ high. It is appropriate, if only one floor is available, to run up, run down, run up and pause for 60 seconds. There is no restriction on how the officer negotiates the stairs. Run down the stairs and out the door.

D – Run 100 feet from door to a 5-foot-high platform, run up steps to the top of the 5-foot platform and jump down. A ladder or ramps are acceptable variations to getting on top of the platform.

E – Run 37.5 feet, turn & reverse, run 37.5 feet, turn & reverse, run 25 feet to a 6 foot high wall and scale it. The wall is constructed of cinder block, unpainted with a smooth top. If the applicant chooses, he or she may drag a rigid aid or object 10 feet from the side of the wall and use it as a platform to scale the wall. The rigid aid or object will have handles, a flat top, weigh 50 lbs. and be 25″ tall.

F – After scaling the wall, run 50 feet to a handcuff/arrest simulator, pull arms down, touch ends and hold for 60 seconds. Arrest simulator is 5′ high with 60-lbs. resistance in right arm and 40 lbs. in left arm.  End of exercise. 

Time – 3 min. 5 sec. 

 

Rescue Officer is standing at starting point wearing a 10-pound weight belt around waist to simulate gun belt. On signal the officer will:

A – Run 30 feet straight ahead and jump across a 4-foot-wide barrier. The barrier is low to the ground, e.g., ditch, highway divider, etc.

B – Run 12.5 feet and climb, jump or hurdle over a 3-foot-high barrier. The barrier is to resemble a fence or low wall, no more than 4″ wide and at least 8′ long made of metal or wood.

C – Run 12.5 feet to the back of vehicle equivalent to a full-sized police vehicle and push it 30 feet on a flat surface in the direction of a clear area where a victim extraction will take place. The car is occupied by a dummy (victim) wearing a seatbelt and weighing 190 lbs. + or – 10 lbs. The dummy must meet standards established by the NMLEA.

D – Approach victim’s door, open the door, undo seatbelt, pull victim out of the vehicle and drag them 20 feet perpendicular to the direction of the vehicle. End of exercise. 

Time – 42 sec.

Complete

The Personal History Statement and Personnel Integrity Questionnaire.

These forms are completed online once you have passed the initial testing weekend. These forms are the start of your background investigation and serve as your resume for the process.

Background Investigation

Your background investigation will be conducted by a member of this agency. A thorough investigation is a long process and you must understand that your file may not be the only background the investigator has. Your background may take up to 4-6 weeks to complete, please be patient.

Polygraph

To verify information placed on the applicants PIQ/PHS, this test measures simultaneous electro dermal, cardiovascular and respiratory responses utilizing formats approved by the American Polygraph Association.

Oral Board Interview

The oral board interview is a professional interview with you and three members of the department, a deputy, a sergeant, and a lieutenant. Dress appropriately and think before you speak.

Psychological Evaluation

The psychological evaluation is a two segment examination lasting approximately 4 hours. The examination consists of a lengthy multiple choice written exam and one on one interview with the department psychologist.

Sheriff Review

Interview with the Sheriff and Command staff.

Medical Evaluation

The medical examination will be conducted by a department appointed physician. A complete physical including but not limited to vision, hearing, heart, blood work will be conducted.

Upon Acceptance

Cadets and Court Security Specialists:

  • Will continue to the Academy

 

Laterals:

  • Will work with a Field Training Officer.