• First, start by applying for the position of Deputy Cadet here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/santafecounty. Once you apply, HR will send you a background packet to complete and schedule you for a testing date. At the testing date, you will turn in your background packet, you will be administered a general knowledge written test, followed by physical assessment. If you pass both, a background check will be conducted which can take up to 3 weeks or longer depending on your background. At the completion of the background check, you will be scheduled for a physical/medical screening and a psychological evaluation. If all the aforementioned requirements are met and passed successfully, you may receive a hire date.

• First, start by applying for the position that you would qualify for based on your years of law enforcement experience here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/santafecounty. Once HR confirms your qualifications, an interview will be set up by our command staff. You will be sent a background packet which will need to be turned in at the time of your interview. The interview will include a written test of basic police knowledge. Lateral deputies do not typically need to submit to a psychological examination, but it is considered on a case by case basis. A physical/medical screening will be administered and upon completion of everything, and a job offer may be tendered.

• In-State Applicants: Must have a current certification by the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy.
• Out-of-State Applicants: Must meet the requirements and qualify for a Certification by Waiver class through the New Mexico Department of Public Safety.

• Yes! The same lateral hiring process applies. In addition, you will need to attend the NMDPS Certification by Waiver class. More information on Certification by Waiver(CBW) here:
  • https://www.lea.nm.gov/certification-by-waiver-cbw/

• Yes. The NM DPS Training Academy is a 16-week training academy that will instruct you on everything you will need to be successful as a law enforcement officer. The Academy requires cadets to stay on campus throughout the week. A “typical” week will have you report on Sunday evening and you will live in the campus dorms until Friday afternoon, when you will be released for the weekend. You can find more information on the DPS Academy here. https://www.lea.nm.gov/basic-police-officer-training-bpot/

• The physical assessment is the minimum standards needed to begin the NM DPS Training Academy. These are standards set by the state which are also listed in their website:
• Basic Police Officer Training (BPOT)-LEA (nm.gov)
• New Rule (nm.gov)
• 15-Push Ups
• 27-Sit Ups
• 15:54-Mile and Half
• 71 seconds-300 Meter Dash

Tattoos are permissible to be shown in public, while in the duty uniform, on the following areas: Arms and Forearms only. Tattoos that are deemed offensive will be covered while in the duty uniform. Examples of offensive tattoos include, but are not limited to:

1. 1. Depictions of intolerance or discrimination against any race, religion, gender or national origin.
   2. Sexually explicit, sexist, or vulgar art, words, phrases or profane language.
   3. Initials, acronyms, or numbers that represent criminal or historically oppressive organizations (any street gang names, numbers and or symbols)
   4. Anything that depicts or endorses violence.

Tattoos or body art above the collar of the duty uniform are prohibited from being visible at all times. These areas include:

1. 1. Neck
   2. Head
   3. Face
   4. Ears

The Sheriff will make the final decision of whether body art or a tattoo violates the policy.

• Not all criminal history is an automatic disqualifier. However, certain criminal charges such as domestic violence convictions and felony convictions may prevent you from carrying a firearm. If you have any questions or special circumstances, please reach out to a recruiter at (505) 986-2402.

Must have not been convicted of or pled guilty to or entered a plea of nolo contendere to any felony charge or, within the three-year period immediately preceding his application, to any violation of any federal or state law or local ordinance relating to aggravated assault, theft, driving while intoxicated, controlled substances or other crime involving moral turpitude or public trust.

o   An applicant cannot have been convicted of a Domestic Violence Act.

o   No use in the last 2 years of any illegal misdemeanor drug (does not include marijuana)

o   Marijuana use within 12 months of applying may be disqualifying.

o   No use in the last 5 years of any illegal felony drug.

o   Any financial accounts referred to collections, written or charged off will be reviewed on a case by case basis and may result in disqualification.

o   Any history of discipline, termination or resignation in lieu of termination may be grounds for disqualification.

o   Must have not been released or discharged under dishonorable conditions from any of the armed forces of the United States.

• No. The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office provides you with all your uniforms and equipment, including firearms. Cadets are provided their duty uniform and the required uniform for the Academy. Laterals are provided their duty uniform. All deputies receive an annual clothing allowance after completion of first year of employment.

Santa Fe County is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to eligible, full-time and part-time employees who work 20 hours per week.  You will receive plan booklets, which give you more detailed information about each of these programs.

BENEFITS OFFERED

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Voluntary Life and AD&D
• Short-Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Gym Membership
• Comp Time
• PERA Retirement Plans

• The County Cares Program is an initiative aimed at promoting employee wellness, training, and development to encourage healthy choices, improve employee morale and productivity, increase retention, and enhance outreach to the public. It includes monthly professional and personal development training, health and wellness challenges, employee assistance programs, and an annual employee health fair.

• Eligible full-time and part-time employees who work 20 hours per week are eligible for the benefits package.

• Santa Fe County employees are provided with various leave benefits, including annual leave, sick leave, holidays, personal holidays, Family Medical Leave (FMLA), military leave, bereavement leave, mentorship/volunteer leave, and educational leave.  

Hours of accrual per year as follows:

• 0-1 year 80 hours max
• 1-5 years 120 hours max
• 5-10 years 160 hours max
• 10-15 years 168 hours max
• 15-19 years 184 hours max

Santa Fe County employees are provided with retirement benefits through the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA). More information can be found in the PERA handbooks.

• • https://www.santafecountynm.gov/userfiles/PERAInformation4-2014NEW.pdf
  • https://www.nmpera.org/