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qualifications

Knowledge of: 

Must have knowledge of county geography. Must be able to learn how to use specialized equipment, including firearms, communication devices, and computers.


Ability to:

Communicate effectively, both verbal and written, are essential. Must be capable of establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers and the general public. Ability to meet deadlines under severe time constraints is required.

becoming a Sheriff deputy cadet

This job pays at an hourly rate of $29.00

Serves in a training capacity for the purpose of observing and assisting experienced Deputies in order to be evaluated for suitability for performing County law enforcement duties.

  1. Accompanies an experienced County law enforcement officer in routine residential and commercial patrols;
  2. Observes and assists in investigations of motor vehicle accidents, crimes against property and violent crimes;
  3. Observes and assists in traffic control duties and traffic code enforcement including issuing citations; operates vehicles in routine and emergency situations;
  4. Receives training in reports preparation and other general duty police work; and may testify in court.

Education:

    • High school diploma or equivalent.

Other Requirements:

    • Must be 21 years of age by the time of graduation from New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy.
    • Must have a record clear of felony convictions of crimes involving moral turpitude, and establish New Mexico residence within six (6) months of hire date.
    • Must pass a written test, physical agility test, psychological exam, background investigation, drug/alcohol and physical screening, if applicable.
    • Must be a U.S. citizen

Environmental & Physical Conditions:

Work is performed in both an office setting and outdoors, in varied weather conditions. Work schedule shall include shift, evening, weekend, holiday and on-call hours. Travel is required. May require arduous physical exertion under vigorous and unusual conditions. Must be able to drag 175 lbs. for 15 feet and lift up to 50 lbs. Manual and finger dexterity required. May be subject to cuts, bruises, scrapes, burns, broken bones, insect and/or animal bites, germs, bacteria, viruses, environmental allergens, gases and fumes. May be subject to exposure to CRT’s and VDT’s. May be subject to life threatening situations.

 

 

Selected candidate must submit to and pass a County paid pre-employment physical and drug/alcohol screening. Additionally, selected candidate must submit to and pass a county paid criminal background screening and psychological exam. Selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Class D Driver’s License as incumbent shall be appointed to drive a County vehicle during the performance of his/her duties. Selected candidate must successfully pass and receive certification as a Law Enforcement Officer through the State of New Mexico Department of Public Safety within one year of employment. Subject to random drug and alcohol screening.

WE'RE HIRING!

  • Community outreach and a healthy work/life balance
  • Comprehensive benefits and employee development
  • State-of-the art safety equipment and facilities 
  • Ample resources to solve real-life problems

meet our administration

Frequently asked Questions

  • 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 at this point.
  • 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 maybe tendered.
  • 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/
  • 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.
  • 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 uniform stipend after completion of first year of employment.
  • 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.

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The mission of the Santa Fe Sheriff’s Office is to provide quality services in recruitment, employee development, employee relations, benefits, compensation, and human resources operations with integrity and responsiveness to support Santa Fe County goals.

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