Since becoming sheriff, I have implemented hiring standards at the BCSO that far exceed state mandated minimum standards. There is no field more worthy or rewarding than public service and I expect the men and women of the BCSO to be of the highest caliber. I encourage young people in high school and college who want to achieve their personal and professional best to consider public service. The BCSO accepts employment applications from individuals who have a desire to pursue a career in law enforcement, but will only hire those who meet stringent new qualification guidelines.

The BCSO routinely conducts pre-employment testing for positions in the Patrol and Corrections Divisions. If you or anyone you know are interested in becoming part of the BCSO team, I hope you will take time to apply. You can download an application packet from the BCSO web site (www.bradleysheriff.com), or stop by the Sheriff’s Office at the Bradley County Justice Center, located at 2290 Blythe Ave.

The purpose of pre-employment screening is to begin identifying applicants who meet BCSO qualifications. Only 20 applicants will be accepted for each testing session, so the first 20 to return completed applications and sign up for the sessions will be tested on any given date. (Check the pre-employment screening schedule I have included at the end of this column.)

My requirements for employment as a patrol or corrections deputy may seem a bit stringent to some people, but I feel strongly that those who are charged with enforcing the law should be an example for others. They should be held to a high standard and not just everyone who applies will be chosen.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age with a high school or equivalency diploma. Priority consideration is given to those with college degrees, military and law enforcement backgrounds. Additional requirements apply to applicants for law enforcement positions certified by the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission, and correction positions certified by the Tennessee Corrections Institute. However, all requirements for employment are listed in the application packet. Specific benefits are outlined in section 300 of the Bradley County employee handbook which can be found on the Bradley County website (www.bradleyco.net).

For those who are interested, I will walk you through the hiring process.

First, we must receive a completed application which will be reviewed and screened to determine if there are any obvious disqualifying factors. And yes, spelling, grammar and the manner in which information is presented are all factors we take into consideration. The applicant will be advised of the next available written examination test date. On that date, a written examination will be administered and scored. As openings come available, the top-scoring applicants will be selected for an interview.

Once the interviewing process is completed, the best applicants will then undergo a rigorous background investigation. This background investigation consists of financial background checks, criminal background checks, employment background checks, etc., including a polygraph examination to further screen for disqualifying factors, such as drug use and criminal associations. Incidentally, the BCSO is one of only a few law enforcement agencies in the region that use a polygraph in the screening process. After successful completion of the background investigations, the applicant will be scheduled for a physical examination to be administered by a licensed physician, as well as a PT test, a psychological exam and a drug screen.
Those applicants who successfully complete all the testing I have mentioned will be eligible for employment with the BCSO when a budgeted position is available. If hired, they will then be placed into the field training program. Newly hired deputies who have not already completed a basic police academy will be scheduled to attend the basic police academy or the Tennessee Corrections basic training program based upon division assignment. All deputies must be POST Certified or TCI Certified for the jail.

This is not an easy process. Finding the right person is difficult and time-consuming. Law enforcement is a demanding career with responsibilities that demand we not compromise our standards. We are fortunate to have top-of-the-line deputies who have undergone the process and are now patrolling our streets investigating crime or working in the correctional facility.

The rigorous screening process allows us to hire solutions, not problems. Finding those with the backgrounds needed is an investment in our future, which is why competitive salaries and benefits are a must. I am proud to have increased deputies’ starting salaries at the BCSO to more competitive levels. We have more to do, but it was a start.

But patrol and corrections are not the only positions that are needed at the BCSO. Although there are no openings as of this writing, you are welcome to submit applications for clerical positions, bookkeeping, data entry, maintenance, housekeeping and auto mechanics.

Again, I cannot think of a higher calling than public service. If you think you would enjoy a career in law enforcement, I hope you will visit us here at the BCSO and begin the process.
For more information, call (423) 728-7300. The Bradley County Sheriff's Office is an equal opportunity employer.

Pre-employment Testing Schedule:

September 9, 2008
December 9, 2008

March 10, 2009
June 9, 2009
September 15, 2009
December 8, 2009