Hiring Process

The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office testing process takes approximately six to eight weeks. Here is an overview of the process for patrol and detention deputies. View the Hiring Workflow Chart (PDF).

Written / Physical Testing

Once your application has been submitted and screened, you may then be invited to participate in the written and physical readiness testing.

Deputy applicants must meet the following Physical Fitness Requirements:

Physical Fitness Requirements (PDF)

We strongly recommend that you prepare/practice for the physical testing requirements.

Oral Board Interviews

Once the applicant has passed the written and physical tests, he/she will be invited to be interviewed by a panel of Sheriff’s personnel.

Background Check

Applicants who pass the oral board interview will be asked to submit to a comprehensive background check. Applicants who possess the following criminal history are automatically disqualified:

Automatic Disqualifiers (PDF)

To prepare for the background check, you will want to have the following information ready (not an all-inclusive list):

Contact information of family and friends
Driving history
Education
Employer contact information
Military service
Past employment
Previous residences
References

It is important that applicants are forthcoming and thorough in providing background information.

Medical, Psychological & Polygraph Examination

For sworn positions, if a contingent offer of employment is made, applicants must pass a medical/physical evaluation, a psychological evaluation, and a polygraph examination. Kootenai County pays for the direct cost of these examinations. The medical and psychological evaluations are not required for Emergency Communications Officer (911) or civilian positions. Deputies must meet the following Vision/Hearing Requirements (PDF).

Idaho POST Certification

Kootenai County pays for employees’ Idaho POST Certification, and continued education requirements. Employees must obtain their certification within their first year of employment. Kootenai County pays for tuition, lodging, meals, and travel.