How to Become a Sheriff for Palm Beach County
Becoming a sheriff requires skill, training and hard work, but can be a rewarding career with multiple benefits. There are a few requirements to become a Palm Beach County Sheriff. It's important to read these requirements prior to paving your way to success.
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Things You'll Need
- 19 years of age or older
- Valid driver's license
- High school diploma or GED
- Internet access
Instructions
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Know the minimum requirements. You must be at least 19 years of age with a high school diploma or GED. You must also be a US citizen with no felony convictions and no misdemeanor convictions for perjury or false statement. These are just the basic requirements you will need to work for the sheriff's office.
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Register for testing. You will need to register at your local college for the Basic Motor Skills Test (BMST), Criminal JusticeBasic Abilities Test (CJBAT) and Swim Test. The BMST requires a trigger pull, standing broad jump, vehicle push, half-mile run and an obstacle course. The swim test consists of a 50 yard swim fully clothed. You can usually take practice tests and purchase helpful books on taking the tests. Ask your college when these practice tests are and if they have the books available for purchase.
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Submit your driving background and criminal background, if any. You must submit your driving history for every state you have held a license in the past seven years. In addition to the driving history, you must also provide court dispositions and police records for any criminal offenses you may have. This can be found at your local courthouse and local DMV
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Go online to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office (PBSO) and register and submit your application. There is usually a multi-faceted hiring process which can include a pre-screen interview, a structured oral bond, a polygraph test, a drug test, psychological screening, background investigation and a medical exam. This can take anywhere from 8 to 10 weeks. If you pass this part, you will then attend academy training for approximately 22 weeks. However, you are paid while attending the academy.
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