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1. What is the hiring process?

Follow all directions carefully. Failure to comply with the provided instructions may be grounds for rejection of your application:

1. Hiring Documents: Submit a fully completed Application for Employment. Be sure to sign and provide copies of all required documents.
2. Review: Submissions for current openings will be reviewed for eligibility and completeness. Incomplete or illegible applications will not be processed.
3. Testing: Applicants must pass required testing for the position. See job specifics for each position.
4. Interviews: Applicants will be selected for Oral Board and Background interviews.
5. Background: All applicants must pass a thorough background investigation and polygraph examination for the desired position.
6. Physical Examinations: Finalists for certified patrol and detention deputy positions are required to successfully pass medical, hearing, and sight examinations. Control Operators must pass hearing and sight examinations.
7. Offer: A formal job offer will be made to those individuals selected for employment.

2. How do I apply for a current opening?

To apply for employment you must submit the following fully completed hiring forms:

• Application for Employment (Available on Career Opportunities page)
• Cover Letter
• Copies of all required documentation listed on page five of the application

Hard copies of documents are available at the Sheriff’s Office or by mail.

3. Can I apply online or fax my application?

Not at this time; your original signature is required. You must complete and submit a printed application.

4. Are deputies allowed to have facial hair?

Deputies are allowed to have mustaches and beards as long as they are kept well-groomed and maintained for a professional image. 

5. What is the department tattoo policy?

Tattoos are allowed with the following requirements: While on duty, excessive tattooing, body art, or brandings shall not be exposed or visible (including through the uniform). “Excessive” is defined as any tattoo, body art, or branding that exceeds one-third of the exposed body part.

An employee shall not have any tattoos on the head, face, neck, scalp, hands, or visible teeth (excluding orthodontic appliances); unless authorized by the Sheriff. Any pre-existing tattoos, body art, or branding on any of these areas will either be removed or covered by cosmetics or clothing. 

Any visible tattoos, body art, or branding that are obscene, advocate or symbolize gang, extremist groups, drug use, or sexual discrimination shall not be permitted, unless authorized by the Sheriff.

6. What if I don't have a copy of one of the required documents listed in the application?

If you require additional time to request any of the required documents (i.e., birth certificate, diploma, social security card, etc.) from its original source, please reference the specific document missing, the reason and your estimate of the time required to obtain and submit it to the Sheriff's Office in your cover letter.

7. Why do you want my credit report and how do I get one?

Your credit history is used to complete your background investigation. You may provide a full history from any reputable credit source. A free credit report is available at Annual Credit Report.

8. Can I just send a credit synopsis report that shows my score?

No, we need a full credit report that shows all your accounts and balances. 

9. What is included in the Blaine County benefits package?

Blaine County offers a full array of benefits including:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Sick Leave
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Payroll Direct Deposit
• PERSI Retirement System
• Personal Leave
• Air St. Luke’s Family Membership
• Employee Assistance Program
• Mental Wellness Program - 911 At Ease
• Pre-Tax Medical and Daycare Cafeteria plans
• Prescription Assistance
• Supplemental Insurance Policies Available
• Available 401K, 457, and other supplemental deferred compensation plans

10. Am I eligible to apply?

Applicants must:

1. Be a citizen of the United States.
2. Be a high school graduate or have earned a GED certificate.
3. Possess or be able to possess a valid state-issued driver’s license.
4. Must meet the following age requirements:
   • Commissioned Deputy (Detention or Patrol) 21 years of age
   • Central Control: 19 years of age
   • Records Clerk or Drivers License Clerk: 18 years of age
5. Have a minimum of 2 years of any combination of responsible work experience, military service, education, or any other productive activity.
6. Not have committed five (5) or more moving traffic offenses within the past 3 years.
7. Not have been convicted of any misdemeanor sex crime, the crime of deceit, or drug offense. Any criminal probation must already have been served. General misdemeanor convictions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, however:
   • No conviction of any misdemeanor within 2 years of application (includes deferred prosecution and withheld judgments). No current pending misdemeanor case.
   • No Civil Protection Orders or No Contact Orders served or issued against the applicant within 2 years of application.
   • No D.U.I. convictions in the past 3 years (includes withheld judgments).
   • No driver's license suspensions in the past 3 years for violations relating to D.U.I., chemical test refusal, or points assessed due to moving traffic violations
   • No conviction for willful concealment or petit theft within 5 years of application.
   • No convictions for domestic battery, child abuse, stalking, or voyeurism.
   • No convictions or commission of a felony as an adult; case-by-case review of juvenile felony convictions.

8. Meet the following drug usage policy: Failure to disclose past drug usage regardless of meeting these standards will automatically disqualify you from employment.
   • NO “soft” illegal drug use in the past 3 years for certified positions (1 year for non-certified positions) – marijuana or synthetic variations such as “spice”,
     psilocybin mushrooms, gummies, or illegal use of prescription drugs, etc.
   • NO “hard” illegal drug use in the past 5 years - methamphetamines, LSD, cocaine, heroin, etc.
9. Never received a military dismissal, bad conduct discharge, or dishonorable discharge.
10. Not presently planning to file or undergoing action in bankruptcy court in any state (personal or business). Applicants must wait at least 1 year after bankruptcy before applying for a position, during which they have demonstrated fiscal responsibility.
11. Applicants must be of good moral character and not have engaged in conduct or a pattern of conduct that would jeopardize public trust in the law enforcement profession.