Join the Clackamas County Sheriff's OfficeFrequently Asked Questions for Patrol and Corrections Deputy Applicants
Following are answers to some common questions about the hiring process for Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Patrol and Corrections Deputy Applicants. If you have any additional questions, you can send an e-mail to sheriffsjobs@co.clackamas.or.us or call the individuals listed at the bottom of this page.
Q. What type of commitment is required of me to have a successful career in law enforcement?
A. Law enforcement can be a very rewarding and challenging career selection -- offering excitement and opportunities for personal growth. A career in law enforcement is also a significant commitment -- including challenging emotional situations and time constraints in your personal life.
Clackamas County provides 24/7 law-enforcement services to county citizens. If you're up for the challenge, this is an excellent career choice -- a choice that can be made even better with the support of friends and family.
Q. How do I know which opening to apply for within the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office?
A. Patrol openings are for Deputy positions not in the Clackamas County Jail. Corrections openings are for Deputy positions within the jail only. To determine if you should apply for a Recruit or Lateral position please see the job announcement for specific requirements and details.
Q. When will I hear from your office regarding my application status after I submit my online application?
A. You will receive notice from us by U.S. Mail/email within two weeks after the closing date of the job posting.
Q. Will you ever contact me by email?
A. Yes. In the interest of sustainability, Clackamas County sends most recruitment correspondence via email. It's a good idea to check your email regularly so you don’t miss anything.
Q. I'm already a certified Corrections Officer, Deputy, or Police Officer from another State -- and I'm interested in applying for a lateral position with Clackamas County. Will my certification transfer so I don’t need to attend the academy again?
A. The State’s Department of Public Safety Standards & Training (DPSST) will review your previous training and determine if additional or abbreviated training must be completed to be certified in the State of Oregon. You should still apply if interested as this takes place later in the application process.
Q. What are the steps in the screening process after I have submitted my application for Deputy Sheriff, Recruit?
A. The steps are as follows. You must successfully pass each step in order to progress to the next step in the screening process.
STEP 1. First, we ensure that you meet minimum qualifications for the position.
STEP 2. An Ergometrics test. This includes a test with video and multiple-choice components, and (for Patrol-deputy applicants) incident observation.
The applicant's completed Statement of Personal History (SPH) is collected at this step. You will need to bring a completed Statement of Personal History (SPH) to the written/video based Ergometrics test. To print your SPH, please download this PDF -- which also contains tips and instructions on filling out the Statement of Personal History.)
STEP 3. A case-report exam. During the case-report exam, applicants type out an essay-formatted case report, using a case-note summary sheet that we provide.
STEP 4. An oral-board interview. The oral-board interview is a panel interview during which each applicant is asked the same set of questions, with responses rated and scored.
STEP 5. A Sheriff's Office “in- house” interview, along with other post-job offer tests.Note: Your background investigation may be conducted at any point after your Statement of Personal History is collected.
Q. What are the steps in the screening process after I have submitted my application for Deputy Sheriff?
A. The steps are as follows. You must successfully pass each step in order to progress to the next step in the screening process.
STEP 1. First, we ensure that you meet minimum qualifications for the position.
STEP 2. A case-report exam. During the case-report exam, applicants type out an essay-formatted case report, using a case-note summary sheet that we provide.
The applicant's completed Statement of Personal History (SPH) is collected at this step. You will need to bring a completed Statement of Personal History (SPH) to the case- report exam. To print your SPH, please download this PDF -- which also contains tips and instructions on filling out the Statement of Personal History.)
STEP 3. An oral-board interview. The oral-board interview is a panel interview during which each applicant is asked the same set of questions, with responses rated and scored.
STEP 4. A Sheriff's Office “in- house” interview, along with other post-job offer tests.Note: Your background investigation may be conducted at any point after your Statement of Personal History is collected.
Q. What are the steps in the screening process after I have submitted my application for Corrections Deputy and Recruit Corrections Deputy?
A. The steps are as follows. You must successfully pass each step in order to progress to the next step in the screening process.
STEP 1. First, we ensure that you meet minimum qualifications for the position.
STEP 2. REACT test. This includes a test with video and multiple-choice components.
The applicant's completed Statement of Personal History (SPH) is collected at this step. You will need to bring a completed Statement of Personal History (SPH) to the written/video based REACT test. To print your SPH, please download this PDF -- which also contains tips and instructions on filling out the Statement of Personal History.)STEP 3. A case-report exam. During the case-report exam, applicants type out an essay-formatted case report, using a case-note summary sheet that we provide.
STEP 4. An oral-board interview. The oral-board interview is a panel interview during which each applicant is asked the same set of questions, with responses rated and scored.
STEP 5. A Sheriff's Office “in- house” interview, along with other post-job offer tests.
Note: Your background investigation may be conducted at any point after your Statement of Personal History is collected.
Q. Are there any study aids I can use for the written/video-based test -- Step 2 in the screening process listed above?
A. The test is designed to be a common-sense test that should not require any prior preparation. However, the testing company does provide study aids for the Patrol test. These can be found online at this link.
Clackamas County has not evaluated these training materials for effectiveness -- nor do we require you to purchase them.
Q. How can I use my Veteran’s points I've earned under Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 408.230-408.235?
A. You may use Veteran’s points if you send in your DD 214 Member 4 or DD 215 and proof of disability, if applicable, prior to the close date of the job opening.
Please see the "ONLINE QUESTIONNAIRE" section of the job opening for further instructions on the use of Veteran's points.
Q. If I'm selected for the position for which I applied, how long will it take until I'm possibly hired?
A. It can take several months before you may be extended a conditional offer by the Sheriff’s Office.
The testing phases are scheduled over a several-month period -- and you may be on the eligibility list for some time before your name may be referred for a department (“in- house”) interview.
Once you are given a conditional offer, there are several more tests you must take and pass prior to beginning your new job.
These tests include the following:
- For Patrol applicants: psychological examination, medical, and drug testing.
- For Corrections applicants: psychological examination, medical, and drug testing.
Q. What types of tests will I be asked to take as an applicant for Patrol/Corrections Deputy?
A. You may be asked to take several tests that can include: written/video based testing; incident observation testing; case report exam; oral board (panel) interview; and Department “in- house” interview, psychological examination, medical, and drug test.
If you pass oral-board examination portion of testing for Patrol positions, you will be required to pass the Oregon Physical Abilities Test (ORPAT).
Q. When will I have to take the Oregon Physical Abilities Test (ORPAT)?
A. This test may be conducted after the eligibility list is established.
Q. What's involved in the Oregon Physical Abilities Test (ORPAT) for Patrol-deputy candidates?
A. For a breakdown of this test, download this PDF, provided by DPSST. You can also learn more about ORPAT by visiting this link.
Q. Can I use my Police Officer Selection Test (POST) test score I received while testing with another jurisdiction?
A. No. We do not use the POST test in our testing process.
Q. If I take the written/video based test for a Patrol or Corrections position, can I use the same score to apply for the other?
A. No. You must apply for each job opening separately in order to be considered. The test that we administer is different and specific to each classification.
Q. I am not going to be able to make it to the test dates posted in the job announcement. Is there a way to re-schedule?
A. Due to the high volume of applicants, we are rarely able to make scheduling accommodations for testing or oral board interviews. Individual requests will be considered by the Department of Employee Services for reasons such as military obligations, court subpoenas, etc. Proof required. If you are not able to attend please call us so we can permit you to re-apply and test with the next testing cycle.
Q. What type of background investigation is required to be employed as a Patrol/Corrections Deputy with the County?
A. A comprehensive background investigation will be conducted by the Sheriff’s Office -- and you must successfully pass it to move forward in the application process.
Your background investigation will consist of an evaluation of all information related to the 14 Department of Pubic Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) job dimensions. These dimensions are: dependability, problem-solving ability, observation skills, integrity, learning ability, judgment under pressure, communication skills, appearance, interpersonal sensitivity, willingness to confront problems, desire for self-improvement, interest in people, operation of a motor vehicle, and credibility as a witness in court.
Q. Who will the Sheriff's Office talk to while conducting my background investigation?
A. The Sheriff’s Office may contact anyone you have known, been associated with, or are suspected to have known during the background investigation. They will typically investigate from present back to 18 years of age.
Q. Am I able to find out the status of my background investigation while it is in progress?
A. No. The Sheriff’s Office is unable to provide status updates for applicants that are going through the background investigation process.
Q. How long does the background investigation take?
A. Your background investigation may take up to approximately eight weeks. During this time the Sheriff’s Office will notify you if the background investigator needs any additional information and you should respond quickly.
Q. Can I find out why I was not successful in passing my background investigation?
A. No. The Sheriff’s Office is unable to provide specific information regarding the reason you have failed your background investigation. You will be asked to sign a waiver to ensure that individuals that provide information to the background investigators are guaranteed the right to confidentiality for the information they provide.
Q. Can I apply for both Corrections and Patrol positions at the same time?
A. Yes. You may have active applications with both divisions and be on our "eligibility list" at the same time.
Q. What is the "eligibility list" -- and how do I get on it?
A. The eligibility list is our ranked list of qualified and vetted applicants for jobs, sorted by a numeric score system.
To get on the eligibility list, you will need to pass all phases of the application process, and then your score on all phases will be weighted and used to create a final total score. This final score determines your rank on the eligibility list.
Q. How long will I be on the eligibility list once I am placed on it?
A. You will remain on the eligibility list for a minimum of six months and typically not more than one year. Please see the job announcement for the position you are applying for exact timelines.
Q. Why don’t I find out what my rank is on the eligibility list once it’s established?
A. Your rank on the eligibility list may change while you are on it for a number of reasons -- for example other individuals on the list may be hired, withdraw, or fail background investigations.
Q. What if my address or phone number changes during the application process or while I am on the eligibility list?
A. Updating your contact information is your responsibility. Please log back into the "Candidate Gateway" online application system and update your contact information. If you are in the Department Interview phase or working with a background investigator, please also notify Kay Lattos (503-785-5162) from the Sheriff’s Office, as well.
Q. As a Patrol or Corrections recruit, what type of training will I receive once I'm hired?
A. You will receive extensive training prior to working independently.
A portion of this training will require that you attend the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) academy and pass it successfully.
Once you return to the Sheriff’s Office, you will work with a Field Training Officer during the Field Training and Evaluation Program (FTEP) until you have successfully completed all phases of training. During this time, you will be serving on a one-year new-employee probationary period.
Q. If I am selected for hire as a recruit, how long will it be before I attend the DPSST academy?
A. Once you have passed all required testing and have been hired on by the Sheriff’s Office, you will be registered for an opening at the DPSST academy as soon as possible. You may begin with some pre-academy training with Sheriff’s Office personnel and then go to the academy -- completing your Sheriff's Office training when you return.
Q. What can I expect if the Sheriff’s Office sends me to the DPSST academy?
A. Visit this link to read a detailed description of student life and regulations at the DPSST academy.
Q. As a Sheriff's Office employee, will I be represented by a Union?
A. Yes. Our Corrections Deputies and Patrol Deputies are members of the Clackamas County Peace Officers Association union (POA).
To learn more about the union, visit www.clackamascountypoa.com.
To review a PDF of the POA contract, click here.
Q. What type of benefits will I be eligible for at the Sheriff's Office?
A. To review a benefits summary, please click here to read a PDF.
In addition, see the union contract for other benefits and incentive pays.
Q. Do I get to select which shift I’m assigned to work and which days I’ll have off?
A. Shifts may be rotated every six months. Time shifts are requested by a shift bidding schedule based on seniority for Recruits, Corrections Deputies, and Patrol Deputies.
Q. How can I be assigned to work in a special division such as Marine, K9, SWAT, Search & Rescue, the jail's CERT team, etc.?
A. You must successfully complete your probationary period and typically have a couple of years of service prior to being eligible for consideration for a special unit. If there is an opening in one of these special divisions, the Sheriff’s Office will select the most competitive candidate.
Q. How can I be promoted to a supervisory position such as Sergeant or Lieutenant?
A. If there is an opening for one of these positions, a recruitment will be conducted by the Department of Employee Services (DES), and the most competitive candidate will be selected.
Q. For which "contract cities" does the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office currently provide law-enforcement services?
A. We currently provide law enforcement services to the following cities within Clackamas County: Happy Valley, Wilsonville, Damascus, and Estacada. Deputies who are assigned to work these areas may drive a city- specific car and wear a city-specific uniform while on duty.
Q. Who can I contact if my questions aren’t answered here?
A. You can ask questions by sending an e-mail to sheriffsjobs@co.clackamas.or.us, or by calling the following individuals:
- Ivy Markesino, HR Analyst, (503) 742-5495, for questions regarding Patrol recruitments.
- Anthony Cesario, (503) 742- 5489, for questions regarding Corrections recruitments.
- Kay Lattos, Sheriff’s Office, (503) 785-5162, for questions regarding the SPH, background investigations, and training.