Deputy Sheriff testing

THE NEW MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS HAVE CHANGED FROM 21 YEARS OF AGE TO 18 YEARS OF AGE

The next test date is January 24, 2026; additional test dates will be added at a later time.

Starting salary is $54,766.40 and increases to $57,504.72 after completing the basic academy. Upon hire, Deputy Sheriff Recruits will work an 8‑hour shift inside the jail providing support to the watch teams until the start of the basic academy. We will consider prior experience with the required certifications:
Jailor, Courts and Civil. Salary will depend on experience.

The work as a Deputy in the Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office involves performing a variety of duties either in corrections/jail, inmate transportation, civil process, classification, records, Courts, and/or other law‑enforcement duties. Appointees work in all areas of the Sheriff’s Office and may be assigned to any unit with daily interaction with inmates. New appointees are initially assigned to our Corrections/Jail Facility.

Deputies may rotate to other areas based on the needs of the Sheriff’s Office. The majority of positions are assigned to the Corrections/Jail so the ability to transfer to other areas is minimal. Appointees work 12‑hour shifts (including days, nights, weekends and holidays) and 15 days per month. Deputies will earn full salary and benefits while training during Basic Academy and on the job training.

The Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office is accredited by the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission (VLEPSC).

• Supervising and monitoring the daily activities of inmates to include security within the Correctional Facility, inmate visits, booking/processing, program activities, food service, recreation and general work assignments;
• Managing inmate behavior and using appropriate force as necessary;
• Supervising inmates assigned to the Inmate Workforce Programs;
• Receiving and screening the public seeking admittance into the Correctional Facility; and processing inmates’ personal property and money.

All assignments include writing reports and documenting incidents. The nature of the work necessitates an element of danger and requires physical exertion and the ability to make decisions under stress. Work is performed according to the Sheriff’s Office policies and procedures and involves the potential for personal danger. The Deputy must be able to communicate effectively, solve problems, write concise reports, maintain good physical conditioning, and be able to act quickly and calmly as part of a team under potentially stressful conditions.

• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• At least 18 years of age at the time of appointment
• Possession of a valid appropriate driver’s license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia or the State of North Carolina
• Be a U.S. citizen at the time of application
• Successful completion of the selection process, including written test, physical ability test, full background investigation, face‑to‑face interview, polygraph, medical and psychological exams
• Must be classified as fit for employment by the Occupational Health Office
• Must refrain from using tobacco products on the job

Appointees must successfully complete the Basic Academy. Successful completion includes passing all phases of academic, physical (e.g., running, defensive tactics), driving and firearms training. In‑service training and firearms training qualifications are job requirements throughout employment.

Basic computer/data entry skills are required for the purposes of report writing and other documentation.

Employees work 12‑hour shifts (including days, nights, weekends and holidays).

Upcoming next test date is January 24, 2026.

Applications are received and reviewed on a first‑come first serve basis and this posting may close immediately upon receiving a sufficient number of applications and/or when the testing session becomes full. Therefore, we encourage applicants to submit your online application to secure your testing spot as soon as possible.

After you have submitted your online application, you will receive specific instructions by electronic mail about the upcoming Physical Ability Test (PAT).…