Question 1

What kind of career advancement opportunities are available at WCSO Recruiting?

Accepted Answer

We offer a range of career advancement opportunities, including specialized training programs, leadership development programs, and promotions to higher ranks within the Wake County Sheriff's Office. Please visit our Careers page for more information.

Question 2

Do you accept Lateral Deputy and Detention Officers?

Accepted Answer

If you are certified in the State of North Carolina and have been employed with your current agency for at least 18 months, Wake County Sheriff's Office will accept the Lateral Transfer. 
Out of state law enforcement transfers with at least 2 years full-time experience may qualify for challenging the State Exam. 
Speak with One of our Recruiters/Investigators; we will be happy to talk you through the process of what you need to complete.
Email: Sheriff.Recruting@wake.gov or Phone: 919-856-6983

Question 3

What is the typical schedule for a Deputy Sheriff?

Accepted Answer

All new Deputies will be assigned to Courthouse Operations. Most of the schedules within this division are 0830-1715. After gaining experience in Courthouse Operations, you may move to various divisions with many different schedules. Speak with a recruiter for more details on specific divisions you are interested in.

Question 4

What shift and schedule does Detention work?

Accepted Answer

Most new Officers will start on night shift.  Once on shift if you’d like to change shifts a request can be put in, request will be approved when able in the order they are turned in. 
The schedule is a modified dupont. One week you will do 12 hour shifts on Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. The next week you will work 12 hour shifts on Wednesday and Thursday only.  Depending on the month you will work 14-16 days, earn a full paycheck, and have plenty of time to spend with the family or work overtime if you choose.

Question 5

How old do I have to be to apply?

Accepted Answer

Detention Officers must be at least 20 years of age and Deputy Sheriff applicants must be 21 years of age. Telecommunicators and civilian employees must be 18 years of age.

Question 6

Is there a tattoo policy?

Accepted Answer

All members must take into consideration the affect their individual tattoos may have on the community members they are interacting with and the communities they are working in.  Members who have tattoos, brands, and/or scarifications are responsible for ensuring that they are not offensive.  If questionable, decisions on the perspective or location of a tattoo, brand, scarification, and/or its direct or perceived offensiveness should be directed to the Sheriff who may convene the Professional Appearance committee for review.

Question 7

Is there a beard policy?

Accepted Answer

Male Detention Officers and Deputies are allowed to have a beard that is less than a 1/2 inch in length and kept groomed. 
While in the BLET or DOCC training academy, males will be required to shave.

Question 8

If hired is there anything I need to buy?

Accepted Answer

No Wake County will provide your uniforms, gear and even your shoes.

Question 9

Can I apply if I have speeding tickets?

Accepted Answer

Yes, talk to your Recruiter/Investigator for more details. All pending charges will need to be resolved prior to hiring.
Email: Sheriff.Recruting@wake.gov or Phone: 919-856-6983

Question 10

If I have a misdemeanor, can I still apply?

Accepted Answer

This depends...
For certified positions, serious misdemeanors must have been more than 5 years ago. You can not have more than 3 total misdemeanor charges, regardless of the disposition or expunction.

Question 11

I have a Felony; can I still apply?

Accepted Answer

No; if you have committed or been charged with a felony offense, you are not eligible to be certified by the Sheriff's Education and Training Standards Commission.

Question 12

Does Wake County Sheriff's Office offer BLET Sponsorships?

Accepted Answer

We do not provide sponsorship to BLET programs at local community colleges. Instead, we offer an in-house BLET Academy in which you will be a full-time paid employee.

Frequently Asked Questions