Q - Please explain the separate career paths for Deputy Sheriff and Detention Officer?
A - Deputy Sheriff employees are assigned to civil process sections that require the power of arrest. Detention Officers are assigned to operations sections that do not require the power of arrest. The salary range for both positions begins at $31,054.40 and will increase when assigned to a shift. Successful completion of training is required prior to receiving a shift assignment. While on a shift these employees work a total of 86 hours per two week pay period. Cadets will attend classes 80 hours per two week pay period. This subject is covered in great detail at the applicant orientation.
Q - I am currently certified as a Detention Officer in N.C. Will I have to attend the entire academy?
A - Currently certified officers with considerable experience will not need to attend the entire North Carolina Detention Officer Certification Course ( DOCC ). This will be determined on a case by case basis. Please speak to a recruiter for more information.
Q - I am a currently certified Deputy Sheriff in North Carolina. Will I be required to attend the Detention Officer training academy and maintain dual certifications ?
A - Yes. Sheriff Pendergraph requires all Deputy Sheriff employees to maintain a North Carolina Detention Officer certification. This training is provided at no expense to the employee. Of course those currently holding a certification would not need to attend the Detention Officer Certification Course.
Q - If I apply and am hired as a Detention Officer, will I be able to become a Deputy Sheriff in the future?
A - No. It is imperative that an applicant discuss their long term career goals with a recruiter prior to becoming actively involved in the process. Detention Officer is "not" a stepping stone to Deputy Sheriff.
Q - Will I be reimbursed for expenses associated with the application process?
A - No. Applicants are responsible for providing all required documents associated with the application process.
Q - I live in another state. How will that effect my application process?
A - A large majority of applicants are from other states or outside the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area. We do our very best to minimize trips by consolidating appointments into one day. An "out of area" applicant can expect to make approximately three trips during the four to six week process. This is true for both Deputy Sheriff and Detention Officer applicants. Out of area applicants average a total of three trips during the application process -- the orientation, the interview, and for their polygraph and medical exam. A long continuous trip prior to any appointment is not recommended.
Q - If I am not selected, will I be told why?
A - Most applicants have an accurate idea of why they were not selected for employment or denied further continuance in the process. Should the reason for denial revolve around a certification issue, we will try our best to clarify this with the applicant. The Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office is not obligated by law to provide detailed information of this nature.
Q - What does the training academy consist of and are cadets paid while attending?
A - New employees hired for certified positions will attend a ten week Detention Officer Certification Course. ( D.O.C.C. ). This training will be held at the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office Training Academy and is provided at no cost to the employee. This is a para-military style academy and also includes unarmed self defense tactics, pepper spray, and baton training. All cadets will be required to satisfactorily participate in daily physical training activities such as long distance runs, weight room work and callisthenic exercises.
Yes, all cadets are employees and being paid while attending the academy.
Q - I am certified in another state. Will you honor my current out of state certification?
A - The Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office does not recognize certifications issued by other states. Training will be provided to Detention Officers. Applicants interested in Deputy Sheriff positions must possess a Basic Law Enforcement Certification(BLET) prior to submitting their application. All Deputy Sheriff employees must also hold a North Carolina Detention Officer Certification. Those applicants who do not possess the North Carolina Detention Officer Certification will be required to attend the MCSO Detention Officer Certification Course.
Q - Soon I will be graduating with a four year degree in Criminal Justice. I am already certified. Can I reasonably expect an assured position with the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office?
A - No. A college Degree in Criminal Justice or current certification is a plus but does not guarantee a graduate will be hire based on the degree / certification alone. All applicants for any position must successfully complete the application process in order to be considered for hire.
Q - I am interested in a career with the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office but I have had previous criminal convictions. I have also had charges that were dismissed. Will this affect my chances for employment?
A - All applicants are required to meet current recruitment standards. A previous conviction does not necessarily mean disqualification however anyone convicted of a Felony need not apply.
Details concerning the application process are available on this web site. Speak to a recruiter if you have concerns about meeting current standards.
Q - I do not live in North Carolina. Am I still able to be an employee of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office?
A - The Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office does not penalize its employees for residing in other states. However, employees must reside within a 50 mile radius of Jail Central, located at 801 East Fourth Street, Charlotte, NC 28202.
Please consult a recruiter with all other questions you may have concerning employment with the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office.
