Entry Level Deputy Job at Harris County Sheriff's Office in Houston

The Entry Level Deputy position is open to external candidates who are currently enrolled and active in a Basic Peace Officer Course (BPOC) program at a licensed outside academy, have an active Texas Peace Officer License in good standing, or are eligible for commissioning upon completion of BPOC.

New Requirements

• Must be currently enrolled and active in a Basic Peace Officer Course (BPOC) program at a licensed outside academy
• Must hold an active Texas Peace Officer License in good standing or be eligible for commissioning upon completion of BPOC
• Valid Texas driver’s license and auto liability insurance
• Must successfully complete pre-employment PAT and firearm testing
• Must successfully complete an entire law enforcement background investigation
• Must pass Physical and Psychological evaluation as required per TCOLE
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen
• Eyesight must be correctable to 20/20 vision, standard color and peripheral vision; correctable normal audible range in both ears
• Employment is contingent on successfully passing the Entry Level Deputy training
• Training will include firearms proficiency evaluation and diagnostic; additional training will be offered if required

Candidates who meet all requirements and successfully complete all steps of the pre-employment process will be placed on an eligible list. Selections for any upcoming classes will be based on current eligible lists and conducted by the chain of command.

Application Process

1. Submit a complete job application documenting education, experience, and veteran status. An incomplete application will not be considered.
2. Qualified applicants will be contacted to schedule testing: complete an obstacle course in 2:15 minutes or less and firearm qualification.
3. TCOLE requires a thorough background investigation, which may include a polygraph. Selected candidates will complete the online Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ) and upload required documents. An Investigator will contact candidates for an interview. Delays may result in removal from the pre-selection list if not completed promptly.
4. Based on available positions, candidates will be sent for Physical and Psychological evaluations per TCOLE licensing requirements.
5. Selected candidates will be contacted at least two weeks before the Academy start date to complete the transfer process.

Documents Required with Application

• Social Security Card
• Driver’s License (front and back)
• Proof of Education: High School Diploma or Transcript, GED Certificate or College Transcript (sealed original transcripts may be required at background investigation)
• DD-214 Military Discharge form (if applicable) (copy of original)
• TCOLE Peace Officer license

Documents must be uploaded to the application before submitting. Original documents will be required at the background investigation interview along with three (3) letters of recommendation (recent date, original signature, and contact information).

Salary Schedule And Incentive Pay

• The Harris County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) provides its employees the ability to obtain TCOLE Peace Officer Certification advancements at no cost through the HCSO Academy.

Citizenship Exceptions

• Must be a permanent legal resident
• Must be an honorably discharged veteran with at least two years of active service (DD-214 required)
• Must provide evidence of applying for United States Citizenship

Additional Job Details

• Seniority level: Entry level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Other, Information Technology, and Management
• Industries: Law Enforcement

Notes: The posting may include additional lines about the role and related opportunities. All content reflects information related to the Deputy position with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Other job postings listed are separate opportunities in the area.

Location: Houston, TX