Deputy Sheriff

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Requirements

The Clinton County Civil Service Commission conducts annual testing, including physical fitness, written exam and interviews. This one-day event is traditionally held locally on a Saturday. Watch our Facebook page for information about when testing is scheduled.

Qualifications

Per Iowa Administrative Code 501.2.1, to qualify for the position of Deputy Sheriff with Clinton County, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be a citizen of the United States and a resident of Iowa or intend to become a resident upon being employed
• Be 18 years of age at the time of appointment
• Have a valid driver's or chauffeur's license issued by the state of Iowa
• Be not addicted to drugs or alcohol
• Be of good moral character as determined by a thorough background investigation
• Have successfully passed a physical test adopted by the Iowa law enforcement academy
• Be not by reason of conscience or belief opposed to the use of force, when necessary to fulfill that person's duties
• Be a high school graduate with a diploma, or possesses a GED equivalency certificate
• Have an uncorrected vision of not less than 20/100 in both eyes, corrected to 20/20
• Meets hearing standards
• Be examined by a licensed physician or surgeon and meets the physical requirements necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of a law enforcement officer
• In addition, all candidates must be able to satisfactorily perform the essential functions listed in the Deputy Sheriff Job Description.
• Successfully pass fingerprints, a thorough background investigation, drug screen test, MMPI and M-PULSE test.

Minimum Job Requirements

Applicants must be 18 years of age, hold a valid state driver’s license, either be a high school graduate, hold a GED or (HiSET) High School Equivalency Test certificate, be a U.S. citizen and be a resident of Iowa or intend to become a Clinton County, Iowa resident upon being employed with the Sheriff’s Office in order to apply.

Physical Fitness Standards

The performance requirements to pass each physical fitness test are based on gender and age, as provided below.

*Females in excess of 49 years of age may do push-ups on their knees

1 Minute Sit-Up Test

This is a measure of the muscular endurance of the abdominal muscles. It is an important area of performing tasks that may involve the use of force and is an important area for maintaining good posture and minimizing lower back problems. The score is in number of bent leg sit ups performed in 1 minute. Hands must remain on or about the head, in the up position, elbows should touch the knees or upper portion of the thigh, in the down position, the back must come down so that shoulder blades touch the floor. Legs may be held for assistance.

1 Minute Push-Up Test

This test requires pushing one’s own weight off the floor. This measures the amount of force the upper body can generate and is an important area of performing tasks requiring upper body strength. The score is calculated by the number of push-ups performed in 1 minute. The body is supported by the hands and feet touching the ground, with legs straight and off the ground. The chest must come down and touch a first placed under the individual’s chest, and then the arms must go to full extension to complete the push-up.

1.5 Mile Run Test

This is a timed run to measure the heart and vascular system’s capability to transport oxygen. It is an important area of performing tasks involving stamina and endurance and to minimize the risk of cardiovascular problems. The score is in minutes and seconds.

Written Exam

The written exam consists of four timed sections, which include mathematics, reading comprehension, grammar and report writing skills. In preparation for the written exam, Stanard and Associates, Inc. offer a study guide and an online practice exam. The exam is based on a high school education level.

Study Materials

Deputy Sheriff Training

All new deputies are required to successfully complete the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy Basic Training program within their first year of employment. This 16-week rigorous training program prepares recruits for their peace officer duties and responsibilities.
 
The Clinton County Sheriff’s Office also requires new deputies to complete the Jail and Patrol Field Training Officer (FTO) Programs within the agency. Deputies have the opportunity to expand their experience with in agency by being on the Special Response Team (SRT), K-9, Investigations, D.A.R.E and/or Bike Patrol.