Frequently asked questions
Q. How long is the academy?
A. 22 weeks
Q. Do I have to live at the academy?
A. No. The general academy schedule is Monday - Friday, 8am-5pm, with a few minor exceptions.
Q. How physical is the academy?
A. FLATROCK Regional Training Facility requires intermediate physical fitness, and encourages cadets to be in peak physical condition to avoid injury.
Q. Is there an age cutoff?
A. No. We have had many senior cadets successfully complete the academy.
Q. Do I have to pay for the academy?
A. No. Cadets hired by the Adams County Sheriff's Office are sponsored by the agency. Not only that, the Adams County Sheriff's Office pays Adams County Cadets while they complete the P.O.S.T. certification courses.
Q. Do I have to sign a contract?
A. Yes. We ask cadets being sponsored to attend the FLATROCK Regional Training Center academy to commit 2 year to the Adams County Sheriff's Office. The 2 year contract includes the 22 week academy.
Q. Do I have to start at the Jail?
A. We require all trainees to complete the Jail FTO(Field Training) program. The Jail FTO program typically takes 3 to 4 months to complete. After successfully completing the Jail FTO program you are eligible to put in a transfer request to Patrol. Agency Lateral Deputies without patrol experience will also be asked to complete the Jail FTO program before advancing to the Patrol Division.
Q. Do you do ride-alongs?
A. Yes. Please email [email protected] to request a ride-along.
Q. Do you do tours?
A. Yes. Please email [email protected] to request a tour of any of our Adams County Sheriff's Office Facilities. Citizens requesting a tour will be subject to a modified background check.
Q. Does the Adams County Sheriff's Office provide deputies take-home cars?
A. No. There are many career advancements that the Adams County Sheriff's Office Staff are provided a take-home car. For safety purposes, and vehicle availability, Patrol deputies are not provided take home patrol cars.
Q. Does your agency hire lateral officers?
A. Yes. Lateral Officers with patrol experience are allowed to start on patrol at the discretion of the Sheriff. Lateral Officers without patrol experience will be asked to first complete the Jail FTO process and request a transfer after training is completed successfully.
Q. Does the Adams County Sheriff's Office do shift bids?
A. No. Patrol operates on an 'every 4 months' rotating schedule. Patrol has three shifts; days, swings, and nights. The Jail Division operates on an 'every 3 months' rotating schedule, rotating from days to nights.
Q. What are the Adams County Sheriff's Office personal appearance standards?
A. All personnel are expected to maintain a clean and professional image. Hairstyles, including facial hair(sideburns, mustaches, and beards) are permissible as long as they do not detract from a professional appearance. Visible tattoos are allowed so long as they do not exceed above the collar and are not offensive, provocative, gang related, or distasteful.
Q. What equipment do I have to provide if I am hired?
A. The Adams County Sheriff's Office provides nearly all of the required equipment to begin your career in law enforcement. Purchases required by deputies include; firearms and boots.
Q. How long does the hiring process take?
A. Scheduling the written exam is up to you for your convenience. The Adams County Sheriff's Office typically holds Cadet / Lateral Deputy oral board interviews twice a month, and all other position oral board interviews once monthly. If an applicant proceeds past the oral board interview step, you are requested to provide a detailed packet to begin the background investigation process. If all of the requested documents and details are adequately provided, background investigations will take between 45 and 60 days. We strive to have your onboarding complete by 120 days or less.
Q. Do you do provide virtual interviews for out of state applicants?
A. We allow individuals who live 100 miles or further, to complete a virtual interview for any position.
Q. Can you lateral to a specialized unit?
A. No.