The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office offers an exceptionally competitive entry-level salary and benefits package.  We also account for experience and offer competitive lateral hire pay. As a Deputy Sheriff’s career progresses, they are eligible for step increases on our pay table and opportunities for advancement become available. Please take a moment to review the benefits outlined below.

Salary

The current salary for a Deputy Sheriff is:

• Hourly/Annual - $28.50 / $59,280.00 (minimum)
• Hourly/Annual - $43.96 / $91,431.27 (maximum)

Health Care

As a member of the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, you have the option of participating in one of the Blue Cross/Blue Shield insurance plans, as well as the dental and vision plans. Along with these plans, there is the option of life insurance and county provided short-term disability insurance.

Retirement

From your first day of employment, you will be participating in the Kansas Police & Fire retirement system. Your contribution amount in the system is 7.15% of your gross pay. You can find additional information at www.kpers.org.

Deferred Compensation Plans

Deferred Compensation, 457(b) is a voluntary retirement plan that offers a tax deferred option to fund your retirement. The plan consists of several different investment options. Along with this deferred compensation plan, Johnson County will set up a secondary deferred compensation plan, 401(a), where a matching contribution will be made.

Vacation and Holiday Leave

As members of the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, vacation leave is earned at the rate of 4 hours per pay period, (24 pay periods). The rate earned increases with longevity, earning 7.25 hours per pay period (24 pay periods) starting year 20. You also receive Holiday Pay for working on holidays designated by Johnson County.

Sick Leave

You earn sick leave at the rate of 4 hours per pay period (24 pay periods). Your unused sick leave will accrue and at your retirement, a percentage of the unused sick leave will be paid to you, up to, but not exceeding the cap set by the county.

Education Assistance

To assist you in continuing your formal education, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office offers Education Assistance, with reimbursement for courses in a degree program that are from an accredited college. 

Relocation Reimbursement

Johnson County will pay for moving expenses that are necessary and reasonable for bringing new employees to the Sheriff's Office. Moving expenses will be reimbursed up to $2500.00 for those who currrently reside more than 150 miles from Johnson County. 

For additional information on benefits, please check out the Johnson County 2023 Benefit Guidebook.

Prospective deputy sheriff applicants must meet all of the minimum requirements:

• Must be 21 years of age at time of appointment.
• High School diploma or G.E.D. Certificate.
• Honorable Discharge from Military (if applicable, Veteran's preference is available for applicants providing a DD-214 indicating an honorable discharge).
• United States Citizen.
• Must be able to operate a motor vehicle and possess a valid driver’s license with limited traffic record.
• Any usage of non-prescribed drugs must have been limited and not recent.
• Applicants will have to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screen.
• May not have any felony convictions, or other restrictions per KSA 74-5605 or its equivalent under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Must be of good moral character.
• Average or above average physical condition with weight in proportion to height. No physical or mental condition that hampers performance and causes unnecessary risk to oneself or the community. Able to walk, run and stand for extended periods of time. Must be able to transverse or climb irregular surfaces. Must be able to complete a physical agility test.  For more information, you can find out what to expect for your physical agility test to help you prepare.
• Must have full range of motion, be able to operate Sheriff’s Office firearms and be able to participate in all aspects of physical training.
• Normal hearing and sense of smell.
• Eyesight requirement of 20/20 or correctable to 20/20 in both eyes. Full color vision or corrected color vision certified by a physician. Night and peripheral vision required.
• Demonstrate responsibility and stable behavior in their past employments, financial history, personal relationships and personality.
• Applicants must be able to read, write and speak English fluently.

Residency:

• The Sheriff’s Office does not have a residency requirement 

To begin the application process for a Deputy Sheriff position, navigate to the Johnson County Human Resources website, www.jocogov.org. Click on the “Careers” tab at the top of the page which will take you to the “Career Opportunities” page, click the link titled “Jobs Open to the Public”. You can scroll or use the job search tabs at the top of the “Jobs Open to the Public” page to find the listing for “Deputy Sheriff” and click the link to start the process  (Note: There will be several steps and pages in the initial application. If you need a step by step tutorial please click HERE.)

After completing the initial application process the system will generate an e-mail to the e-mail address you provided giving you further instructions. If you do not receive an e-mail, please check your “Spam” folder. You will be receiving multiple e-mails from Johnson County, KS ([email protected]) over the next couple weeks so it would benefit you to set your e-mail server to accept e-mails from this address.

You will receive additional e-mails with instructions on how to continue on in the process if you have met all the minimum qualifications.

If you have not heard from our Personnel Division within 7 - 10 business days after submitting your application, please contact us at 913-715-5526.

Employment Application

• Within five business days after completing the initial application process through Johnson County Human Resources website, you will be sent an e-mail from Guardian Alliance with a link to the Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ).  This PHQ must be completed in detail and submitted electronically. The PHQ is a comprehensive document covering all aspects of an applicant’s background. Applications will be reviewed for completeness.

Civil Service Test

• This entry-level National Deputy Sheriff Test™ (NDST™) consists of the following sections: Mathematical Reasoning, Writing Ability, Situational Judgment/Human Relations, Reasoning/Analyzing and Reading Comprehension. The Civil Service Test is designed to measure critical constructs required for successful job performance as a Deputy Sheriff.

Panel Interview

• A standardized panel interview will be conducted to assess the applicant’s personality, character, work habits, motivation, qualifications and various other matters relevant to the position.

Polygraph

• Applicants will be interviewed by a Sheriff’s Office polygraph examiner. The polygraph examination will explore information provided on the application and information relating to the personal interview.

Background Investigation

• An in-depth background investigation will be conducted. During this phase, referenced and non-referenced individuals will be contacted regarding your employment history, associations to include family, friends, and neighbors. Your work history, driving record, financial record, as well as any civil or criminal history will also be reviewed. Our efforts are designed to gain a comprehensive understanding of the applicant to ensure only those candidates who have demonstrated the highest values are selected. Candidates must exemplify the highest moral and ethical standards.

Physical Agility Test

• It is a fair and objective test based on the job description of a Deputy Sheriff and EEOC guidelines of fair testing. The essential functions test will have a specified amount of time in which to complete the testing.  The test determines your ability to meet or exceed the minimum requirements of a Deputy Sheriff. Test participants should wear loose athletic clothing and shoes.

Physical/Drug Analysis

• As part of the conditional offer of employment, applicants must successfully pass a physical exam and drug screening test.

Psychological Interview

• As part of the conditional offer of employment, a psychologist retained by the Sheriff’s Office will evaluate the results of the psychological tests and will interview each applicant. The psychologist will evaluate each applicant’s interpersonal skills, personal traits and other factors that have a relationship to the successful performance of law enforcement duties.

Sheriff’s Hiring Board

• Applicants will be interviewed by a Sheriff’s Hiring Board, which consists of command staff officers, who will make a recommendation concerning employment as a Deputy Sheriff.