Hiring Process

Step-by-step from application to job offer.

Overview

The DeSoto County Sheriff's Office uses two distinct hiring tracks: one for sworn law enforcement (Deputy Sheriff/Patrol) and one for Communications Dispatchers. Both begin with an in-person application at our Hernando administrative office and end with a conditional job offer pending medical and drug screening.

Steps are completed in the order listed. Time-to-hire varies based on background investigation findings, scheduling availability, and academy or training class start dates.

Choose Your Track

Click into the track that matches the position you're applying for. Both tracks share the same starting point but diverge based on the role's training, certification, and screening requirements.

Patrol (Deputy Sheriff)

10-step process for sworn law enforcement positions.

  1. Submit an Application In person at 3091 Industrial Drive West, Hernando, MS 38632. Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.
  2. Physical Fitness (PT) Test Standardized fitness assessment to verify candidates meet the minimum physical readiness standard for patrol duties.
  3. Written Test Evaluates reading comprehension, writing, situational judgment, and basic reasoning skills.
  4. Polygraph Examination Verifies the truthfulness of background information disclosed on the application.
  5. Staff Interview Panel interview with command staff to assess fit, motivation, and decision-making.
  6. Background Check Comprehensive criminal history, employment, education, financial, and reference investigation.
  7. Interview with the Sheriff Final interview with Sheriff Thomas E. Tuggle II.
  8. Conditional Job Offer Offer extended pending successful completion of medical and drug screening.
  9. Medical Assessment Physical examination to confirm the candidate is medically cleared for the duties of a sworn deputy.
  10. Drug Test Pre-employment drug screening.
After hire: non-certified deputies attend the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers' Training Academy (MLEOTA). Already-certified deputies enter field training directly.

Communications (Dispatcher)

9-step process for E-911 dispatcher positions.

  1. Submit an Application In person at 3091 Industrial Drive West, Hernando, MS 38632. Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.
  2. Two-Hour Dispatch Observation Optional but strongly encouraged. Sit alongside a working dispatcher to see the role firsthand before committing to the hiring process.
  3. Typing Test Verifies the typing speed and accuracy needed to enter call data while talking with callers.
  4. National Dispatcher Selection Test Industry-standard pre-employment exam covering reading comprehension, listening, problem solving, and prioritization.
  5. Personality Assessment Identifies traits that align with the high-stress, multitasking demands of public-safety telecommunications.
  6. Background Check Comprehensive criminal history, employment, education, and reference investigation.
  7. Conditional Job Offer Offer extended pending successful completion of medical and drug screening.
  8. Medical Assessment Physical examination to confirm the candidate is medically cleared for shift work in a 24/7/365 communications center.
  9. Drug Test Pre-employment drug screening.
After hire: new dispatchers complete in-house training on CAD, NCIC, radio protocol, and call handling, plus required state and federal certifications.

Note: The Two-Hour Dispatch Observation is the only optional step in either process. All other steps are required and must be passed in order to advance.

What to Bring on Application Day

Applications are taken in person only. Plan to spend 30–60 minutes completing paperwork on site.

Ready to Get Started?

Download the application, review the requirements for your position, and bring it with you to begin the hiring process.

Download Application

Position Details & Benefits

Review the role you're applying for and the full benefits package before your application appointment.

Deputy Sheriff → Dispatcher → Benefits →