Norfolk Sheriff's Office aligning with Military hiring age of 18

NORFOLK, Va. (Jan. 31, 2018) — You can join the military at 18 years old, and now, you can become a Norfolk Sheriff’s Office deputy too. The Norfolk Sheriff’s Office will be promoting that update at the city’s winter career fair, Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Tidewater Community College Student Center located at 310 Granby St.

The Norfolk Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications to hire deputies who are 18 years old and above. In the past, deputies were required to be at least 21 years old. But as law enforcement recruiting continues to struggle nationwide, sheriffs and police chiefs are finding new ways to attract more qualified candidates with a passion for public service.

“The Norfolk Sheriff’s Office is a values-driven team committed to public safety, public service, and public trust,” Sheriff Joe Baron said. “We are recruiting young adults who share those same values, and are interested in beginning a long, fulfilling career in law enforcement.”

The Norfolk Sheriff’s Office has a thorough hiring process to ensure candidates are well suited for careers in law enforcement. It includes background and reference checks, a polygraph examination, drug tests, medical examinations, and fitness assessments. New recruits are also assessed and monitored as they go through the three-month academy process.

“As a military community, there is a passion for public service in so many families in Hampton Roads. At the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office, we are committed to training the next generation of leaders in public safety, and we are proud to have a new leadership development program in place to help with that goal,” Sheriff Baron said.

Candidates are required to have a high school diploma or GED, and a valid Virginia or North Carolina driver's license. The starting salary for a deputy is $33,637, plus benefits. Interested candidates can apply online at Norfolk-Sheriff.com.