Deputy Sheriff Trainee - BLET Cadet

Salary : $46,383.00 Annually Location : Winston-Salem, NC Job Type: Full Time Job Number: 355-26 Trainee Department: Sheriff Opening Date: 03/02/2026 Closing Date: 4/3/2026 11:59 PM Eastern General Statement of Duties Do you have a passion for serving your community? The Sheriff's Office is seeking committed and dedicated individuals interested in a rewarding career in law enforcement to join our team! Selected candidates will be hired as Deputy Sheriff Trainees and attend Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) as Forsyth County Sheriff's Office employees. NOTE: This is a competitive selection process with limited spots available. Applicants who submit ALL requested documentation in advance of stated deadlines will receive priority consideration. The candidate selection process requires successful completion of a reading comprehension assessment and the North Carolina Police Officer's Physical Abilities Test (POPAT) to be held at the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office and will include a thorough background check establishing North Carolina law enforcement certification eligibility. Candidates selected for hire will be compensated at a reduced "trainee" rate of pay until they successfully complete BLET. At that time, additional incentives offered for completed higher education, relevant certified work experience, and active-duty military service will be applied. All new hires will be required to sign a contingency agreement before attending BLET.PLEASE BE ADVISED: Submissions for consideration will be for the 2026 Fall BLET Class and would require candidate availability for hire in June 2026. Distinguishing Features An employee in this class performs various duties in one of the major divisions of the Sheriff's Office, including uniformed patrol, civil, courts, school resource officer, and criminal investigation. After becoming familiar with the duties, this employee is expected to exercise independent judgment and discretion in varying situations. Considerable tact and firmness are required in dealing with the public. The employee is subject to the usual hazards of law enforcement work. Work is performed under general supervision and is subject to direct supervision on new and complex assignments. Work is evaluated in conferences, by observation, and by reviewing records and reports. Schedules vary depending on assignments. Minimum Education and Experience Graduation from high school or GED (high school equivalent) and completion of NC Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET). Must meet standards set by the North Carolina Sheriff's Standards and Training Division. All applicants must successfully pass a rigorous background process that includes but is not limited to, a criminal records check, polygraph exam, psychological/medical screening, pre-employment physical fitness testing, and standardized reading comprehension test. Must possess a valid NC driver's license. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Patrols an assigned area of the County, answers complaints and requests for assistance, investigates crimes and disturbances, interviews witnesses, questions suspects, gathers and preserves evidence, makes arrests, and testifies in court. Serves various types of civil papers; explains briefly the meaning of papers being served; conducts the sale of personal and real property at public auction; ensures the proper amount of money is collected. Maintain safety and security for students, staff, and administration to ensure the learning environment within the school system; Opens and closes courts at designated times; maintains order in the courtroom; assists defendants in completing affidavits; swears defendants in; seats jury in place when selected; escorts trial jury to jury room when directed by a judge; assists and escorts grand jury. Prepares papers for and assists in the transportation of prisoners; escorts prisoners to court and maintains custody there; escorts defendants to clerk's office to pay fines; prepares the necessary papers for defendants ordered into custody by the courts, obtains release orders, searches prisoners and logs property, records arrests. Cooperates with law enforcement personnel of other governmental agencies in making investigations and arrests. Transports prisoners, mental patients, and intoxicated persons to institutions for confinement or treatment; provides transportation in certain emergencies. Provides protective escort; maintains order at public gatherings. May operate speed detection devices or breath analyzers. Prepares and maintains daily reports concerning criminal activity; prepares related reports as requested. Assists in preparing crime prevention programs; develops contacts among local community organizations and businesses; and conducts seminars. Performs related work as needed. Click to view information. Click to view information. These links do not apply to positions that are Part Time, no benefits. 01 The following supplemental questions may be used as a scored evaluation of your knowledge, skills, and experience. Be sure that your choices correspond to the information you have provided on your application. Please be as honest and accurate as possible. You may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a work sample or during a hiring interview.By completing this supplemental evaluation, you attest that the information you provided is accurate. The hiring manager may review any information you provide. Any misstatements or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration or result in dismissal. "See resume" is not an acceptable answer to the questions. Yes, I understand and agree No, I do not agree 02 Are you a U.S. Citizen, or have you been Naturalized? Yes No 03 Are you at least 20 years old? Yes No 04 Are you a High School Graduate, or do you possess your GED? Yes No 05 Do you possess a valid Driver's License, or can you obtain one immediately? Yes No 06 If you answered "yes" to the previous question, provide your driver's license number and state of issue.Put N/A if this response does not apply to you. 07 Have you ever been convicted of a felony? Yes No 08 Have you ever been convicted of ANY criminal offense, even if it was expunged? Yes No 09 If you answered "yes" to the previous question, what was the offense and when did it occur?Put N/A if this response does not apply to you. 10 Have you used marijuana in the last 12 months? Yes No 11 If you answered "yes" to the previous question, please provide the MONTH and the YEAR you last used.Put N/A if this response does not apply to you. 12 Have you used Cocaine, LSD, Heroin, Steriods, Ecstacy, or any other illegal drug (excluding marijuana) within the last five (5) years? Yes No 13 If you answered "yes" to the previous question, please provide the MONTH and the YEAR you last used. Put N/A if this response does not apply to you. 14 Upon completing BLET successfully, are you willing to assume ANY position as needed to meet the agency's needs? Position assignments may include but are not limited to Court Security, Patrol, School Resource Officer, etc. Yes No 15 Are you willing and able to work nights, weekends, and holidays when they fall during your regular schedule? Yes No 16 Are you currently working for (in any capacity), or have been separated for more than one (1) year from another Law Enforcement Agency? Yes No 17 If you answered "yes" to the previous question, please list the agency you are, or have been, associated with and, include how many years of experience you have.Put N/A if this response does not apply to you. 18 Are you willing or able to sign and enter into a contingency agreement (contract) with the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office for a pre-determined amount of time following the successful completion of the BLET program? Yes No 19 Do you understand and accept that Deputy Trainees/BLET Cadets will be paid a reduced compensation rate (10% below base) until they have completed and graduated from the BLET program? Yes No 20 Do you understand and accept that by submitting this application, you are available and agree to complete reading comprehension and physical (POPAT) assessments at the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office (Winston-Salem, NC) to be scheduled within the next 6 weeks? Yes No 21 Do you understand and accept that by submitting this application, you are requesting consideration for a spot in the 2026 Fall BLET class? Yes No Required Question

Created: 2026-03-04