Hiring Process

Once your application is completed, the hiring process will continue with the following categories:

Interview Board (All Applicants)

PAT Course (Law Enforcement Officers)

The PAT is a physical abilities test (PAT). In order for you to participate in the PAT course, you must sign a Release of Liability. You must also have a Physician’s Clearance to Test form signed by a licensed physician or medical practitioner. If a physical examination is required for your physician to complete the form, please be advised that all costs will be at your expense.  Please return the forms to HR before you are scheduled to run the PAT course.  We cannot allow you to participate without these completed forms. Also, while running the PAT, you will be asked to perform various job-related field tests, which will include jumping, running, climbing, crawling, etc. Please dress in appropriate attire suitable for this type of physical activity.  We ask that you wear loose-fitting long pants with belt loops (BDU style pants) and a belt.  You are allowed to wear athletic shoes or utility boots.  It is advised that you come well hydrated.  To pass, you must successfully complete the course in 6 minutes and 41 seconds or less.

PAT Course (Detention Deputies)

The PAT is a physical abilities test (PAT). In order for you to participate in the PAT course, you must sign a Release of Liability. You must also have a Physician’s Clearance to Test form signed by a licensed physician or medical practitioner. If a physical examination is required for your physician to complete the form, please be advised that all costs will be at your expense.  Please return the forms to HR before you are scheduled to run the PAT course.  We cannot allow you to participate without these completed forms. Also, while running the PAT, you will be asked to perform various job-related field tests, which will include jumping, running, climbing, crawling, etc. Please dress in appropriate attire suitable for this type of physical activity.  We ask that you wear loose-fitting long pants with belt loops (BDU style pants) and a belt.  You are allowed to wear athletic shoes or utility boots.  It is advised that you come well hydrated.  To pass, you must successfully complete the course in 6 minutes and 41 seconds or less.

PAT Course (Fire Rescue Personnel)

The PAT is a physical abilities test (PAT). In order for you to participate in the PAT course, you must sign a Release of Liability. You must also have a Physician’s Clearance to Test form signed by a licensed physician or medical practitioner. If a physical examination is required for your physician to complete the form, please be advised that all costs will be at your expense.  Please return the forms to HR before you are scheduled to run the PAT course.  We cannot allow you to participate without these completed forms. Also, while running the PAT, you will be asked to perform various job-related field tests, which will include climbing, lifting, hoisting, etc. Please dress in appropriate attire suitable for this type of physical activity. We recommend loose-fitting long pants with belt loops (BDU style pants), a T-shirt and tennis shoes. You will be required to wear a bunker jacket, helmet, and air pack, which will be provided for you by the agency. It is advised that you come well hydrated.  To pass, you must successfully complete the course in 11 minutes and 10 seconds or less.

 

Swim Assessment (LEO Only)

LEO applicants shall be required to successfully complete a swim assessment. The assessment requires applicants to swim 25 yards in any stroke style, as well as tread water for two and a half (2.5) minutes. Required swim attire is a t-shirt and long pants. Applicants must provide their own towels. In order for you to participate in the swim assessment, you must sign a Release of Liability. You must also have a Physicians’ Clearance to Test form signed by a licensed physician or medical practitioner.  Forms will be provided to you by Human Resources.

Polygraph Examination (All Applicants)

The polygraph examination will take approximately 3 hours.  When you come for your polygraph, please make sure you are well rested (at least 6 hours of sleep).   You will be required to complete a polygraph questionnaire prior to your polygraph and bring it with you to take your polygraph examination.

Florida Blue Health Benefits Information

For Out-of-State Law Enforcement Certified or Military Members Working in Law Enforcement Specialties

If you are certified in Law Enforcement in another state, federal agency, or military, or if you have more than a four-year break in Law Enforcement certification, you may be exempt from attending the full basic recruit academy, and you may qualify for an Out-of-State Equivalency. For further information visit: http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/CJSTC/Officer-Requirements/Equivalency-of-Training.aspx

Local Information 

  • Hotel:
    Holiday Inn Express
    Approx. 16 minutes from WCSO Administration Office
    326 Coy Burgess Loop
    DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433
    (850) 520-4660
    http://www.flyvps.com
  • Airports:
    Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS)
    Approximately 54 minutes from the WCSO Administration Office
    1701 State Road 85 N.
    Eglin, AFB, FL 32542
    (850) 651-7160
    Hotel Website
  • Testing Site:
    WCSO Administration Office
    Walton County Sheriff’s Office
    10 Sheriff Circle
    DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433
    (850) 892-8186

Ride-Along: Civilians/Potential Employees

This FORM must be submitted and a background check must be completed before any ride-along can be approved.

Those seeking employment with the Walton County Sheriff’s Office or interested in participating in a ride-along can submit this form to [email protected].

Please contact our Recruitment Team for any questions you may have.