What Columbia County Sheriff's Office Looks for in Sworn Job Applicants
Applying for a sworn position with the Columbia County Sheriff's Office comes down to two things: submitting a complete application packet and being ready for the screening process. Here's what CCSO asks for up front, plus what they may review along the way.
Documents
- ✓ Completed and notarized sworn employment application
- ✓ Copy of your birth certificate
- ✓ Documents showing any legal name change from your birth name
- ✓ Copy of your current driver’s license
- ✓ Copy of your Social Security card
- ✓ Copy of your high school diploma or GED
Worried about handing over your Social Security number and card? CCSO notes that Social Security numbers are confidential and exempt from Florida's public records law. You still need to submit the document, but your information won't become part of the public record.
Once you apply, expect a background investigation as part of the interview process. CCSO also notes they may review your social media accounts - so anything you've posted publicly could factor into their evaluation.
- List the platforms you use - write down the social media sites you subscribe to.
- Match each site to your account - include the username for each one.
- Have it ready for your packet/interview process - CCSO asks applicants to provide this list and the corresponding usernames.
Visible tattoos won't automatically disqualify you, but they will be reviewed. The Chief Deputy (or a designee) evaluates each visible tattoo for appropriateness.
- ✓ Tattoos that depict nudity or sexual acts
- ✓ Tattoos that display obscene, racist, sexist, or vulgar words or illustrations
- ✓ Tattoos that promote, support, or identify gangs, gang activity, or gang affiliation
- ✓ Any tattoo on the head, face, neck, scalp, or hand
If your visible tattoos aren't deemed obscene, racist, sexist, or vulgar, you may be allowed to wear short-sleeve uniform shirts. Tattoos that fall into those categories must be covered - either with a commercially available cover-up sleeve that matches your skin tone, or with a long-sleeve "dry fit" undershirt matching the uniform color of the day. You'll need to purchase any cover-up sleeves or undershirts at your own expense.
Heads up: If you're required to cover a tattoo, the cover-up sleeve or long-sleeve undershirt comes out of your own pocket.
All sworn hires must sign a two-year employment agreement (effective February 14, 2014). Break the agreement early, and CCSO may seek to recover employment costs per the terms you signed. Read it carefully and make sure you're ready for the commitment before putting pen to paper.
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