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Frequently Asked Questions | JoinJSO.com

What is the difference between the JSO Academy program and the Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) program?


The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office program is a full-time position that pays a salary while you obtain your state certification.

The FSCJ program is a community college course that is non-paid and allows you to obtain state certification on your own time.
 

What are the qualifications for a police officer, corrections officer or court bailiff?

 

How do you become a crime scene investigator?


All crime scene investigators are fully sworn police officers. They are classified as detectives. After you have worked as a patrol officer for two years, you are qualified to apply for a transfer to this unit.
 

Are there any physical requirements?


Applicants are required to successfully pass a physical ability test.

When will the next police and corrections officer classes begin?


Classes are ongoing throughout the year. Contact a recruiter for more detailed information by emailing JSORecruiter@jaxsheriff.org or call the Recruitment and Selection Office at 904.713.4870.
 

How long is the Academy?

  • Police Officer
    • If a candidate is already a certified police officer, then the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Police Orientation Training class will run approximately 10 weeks.
    • If a candidate is not certified, then the Academy program is approximately 12 months.
  • Corrections Officer
    • If a candidate is already a certificed corrections officer, then the Academy class will run approximately two weeks.
    • If a candidate is not certified, then the Academy program is approximately three and a half months.
  • Court Bailiff
    • Bailiffs must possess Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) certification for Basic Law Enforcement (BLE) or Corrections.

What are the educational requirements to become a police officer?


Must have completed one of the following:
  • Four years of continuous active military service documented with a DD 214, or
  • Four years of full time law enforcement experience, or
  • Four years of service in the military reserves and an Associate’s degree or equivalent (60 semester / 90 quarter hours / official transcripts required), or
  • Two years of full time law enforcement experience and an Associate’s degree or equivalent (60 semester / 90 quarter hours / official transcripts required), or
  • Five years of continuous full time employment and an Associate’s degree or equivalent (60 semester / 90 quarter hours / official transcripts required), or
  • Four years currently employed as a full time civilian with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and an Associate’s degree or equivalent (60 semester / 90 quarter hours / official transcripts required), or
  • Four years currently employed as a Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Correctional Officer, Community Service Officer, Certified Bailiff, or Judicial Officer, or
  • Two years currently employed as a Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Correctional Officer, Community Service Officer, Certified Bailiff, or Judicial Officer and an Associate’s degree or equivalent (60 semester / 90 quarter hours / official transcripts required), or
  • Possess a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (official transcripts required)
  • Successful completion of the Edward Waters University "3+1" Criminal Justice program 
    For more information, please visit: https://www.ewc.edu/departments/criminal-justice-and-forensic-science/

Do you get a salary and/or benefits while attending the Academy?


The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office program is a full-time position that pays a salary while you obtain your state certification. Benefits are available after 90 days of employment.

The Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) program is a state college course that is a non-paid position which allows you to obtain state certification on your own time.
 

What are the physical expectations at the Academy?

Physical training is required throughout the training process including running, push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, etc. Defensive tactics training is also required.
 

What are the academic requirements throughout the Academy?

While attending the Academy each recruit must maintain an 80-percent pass rate to successfully graduate. Upon graduation, each recruit must pass the state exam with a minimum score of 80-percent.
 

Does the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office offer Equivalency of Training (EOT)?


The Florida State College of Jacksonville (FSCJ), in conjunction with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO), offers Equivalency of Training (EOT) for those applicants that meet the minimum requirements for the program and who wish to work for the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. EOT courses are held at the Northeast Florida Criminal Justice Center (Police Academy) in Jacksonville, FL three to four times a year. If you believe you are eligible for the EOT program and wish to find out more information, please contact Greg Strickland with FSCJ at gregory.strickland@fscj.edu. Additional information regarding employment and opportunities with JSO after completion of EOT training can be obtained by contacting Officer F. Williams at 904.476.5072 for more information.


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