Q) Where is your Academy?

A) Our Academy is currently housed on Kirtland Air Force Base.

Q) Do I have to live at the Academy?

A) Our Academy is NOT a live-in Academy. You get to go home every night. Also, the majority of the Academy is four 10-hour days.

Q) If I fail part of the testing, when can I retest?

A) If you fail the written portion, you cannot retest until next years Academy. If you fail the physical portion you get one retest a month later. If you fail the retest you have to wait until next years Academy

Q) Do I have to buy my own gun and equipment?

A) No, the department issues your gun, vest, belt and most necessary equipment. You will only need to purchase uniforms and footwear. A quarterly clothing allowance is issued to cover these costs.

Q) What is a "Lateral"?

A) A Lateral is a member of another department with three our more years experience wishing to transfer to ours. This happens frequently as we have an extremely competitive wage and our training, equipment, and work conditions are some of the best in the Country.

Q) How long is your Academy?

A) Our Academy is currently 29 weeks long. It is followed by three months of on-the-job training where you ride with experienced training officers. You are paid through the Academy and during on-the-job training.

Q) Does Military time count towards retirement?

A) Military time does not automatically transfer to your BCSO retirement. You can; however, purchase Military and "Air" time for up to a five year total.

Q) Can I work other jobs during the Academy?

A) No, you cannot. It is not allowed by department policy and we would not recommend it anyway. The Academy is extremely demanding and will require you full attention. Once off probation, you may put in a request for outside employment.

Q) Do BCSO Deputies have to start off or work in the jails?

A) No. BCSO Deputies start off as patrol Deputies and after a few years can begin applying for inside positions. We do not staff the jails in any way.

Q) What specialty units does BCSO offer?

A) We are a full-service Law Enforcement agency. We have most specialty units you can think of including, SWAT, K-9, Narcotics, CSI, Detectives, Air unit, Traffic and ERT.