Selection Process

The selection process consists of two written exams, a physical agility exam, an oral interview, a background investigation, a polygraph examination, a psychological examination, and a medical examination.

Upon satisfactory completion of these requirements, all qualified applicants will be submitted to the sheriff for final selection.

Nelson-Denny

The Nelson-Denny reading test is a reading test which is used to determine the applicant's vocabulary, comprehension, and reading rate. It consists of two timed segments, the first being 15 minutes and 80 questions. The second part is broken into two segments: the first segment is a one minute reading rate test and the second segment is a 19 minute 36 question comprehension exam.

Law Enforcement Selection Inventory (LESI)

The Law Enforcement Selection Inventory (LESI) is an eighty-item measure of cognitive ability designed specifically to select law enforcement personnel. LESI items test math, reading, logic, grammar, and vocabulary skills needed to pass the academy and perform such duties as writing reports, testifying in court, and investigating accidents and crime scenes. Ninety minutes will be allowed for this test and a score of forty-seven correct is needed to pass. The use of calculators will not be allowed. The test is broken down into four sections: math, vocabulary, grammar, and logic. Should you fail either written exam, you must wait until the next testing process before you will be allowed to re-test.

Physical Agility

The physical agility consists of 5 separate physical agility tests all performed on the same day. Applicants are given 15 minutes to stretch then will be required to perform the flexibility test: the sit-and-reach. After a 5-minute rest period the test continues with a 1-minute sit-up test. After another 5-minute rest period you will take a 1-minute push-up test. Again, after a 5-minute rest period, applicants will run the 300-meter sprint. After the sprint there is a 15-minute rest period prior to running the timed 1.5-mile run.

Because all exercises are performed in secession it is recommended that as you prepare and practice, run all exercises in order with the rest periods.

Should you fail any portion of the physical agility, you have failed the entire exam. You will be given one opportunity to retest. You will need to reschedule with a recruiter within 4 weeks. Be aware that if you have failed any portion of the exam you must retake the entire physical agility exam.

Oral Board Interview

The oral board interview is a professional interview with you and three members of the department, a deputy, a sergeant, and a lieutenant. Dress appropriately and think before you speak.

Submit PIQ and PHS

If you pass the oral board interview you will be given two sets of forms to complete and return: The Personal Integrity Questionnaire (PIQ) and the Personal History Statement (PHS). You must complete and return the forms within one week. If not returned, your file will be deemed inactive. The sooner you return the completed forms the sooner your background investigation can begin.

Background Investigation

Your background investigation will be conducted by a member of this agency. A thorough investigation is a long process and you must understand that your file may not be the only background the investigator has. Your background may take up to 4-6 weeks to complete, please be patient.

Polygraph

A pre-employment polygraph screening examination will be conducted by a licensed polygrapher in accordance with New Mexico state law, in order to verify information placed on the applicants PIQ/PHS. This test measures simultaneous electrodermal, cardiovascular and respiratory responses utilizing formats approved by the American Polygraph Association.

Psychological Evaluation

The psychological evaluation is a two segment examination lasting approximately 4 hours. The examination consists of a lengthy multiple choice written exam and a one on one interview with the department psychologist.

Medical Examination

The medical examination will be conducted by a department appointed physician. A complete physical including but not limited to vision, hearing, heart, blood work will be conducted.