A career in law enforcement is about service to others. It's a commitment to justice and protecting and serving the greater good in our communities.

To be considered for employment as a Sheriff's Officer, candidates must pass a written exam called the Law Enforcement Examination (LEE) administered by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. Those interested in a career in law enforcement can find additional information on the Commission’s website at: www.state.nj.us/csc/

Criteria to become a Sheriff's Officer:

Minimum Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship
• Minimum age requirement 18 years
• Educational pre-requisite – High School Diploma
• All males must register with selective service

Must complete the following:

• Pass the (LEE) Civil Service exam for Sheriff's Officer
• Intensive background check
• Psychological examination
• Physical examination
• Interview by the appointing authority (Sheriff)

Upon selection, you must complete training at a certified police academy. For more information about the Mercer County Police Academy, go to: https://www.mccc.edu/policeacademy/mission.html

Promoting Diversity in Law Enforcement Recruiting and Hiring

To effectively serve the public, it is essential to strive for a workforce that reflects the diversity in our communities and that we successfully interact with all community members. The Mercer County Sheriff's Office has a very high level of diversity - of that, we are most proud. The Sheriff's Office stands firm for equality, particularly in hiring, training, and assignments for duty. The Sheriff's Office does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, etc. The agency strictly follows the directives of the State Attorney General on such matters to the fullest and best of its ability. While nearly all hiring comes under the strict jurisdiction of the NJ Civil Service Commission and their testing procedures, our agency has a diverse group of officers.

The Mercer County Sheriff’s Office will continue to explore more ways to advance and diversify its various units and community policing efforts to create greater awareness for community members to gain interest in a career as an officer/investigator.