The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office Lateral Program

The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office values the experience, maturity, and skills that come with prior Law Enforcement experience.

Eligibility:

A minimum of two years of Law Enforcement experience in Patrol or Detentions (and you are applying for that same position).

Out of State P.O.S.T. Requirements:

You must be able to successfully transfer your Out of State P.O.S.T. certification. For more information regarding this process, please see the Colorado P.O.S.T. website HERE.

Benefits:

Higher Starting Pay

Applicants with prior law enforcement experience may be eligible for a higher starting pay-rate. Sheriff Vallario evaluates each applicant on a case-by-case basis. He will evaluate training, experience, and time on the job to determine a starting pay-rate.

Take-Home Vehicle

All of our Patrol Deputies receive take home vehicles upon successful completion of the FTO process if they live in-county. Detentions Deputies have access to a commuter van that runs from Rifle to Glenwood Springs for Garfield County Sheriff’s Office employees only. Employees can live up to 40 miles outside of the county line to qualify for a take home vehicle. Employees may live in any bordering county as long as it’s within the State of Colorado.

FTO:

The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office Field Training Officer Program is designed intentionally to be flexible when it comes to lateral officers. If a lateral officer demonstrates a high level of competency within the FTO program, their process may be shortened.