About Jacksonville Sheriffs Office Test

Located on the banks of St. Johns River, Jacksonville is the most populous city in the State of Florida. It is also the largest city in the mainland US, extending over an area of 874.64 square miles. According to the 2018 U.S. Census, the city had a population of approximately 1.6 million. Jacksonville also boasts of having the third-largest military presence in the country and its port serves as one of the most important and busiest ports in Florida. Its location close to St. Johns River gives it the nickname “The River City”.

Established in 1968, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) is the official law enforcement of the city of Jacksonville. It is one of the most staffed Law Enforcement agencies in the country with 3,832 employed in the agency, of whom 2,082 are full-time sworn police officers and 800 are civilian employees. Headquartered in 501 E. Bay Street Jacksonville, Florida 32202, the JSO is broadly divided into 5 departments. These departments are further subdivided into sections and zones. The whole city is divided into 6 geographic zones for systematic patrolling and law enforcement. Each zone has a substation, where crimes and petitions for investigations are files. A Zone Commander is in charge of each zone and he is in turn accountable to the Sheriff of Jacksonville. The Sheriff’s Office has jurisdiction over 3 correctional centers, staffed by a total of 600 officers and civilians. Ever since its inception, around 62 officers have laid down their lives in the line of duty.

Applying for a posting in the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is done by filling an online application form. Successful candidates are put through a series of tests such as the Written Exam, the Police Physical Abilities Test, which includes timed drills related to police duty. It involves a total of 250 yards and the course is completely set up outdoors. Following this is a background check and an oral board interview. Postings in the JSO are in high demand and competition remains high.