Prospective applicants may download an application: Sheriff's Academy page.

Academy certificates are good for 2 years from the date issued. An officer must be employed by an authorized police department or sheriff in New York State on at least a part time basis to keep their certification valid.

All candidates must undergo a physical by WCA Hospital in Jamestown. This is the only facility allowed to perform academy physicals. Once a physician has deemed you medically physically fit, candidates must meet the following requirements:

All candidates will be subject to an extensive background check. Any Felony conviction will disqualify attendance. Misdemeanors may also disqualify attendance.

Candidates must be appointed by the law enforcement in their jurisdiction. Appointments are made by the sheriff in Chautauqua County and by the sheriff or chiefs in Allegany or Cattaraugus counties.

Candidates must me a resident of Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, or Allegany counties to attend this academy.

Anyone taking the civil service exam for deputy sheriff must be 20 years old on the date of the exam. Candidates can not have reached their 35th birthday prior to or on the date of the exam.

Yes, all applicants must provide a certified college transcript with their application.

Chautauqua County students should have at least 42 college credits prior to attending the academy. The fall semester will provide 18 credits thus giving the student the 60 credits necessary to take the civil service exam which is offered in November as called for by the Chautauqua County Human Resources Office. Cattaraugus and Allegany County students may have different requirements.

Students must be at least 20 years old to attend and must be 21 prior to February of the following year.