FOREST CITY, IA--
Some people just always know what they want to do in life. “I've been riding around with the Mason City Police Department since I was about 12 years old,” said Jeff Jones. “Ever since then I just knew I wanted to be a police officer.”Jones started applying for law enforcement jobs at age 19. Now 22, he says he takes a few of these tests every year. “The first couple of police departments that I worked at there were nine to ten people testing and now there's anywhere from 30 to 50 people testing for just a couple positions,” said Jones, one of 20-some applicants for a deputy position with the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department.
The competition is fierce. “We'll go through and we'll rank them,” said Sheriff Doug Jenson.
Deputy hopefuls must meet or exceed requirements in four physical tests: a mile and a half run, stretching, sit-ups and push ups. “What we're trying to do is get the best out of the best,” said Sheriff Jenson. After the physical tests, they take a written test, a psychological test and an interview.
And for the best of the best: “We will actually take them, train them, outfit them, give them some time on the street and then we'll have a spot for them at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy,” said Sheriff Jenson.
Like many other industries competition to get in with the Sheriff's Department is tough. Of the 20-some taking the tests on Saturday, just one will be hired. “It's very difficult to start weeding people out,” said the Sheriff.
Sheriff Jenson says interest in open positions 'ebbs and flows'. And right now, it's pretty high. “We're now peaking again where we have quite a few people that are interested in law enforcement,” he said.
And with several qualified candidates, he says it makes it tough to just choose one.
But these guys, including Jones, are hoping they're that one. “I hope I get hired with the Winnebago County Sheriff's Department and go to the Academy,” he said.
