Laterals

A lateral transfer is an opportunity for experienced officers to join the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office based on prior law enforcement, corrections, or related public safety experience. Eligibility is reviewed on a case-by-case basis and depends on current certifications, training background, and experience.

All sworn Deputy Sheriffs with the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office are required to hold four Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services certifications: Law Enforcement, Civil Process, Court Security, and Jail Operations.

The starting pay range for lateral transfers is $66,908.82 – $81,328.62. Starting salary increases may be available in 5% steps based on qualifying education, foreign language proficiency, military service, and prior law enforcement or correctional experience.

The Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office offers three lateral transfer pathways: Fully Certified Lateral Transfers, Law Enforcement Certified Lateral Transfers, and Out-of-State Lateral Transfers through the DCJS Option 5 Out-of-State Lateral Program.

Fully Certified Lateral Transfers are applicants who currently hold all four required Virginia DCJS certifications: Law Enforcement, Civil Process, Court Security, and Jail Operations. Certifications are reviewed and verified during the application process.

Law Enforcement Certified Lateral Transfers are applicants who currently hold Virginia DCJS Law Enforcement certification but do not yet hold the required certifications in Civil Process, Court Security, and Jail Operations. Qualified candidates may attend the 4-week Deputy Sheriff School to complete the additional certification coursework.

The DCJS Option 5 Out-of-State Lateral Program is a pathway for experienced out-of-state law enforcement officers. DCJS reviews the applicant’s training and employment history to determine eligibility for a partial training waiver.

Approved out-of-state lateral transfer candidates may complete an abbreviated academy session of approximately 12 weeks, followed by a Field Training Program. Lateral officers complete a full Field Training Instruction period of 47 shifts.

DCJS Option 5 eligibility typically requires a minimum of 3 years, or 36 months, of continuous law enforcement experience, verification of good standing with the former agency, and compliance with Virginia Code requirements.

Lateral transfer eligibility is evaluated individually based on certifications, credentials, training background, and prior experience. To determine the best pathway or begin the application process, contact the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office recruiting team at 703-246-4105 or use the Contact a Recruiter form on this website.