Officer Training & Education

The Watauga County Sheriff's Office strives to maintain a quality and professional Sheriff's Office.  Many of the staff have 2 year, 4 year, and post-graduate degrees.   These officers are, as mandated by the State of North Carolina and the Sheriff's Standards Commission, required to increase and enhance officer skills and professionalism through quality, Commission sanctioned programs.  All sworn staff must complete an approved North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training class which consists of a full-time class load lasting approximately 6 months, along with Watauga County Sheriff mandated field training for a period of at least 3 months by certified "Field Training Officers".