MONROE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — The Union County Sheriff’s Office is lowering the age to become a detention officer in an effort to attract more applicants. 

Sheriff Eddie Cathey announced Monday that applicants only need to be at least 20 years old instead of 21. He said the change allows applicants that are eager to begin their careers in law enforcement the opportunity to join the UCSO and begin serving the community at an earlier age.  

UCSO detention officers can also attend Basic Law Enforcement Training (B.L.E.T.) at no cost to the employee.  

A previous application states that a four-year college degree is preferred for employment as a deputy, and a two-year degree is preferred for a detention officer. 

The minimum age for a Mecklenburg detention officer is 21.