JOIN THE SAN DIEGO SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT

Are you currently hiring/testing?
Yes, we are currently hiring and testing for entry-level Deputy Sheriffs, Deputy Sheriff Detentions/Courts, and Deputy Sheriffs Lateral.

>>Top

What are the minimum requirements?
Deputy Sheriff Patrol:

U.S. citizen
20 ½ years of age at time of application; 21 years of age at time of appointment
is no maximum age limit)
U.S. High School graduate or G.E.D.
No felony convictions. Not on Probation. Misdemeanors may be disqualifying depending on the number, type of violation, and date of the violation.
Vision: 20/100 uncorrected, corrected to at least 20/30, No minimum vision requirements for soft contact lens wearers.
Valid California Drivers License prior to appointment. Valid photo ID to take the written exam
Effective oral and written communications in English

Deputy Sheriff Detentions/Courts:

Age 18 at the time of the test. (There is no maximum age limit)
U.S. citizen or Resident Alien in the process of becoming a U.S. citizen
U.S. High School graduate or G.E.D.
No felony convictions. Not on Probation. Misdemeanors may be disqualifying depending on the number, type of violation, and date of the violation.
Vision: 20/100 uncorrected, corrected to at least 20/30, No minimum vision requirements for soft contact lens wearers.
Valid California Drivers License prior to appointment. Valid photo ID to take the written exam
Effective oral and written communications in English.

>>Top

WRITTEN EXAM

What does the written exam entail?
The written examination includes the following sections:

Reading Comprehension
English Grammar
Sentence Construction
Vocabulary
Spelling

The Sheriff's Department initial exam does not include a written essay like the practice exam, but you will be asked to write an essay sometime through the process.

>>Top

What should I study for the written test?
The public library, or local bookstores should have literature on Entry Level Law Enforcement or Corrections Officer examinations. Concentrate on improving your reading comprehension, which is a major factor in the written exam. Read each question slowly. Choose the best possible answer. There are no trick questions on the written exam. You should try and answer every question because those questions left blank will be marked wrong. Take your time.

Click here to take the Practice Entry Level Exam from the Police Officers Standards and Training (POST) website.

>>Top

How long are the test results good for?
The test results on the written examination are good for one year from the date of the test, or until the recruitment number on the test changes.

>>Top

Where do I go for the written examination?
The written exam is offered every month at the Sheriff's Administration Center. Click here for a complete testing schedule.

>>Top

If I take the exam, when can I retake the exam?
You may retake the exam when the exam number changes which is roughly every 6 months.

>>Top

Who do I call if I don't get my exam score?
Call the San Diego County Department of Human Resources at (619) 236-2191.

>>Top

If I have my DD214, where do I fax it to?
To the County of San Diego Department of Human Resources at (619) 685-2458.

>>Top

Do Veteran's Preference Points help me?
For V.P.P., the County of San Diego Department of Human Resouces will add points to your written score.

>>Top

How long does it take for me to get my results?
2-3 weeks

>>Top

HIRING PROCESS

Can I apply for both positions at the same time?
Yes! The POST Entry Level Law Enforcement Exam is used as the pre-employment exam for BOTH classifications. You complete one application and take just one exam. You are strongly encouraged to apply for both classifications, because the Deputy Sheriff position is very competitive!

>>Top

What is the average hiring time/process?
This varies depending on number of job vacancies.

>>Top

What is included in the hiring process?

STEP 1. Written Exam (Relative weight 100%, Passing 70%)
STEP 2. Comprehensive Background Investigation
STEP 3. Physical Agilities Test (Note: This is not required for Deputy Sheriff Detentions/Courts, proceed to STEP 4)
STEP 4. Truth Verification (CVSA) Exam and Employment Interview
STEP 5. Psychological Evaluation
STEP 6. Medical Exam

Click here to learn more about the hiring process.

>>Top

How long does it take to get hired?
It takes between three and six months to complete the hiring process.

>>Top

What is the hiring process if I live out of the county or state?
Essentially, you will need to visit San Diego on three different occasions:

First Visit: You will have to complete the written exam for Deputy Sheriff and/or Deputy Sheriff Detentions/Courts. You will be notified via mail of your results.
Second Visit: You will have an interview with your background investigator, the Computer Voice Stress Analysis (truth verification exam) and an employment interview with a Lieutenant. We usually anticipate one day for these steps.
Third Visit: You will undergo a psychological evaluation and a medical evaluation. If applying for the Deputy Sheriff position, you will take the physical agility test at this time. We usually anticipate three days for these steps.

Once offered employment, you should expect to attend new employee orientation within a few weeks.

>>Top

I am currently on active duty in the military, how should I start the process?
You should take the written test when you have eight months or less left to serve in the Military. If you are stationed out of the area or state, you will need to follow the instructions in question 14. Unfortunately, there are no special testing procedures if you live out of the country.

>>Top

What does the Physical Agility Test entail?
Completion of the Physical Agility Test (PAT) is only required for the position of Deputy Sheiff and is not required for the position of Deputy Sheriff Detentions/Courts. This test is conducted towards the end of the hiring process. The physical agility test consists of five separate events which are all timed events:

99 Yard Obstacle Course
6' Solid Fence Climb
6' Chain Link Fence Climb
165-Pound Life-like Dummy Drag for 32 Ft.
500 Yard Run

Again, there is no physical agility test for the position of Deputy Sheriff Detentions/Courts!

>>Top

SALARY AND BENEFITS

What is the starting salary?
Click here to view Deputy Sheriff pay charts.

>>Top

What benefits does the department offer?
Click here to view the benefits that the San Diego Sheriff's Department offers.

>>Top

ACADEMY TRAINING
Do you have to go through an academy?
Candidates applying for entry level positions will attend an academy.

>>Top

Who pays for me attending the academy, the department or myself?
Upon successful completion of the hiring process, the department will pay for the academy.

>>Top

Where is the academy located?
The academies for both the Deputy Sheriff and Deputy Sheriff Detentions/Courts positions are located at the Miramar Regional Training Facility at Miramar College in San Diego.

>>Top

How long will I have to attend the academy?
There are separate academies for both positions. The Deputy Sheriff’s Academy is 6 months (25 weeks). The Deputy Sheriff-Detentions/Courts Academy is 3 months (15 weeks).

>>Top

Do you live at the academy?
No, you do not live at the academy.

>>Top

What is the basic schedule while attending the academy?
The basic schedule is 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. with some nights and weekends for training.

>>Top

Will I be paid and receive benefits while attending the academy?
Yes, pay and benefits begin youor first day at the academy.

>>Top

GOOD LUCK!

I I I I I I I I


Visit our department website http://www.sdsheriff.net Want more information? Call our Recruiting 24 Hour Job Line: (858) 974-2000 or email Recruit@sdsheriff.org	San Diego County Sheriff's Department JoinSDSheriff.net All rights reserved.