One of the ideal characteristics of any peace officer, including San Diego County Deputy Sheriffs, is a strong moral character — a great sense of ethics that rules every action and decision made in that peace officer's life, as well as a respect and knowledge of laws and the courage to intervene when they see others crossing inappropriate boundaries.

This translates to ethical behavior in the peace officer's life and in the lives of those surrounding them.

Our background investigators look for this trait in every applicant, and any evidence to the contrary is a red flag that may count against the applicant passing the background investigation.

The best way to prepare your character for the academy and your future career as a Deputy Sheriff is to continue living your best life. Treat everyone with civility. Use common sense. Avoid risk-taking behaviors and putting yourself in situations where your integrity or self-control can be compromised.

If the people in your life — your friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, employers, landlords, and more — can honestly speak well of you, then you are on the right track.

When in doubt, refer to the eight core values of the San Diego County Sheriff's Department. They are:

• Honesty
• Integrity
• Loyalty
• Trust
• Respect
• Fairness
• Diversity
• Compassion

Things to Avoid

The following issues will adversely affect or even outright disqualify you from employment with the San Diego Sheriff’s Office:

• Biased behaviors, harassment, racial and/or discriminatory treatment of others
• Criminal Felony Conviction
• Altercations with law enforcement or other individuals
• Domestic Violence
• Restraining orders
• Verbal, physical, or mental abuse of others
• DUI
• Moving Violations (i.e., several speeding tickets)
• Driving without auto insurance
• Associating with individuals who break the law
• Drug use
• Other than honorable discharge from the military
• Poor Employment history
• Being financially irresponsible (i.e. bad credit history)

Our background investigators don't expect candidates to have a perfect history, but if you have experienced some hardship and/or made some poor life decisions in the past, have you overcome your obstacles, learned from your mistakes, and grown from the experience? Have you moved on to and maintained more positive habits and behaviors?