Sheriff’s Hiring Process

STEP 1. Fill out online application/Complete Questionnaire/View Video. It is highly suggested that you apply for both positions IF YOU QUALIFY so check both positions on the application. The County of San Diego Department of Human Resources will send you an email inviting you to fill out a questionnaire with 27 supplemental questions along with instructions on how to view a mandatory video with words from the Sheriff. (Please note: The Apply links in the left column will bring you to the County of San Diego Department of Human Resources web site).

NOTE: Upon successful completion of viewing the video and answering the questionnaire, your application will be submitted, processed and validated to ensure you meet the minimum requirements. This can take several weeks.

STEP 2. Written Exam (Relative weight 100%). Upon successful completion of STEP 1 the County of San Diego Department of Human Resources will contact you via email inviting you to register for the California P.O.S.T. written exam. The email notice will have instructions on how to register. It is one exam for both positions, so register for one exam only! Results take approximately 3-6 weeks. Upon passing the exam, you will be placed on the eligibility list for one year. If selected, you will be invited to meet with a background investigator to complete the next step (STEP 3).

STEP 3. Prescreen questionnaire/Personal History Statement. The County of San Diego Department of Human Resources will send you an email inviting you to fill out a Prescreen Questionnaire (Personal History Statement) and instructions on how to view an additional mandatory video with words from the Sheriff.

STEP 4. Comprehensive Background Investigation. You will be assigned a Background Investigator.

STEP 5. Computer Voice Stress Analysis (CVSA) and Employment Interview. Truth verification exam (type of polygraph) and employment interview (Lieutenant’s Interview).

STEP 6. Physical Agility Test (PAT). See FAQ page for details.

STEP 7. Psychological Evaluation. You will fill out a written exam and meet with a psychologist.

STEP 8. Medical Exam

STEP 9. Job Offer. You receive a job offer and be assigned to attend an academy and attend a new hire orientation.

***STEPS 5 - STEPS 8 may not be completed in numerical order due to scheduling of events.***

Minimum Requirements

Deputy Sheriff Patrol:

• 20 ½ years of age at time of application; 21 years of age at time of appointment. (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
• 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:

• 18 years of age 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
• Valid California Drivers License prior to appointment. Valid photo ID to take the written exam.
• Effective oral and written communications in English.