Initially, as a graduate from the Law Enforcement Academy, you will be assigned to one of the department’s three bureaus: Law Enforcement, Court Services or Detentions. Patrol assignments are generally made to one of seven main patrol stations as follows:

• North Coastal
• Alpine
• Rancho San Diego
• Poway
• San Marcos
• Santee
• Vista

As a Law Enforcement Deputy Sheriff, you may apply for one of the following specialized positions (Note: You must complete two years in patrol before applying for a specialized position):

Investigator (Detective)
Perform follow-up investigations for specialized areas including the following:

•  Area Investigator
• Arson/Explosives
• Auto Theft Task Force
• Backgrounds Investigator
• Canine
• Child Abuse
• Central Investigations Division
• COPPS
• Criminal Intelligence
• Domestic Violence
• Elder Abuse Investigator
• Fraud/Forgery Investigator
• Fugitive Investigations/Extraditions
• Homicide Investigator
• Honor Guard
• International Liaison
• Internet Crimes
• Jail Investigator
• Judge Unit
• Juvenile Intervention/Investigations
• Narcotics Task Force
• Terrorism Early Warning Unit
• Training Academy
• Vice Narcotics
• Weapons Training Unit

Helicopter Pilot/Observer
Pilot the aircraft on routine patrol, monitor radio, and coordinate responding ground units at the scene of crimes and emergencies

Personnel/Recruiting/Backgrounds Officer
Recruit qualified candidates from all segments of the community for a career as a Deputy Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff-Detentions/Courts

Special Enforcement Detail Officer
Specially trained in the area of Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT). Perform high risk warrant service, directed patrol, investigations support, detentions support, and dignitary protection.