Getting Started as a Deputy Sheriff    

Is it easy to become one of us? Nope. Is it rewarding to make it? You bet. Serving our communities with integrity, professionalism, leadership and loyalty is our culture and commitment. We want the best and we offer the best paid training, competitive salary, benefits, and opportunity for advancement.

How It Works

The hiring process starts when you select the Deputy Sheriff career path.

The application and selection process consists of nine steps:

1. Online Application via Government Jobs
2. Written Examination (unproctored, computerized assessment)
3. Physical Agility Test (PAT)
4. Pre-Background Questionnaire
5. Background Application via eSOPH
6. Extensive Background Investigation, including interview
7. Polygraph Examination
8. Pre-Employment Psychological Assessment
9. Medical Exam, including a drug and alcohol screening (refusal to submit to testing or positive results for drugs, alcohol, or unexplained legal prescription drugs is an automatic disqualification).

Getting Hired as a Trainee

If you successfully pass all of the steps we may hire you as a Deputy Sheriff Trainee and send you to our 6-month basic peace officer training academy.

Self-Sponsored

Moreno Valley College offers law enforcement training for those who wish to complete the courses at their own expense. Courses are offered on a full-time (intensive) or part-time (modular) basis. View a list of Self-Sponsored courses.

Deputy Sheriff Training

Before you can wear the badge of a Sheriff’s deputy, you need training. When you enter the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) academy you are employed as a Deputy Sheriff Trainee. A Deputy Sheriff Trainee is a non-sworn class which has no peace officer powers.

During your training, you will be under the close supervision of a Sheriff’s Sergeant while you attend the academy to learn the principles, methods, and techniques practiced by a sworn Deputy Sheriff.

Training

Academy training is a high-discipline and high-stress program focused on:

• Arrest Methods
• Community Relations
• Cultural Diversity
• Defensive Tactics
• Emergency Vehicle Operations
• Ethics and Leadership
• Firearms and Chemical Agents Training
• Fitness
• Investigative Report Writing
• Professionalism

Time Frame

The Basic Peace Officer Training Academy is a 952 hour (approximately 6 months) course designed to meet the minimum requirements of a peace officer as established by the Commission on POST.

Training Activities

• 14 Scenario and physical training, defensive tactics and firearms testing
• 26 Knowledge-based exams
• Drill training
• Inspections
• Physical exercise

After Training

Deputy Sheriff Trainees are eligible for promotion to Deputy Sheriff upon successful completion of the academy. If you do not successfully complete academy training you may be released from employment.

Written Exam

The written exam consists of two sections:

• Reading Comprehension
• English Grammar and Punctuation 

There is no study guide available to prepare for this exam. Our exam results are not transferable to other agencies, and we do not accept outside agency test scores either.

Qualified applicants will receive an email via Government Jobs with a unique exam link. It is recommended that the exam be completed on a computer, though the exam is also accessible by tablet and mobile device.

Reasonable Accommodations

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process, should contact Human Resources. For additional information and/or to obtain the appropriate form for requesting a reasonable accommodation, please visit the Disability Access Office webpage.

Physical Agility Test (PAT)

After you have successfully completed the written examination, you will receive an email invitation to self-schedule your PAT via Government Jobs.

The PAT consists of three events:

• Sit-ups: A minimum of 30 sit-ups must be completed within 60 seconds
• Push-ups: A minimum of 30 push-ups must be completed within 60 seconds
• 1 ½ mile run: The run must be completed within 13 minutes, with no stopping or walking

You will be given one attempt to complete each event on the day of your PAT. You should check your PAT scorecard after each event to verify the correct scores are recorded.

On the Day of the PAT

• Bring a valid, government-issued photo identification
• Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time
• Must be dressed in physical training attire

Background Orientation

If you successfully complete the PAT, a background orientation will be conducted immediately following the test. You will be given a pre-background questionnaire (PBQ) to complete that same day. Background Investigators will review your PBQ in the days to follow and determine the next steps.

PAT Preparedness Program

Are you worried about your physical ability to pass our PAT, or have you previously failed it? We invite you to participate in our PAT Preparedness Program to practice and receive advice on how to improve so you can successfully pass the PAT. For more information or to register, please check our calendar webpage.

Advance Preparation through Moreno Valley College

You can take an Introduction to Law Enforcement and Physical Conditioning for Basic Academy Students course through Moreno Valley College. The class meets Tuesday and Thursday evenings at the Sheriff’s Ben Clark Training Center for one semester. It’s a great way to experience academy physical training and to meet training staff. You may use your agility scores from this course in lieu of the PAT if they meet the minimum pass points.

What You Will Gain from the Course

• The academy is rigorous. Taking this intro course will get you in shape to meet the physical demands of academy training.
• You will learn the training style practiced at the academy and learn more about academy rules and regulations.
• You will meet other candidates who can provide support and encouragement.
• You will meet the staff who conduct the academy program and who can answer your questions about the academy.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding the course, please email Moreno Valley College.

Reasonable Accommodations

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process, should contact Human Resources. For additional information and/or to obtain the appropriate form for requesting a reasonable accommodation, please visit the Disability Access Office webpage.