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 begins online when you select the Deputy Sheriff career path and create an online profile.

• Register and complete a profile, or logon if you already have an account.
• Complete our online pre-screen questionnaire.
• Take the written exam.
• You take a physical agility test (PAT).
• Complete a background investigation packet. It’s a detailed history of your life, and we conduct an extensive background check based on your statements.
• Attend your background interview.
• You take a polygraph examination.
• You take a psychological examination.
• You take a medical examination including a drug and alcohol screening.

Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all of the steps.

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.

The Exam

The examination consists of a bio metric and aptitude assessment which is comprised of 6 sections: four untimed sections containing questions based on you, your personality, and past experiences; and two timed sections assessing deductive reasoning and verbal ability. 

Written Exam Testing Schedule

After you have successfully completed the pre-screen questionnaire, you may schedule your written examination. Arrive on time for your test, be professionally dressed, and bring valid government-issued photo identification. No resume is required at this time. You should plan on spending up to 1 hours to complete the exam. We do not accept test scores from outside agencies.

Scheduling Your Exam

• To schedule an appointment to take the written examination for Correctional Deputy or Deputy Sheriff, login to your profile or contact Human Resources for assistance.
• To schedule an appointment for any other position or examination, you will need to view the job advertisement for more details.

Testing Locations

Human Resources administers testing for Correctional Deputy and Deputy Sheriff. Check the scheduling calendar for more detailed information regarding availability at each location. Walk-ins are only accepted at the Riverside location. All other locations require an appointment.

Physical Agility Test

After you have successfully completed the written examination, you will be notified of your scheduled Physical Agility Test (PAT). All candidates must appear in person with valid government-issued photo identification and dressed in physical training attire to participate. You’ll be given one attempt for each of the events and you should check your score card after each event to verify the correct scores are recorded.

Background Orientation

If you successfully complete the physical agility test a background orientation is conducted immediately following the test and you will be given your background packet. You have 12 business days from the date you receive your background packet to complete it and return it to the Sheriff’s Personnel.

Physical Agility Test 

The PAT consists of:

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

If you weren’t able to successfully complete the physical agility test you may contact a recruiter to schedule another attempt.

Advance Preparation

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 place of the physical agility test as long as they meet the minimum pass points.

What You Will Gain From the Course

• The academy is rigorous. Taking this intro course will get you into shape to meet the physical demands of academy training.
• You’ll learn the training style practiced at the academy and you’ll learn more about academy rules and regulations.
• Meet other candidates who can provide support and encouragement.
• 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.