Deputy Sheriff Cadets are utilized only for Sheriff personnel participating in the Department's law enforcement training academy.   Deputy Sheriff Cadets must successfully complete an intensive 25-week law enforcement academy. Upon graduation, Deputy Sheriff Cadets will be promoted to Deputy Sheriff.

Deputy Sheriff Cadets attend and successfully complete an intensive 25-week Law Enforcement Training Academy, which includes classroom study and examinations in Communications, Criminal Investigations, Custody Procedures, Force and Weaponry, Law, Laws of Evidence, Patrol Procedures, Progressive Physical Training and Defensive Tactics, Police Community Relations, Professional Orientation, Traffic and Vehicle Operations, and related subjects.

The ideal candidate will possess the following desirable traits: communicates effectively, knowledge worker, customer-focused, values and respects others, drives to excel, teamwork and collaboration, continuous learning, demonstrates ethical behavior, and supportive of change.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION:
(a) Minimum age is 20.5 years of age at the time of application; minimum age 21 at the time of appointment. There is no maximum age limit.
(b) Possession of a U.S. high school diploma or GED certificate.
(c) Applicants must have no felony convictions and must not be on probation; misdemeanor convictions may be disqualifying depending on number, type and recency.
(d) Valid pictured I.D. such as military, driver’s license, state, or other photo identification issued by a regulatory agency.
(e) Must be a U.S. Citizen or resident alien in the process of becoming a U.S. citizen.

Click here for for a complete job description including minimum requirements, physical characteristics, license requirements, and working conditions. 

NOTE: You also have the option to apply for Deputy Sheriff Cadet - Detentions/Court Services for the San Diego County Sheriff's Department. If you are also interested in applying for this recruitment, click here

REQUIREMENTS AT THE TIME OF THE SELECTION INTERVIEW AND BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION PROCESSES:
(a) Successful completion of the background investigation process;for further information, please refer to the Evaluation Section below.
(b) Effective oral and written communication skills in English.
(c) Vision: 20/100 uncorrected; correctable to at least 20/30; or soft contact lenses correctable to 20/30 (subject to State of California P.O.S.T. requirements).

APPLICATION PROCESS: 

Please complete the following three (3) steps:

STEP 1: Complete the on-line application form and provide correct and complete responses to the Supplemental Questions.
AND
STEP 2: PRINT A HARD COPY OF YOUR APPLICATION AND BRING THE HARD COPY OF YOUR APPLICATION TO THE WRITTEN EXAMINATION SITE.  To print your application, once you have clicked "Submit," click "Application Status," then click "View App," then click the link, "Printable Version."
AND
STEP 3: Make a reservation for the written examination by sending an email to Recruit@sdsheriff.org, or calling (858) 974-2000, and leave a voice message for a Sheriff's recruiter.

NOTE: YOU MUST BE SURE TO COMPLETE STEPS 1, 2, AND 3 BEFORE YOU APPEAR FOR THE WRITTEN EXAMINATION.  YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE ANY KIND OF NOTIFICATION TO TAKE THE WRITTEN EXAMINATION - THEREFORE, YOU MUST BE SURE TO CONTACT THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT TO SCHEDULE THE EXAM AS INDICATED IN STEP 3.   

NOTE: IF YOU DO NOT MEET THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR DEPUTY SHERIFF CADET PER APPLICATION SCREENING, THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES WILL NOTIFY YOU VIA E-MAIL OR LETTER.  IF YOU RECEIVE THIS EMAIL OR LETTER, YOU WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE TO TAKE THE WRITTEN EXAMINATION.
 
WRITTEN EXAMINATION PROCESS:
The first scheduled written examination date for this recruitment, number 09574709,  will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2009.  Click here to obtain information regarding test dates, times, location, exam content, and study guide.  

This is a multiple-choice written examination weighted 100 percent consisting of questions pertaining to vocabulary, spelling, and reading comprehension. There is a 2-½ hour time limit to complete this examination.

Applicants must successfully pass the written examination in order to be placed on the eligibility list for one year.

BACKGROUND ORIENTATION AND INVESTIGATION PROCESS:
Qualified applicants will be invited to a pre-screen meeting administered by law enforcement staff of the Sheriff's Department. This pre-screen meeting will provide applicants with an overview of the overall selection process and a description of the training academy.

Upon completing the pre-screen process, candidates will be required to complete the following: a comprehensive Background Investigation, a Computer Voice Stress Analysis Exam or Truth Verification Exam, an Employment Interview with Sheriff's sworn management, a Psychological Examination, and a complete Medical Examination.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Upon successful graduation from the academy, Cadets are promoted to Deputy Sheriff and become a sworn peace officer. Information on this job title, such as pay steps, benefits, incentives, and departmental-provided equipment, can be obtained by visiting the Sheriff's website at www.joinsdsheriff.net .

CONTACTS:
Sheriff’s Recruiting Unit at (858) 974-2000; or via email at Recruit@sdsheriff.org; or the Department of Human Resources at (619) 236-2191. *