What are the selection standards for a Deputy Sheriff?

California State Minimum Selection Standards

The minimum peace officer selection standards are set forth in Government Code Sections 1029, 1031, and 1031.4. Every California peace officer must be:

  • Free from any disqualifications for employment, including felony convictions (GC 1029)
  • Legally authorized to work in the United States by federal law.
  • At least 21 years of age for specified peace officers (GC 1031.4)
  • Fingerprinted for purposes of search of local, state, and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal record.
  • Of good moral character, as determined by a thorough background investigation.
  • A high school graduate, pass the General Education Development test or other high school equivalency test approved by CDE, or have attained a two-year, four-year, or advanced degree from an accredited or approved institution.
  • Found to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition, including bias against race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, disability, or sexual orientation, which might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer.

In addition, the Placer County Sheriff’s Office complies with the California Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission (P.O.S.T.) and their minimum selection standards for all peace officer positions.  Penal Code Section 13510(a) gives POST the authority to establish minimum selection standards for peace officers employed by agencies that participate in the POST program. These peace officers must, at a minimum, meet the selection standards outlined in the Government Code, and pass the POST selection requirements contained in Commission Regulations 1950-1955 prior to hire. For additional information, please visit the POST website at https://post.ca.gov/

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1. What are the minimum requirements to be a Deputy Sheriff with Placer County?
2. What are the selection standards for a Deputy Sheriff?
3. What are the typical duties of a Deputy Sheriff?
4. I currently work as a peace officer for another law enforcement agency and am interested in applying to Placer County Sheriff’s Office, what is the application process?
5. I am currently a peace officer outside of the State of California and want to apply with Placer County Sheriff’ Office, how do I apply?
6. I have a college degree; do I still need to attend a basic police academy to be a Deputy Sheriff?
7. How can I become a Deputy Sheriff if I haven’t attended a P.O.S.T. Basic Academy?
8. What is the application process for Deputy Sheriff?
9. What if applications are not currently being accepted for Deputy Sheriff?
10. What is the testing process for Deputy Sheriff?
11. I’ve taken the Deputy Sheriff written test in the past, and have a T-score; can I apply it to Placer County’s written exam?
12. Is there a physical agility exam for Deputy Sheriff? What does it consist of?
13. What is the selection process for a Deputy Sheriff?
14. What training is provided to Sheriff’s Office Deputies?
15. Where can I be assigned to work as a Deputy Sheriff?
16. What kind of special assignments/teams are there for a Deputy Sheriff?
17. What pay incentives are available to a Deputy Sheriff?