FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- What are the minimum requirements to become a Deputy Sheriff?
- Must be 19 ½ years old at the time you take the written test
- Have a high school or GED equivalent, or have attained a two-year or four year degree from an accredited college or university
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Possess a valid driver’s license
- No felony convictions
- What are the age requirements to be hired as a Deputy Sheriff?
- You must be at least 20 years of age at time of appointment.
- Do I need to mail in my application to apply for Deputy Sheriff Trainee?
- Applicants can apply by mail or online by clicking on Applications under “Apply Now”.
- Does my college degree help me to start at a higher pay level?
- Yes, the Sheriff’s Department offers salary incentives for applicants who hold a college degree.
What does the hiring process consist of?
- The process consists of a written exam, oral interview, background investigation, psychological evaluation, medical examination and a polygraph examination. If the applicant successfully passes all phases of the process, they will be scheduled and hired to begin the academy.
- What does the written test consist of?
- The written test consists of reading comprehension and writing skills.
- When are the results given for the written test?
- The results are given to the applicants on the same day that they take the test.
- If I fail the test how long do I have to wait before I can take it again?
- Applicants that fail the test can take the test only once every thirty (30) days. Applicants, who are unable to pass the test three (3) consecutive times, may not reapply for six (6) months.
- Will there be test preparation classes before the test?
- The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Recruitment Unit conducts a test taking and information seminar at different locations within Los Angeles County. Attendees will receive invaluable information designed to assist them in the written examination and oral interview. For more information click on the Exams Preparation link under Exams.
- How long does the hiring process take?
- The hiring process generally takes four to six months to complete. This process can be greatly reduced through advance preparation of the required documentation (i.e. school transcripts, credit reports, etc).
- How long is the academy?
- The academy training is 18 weeks and is celebrated with a formal graduation.
- How can I prepare myself for the academy?
- The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is genuinely interested in the success of all potential Deputy Sheriff's. In an effort to assist in the preparation process, the Department offers a Pre-Academy Seminar where applicants receive an overview of the program and can ask questions of actual Deputy Sheriff Trainees currently attending the academy. The Recruit Training staff also provide physical fitness training two nights a week to prepare the applicant for success in the academy (Tuesday and Thursday nights from 5:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M.)
- Is the academy a live in academy?
- No, the academy is not a live in academy. Classes are conducted Monday through Friday and some weekends and holidays. Academy days are generally eight and one-half hours and may be conducted in shifts.
- Do I receive pay and benefits during the academy?
- All Deputy Sheriff Trainees receive full salary during academy training. The level of pay may be vary based on education.
- If I have already attended a POST certificate academy, do I need to go through the academy again?
- No, if you have attended a post certified academy and your certificate has not expired it is not necessary to attend the academy.
- Does the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department accept lateral transfers from other police departments?
- In order to be considered as a Lateral applicant you must have served in a sworn position in another agency for a minimum of a year. Lateral applicants must take and pass the written examination, but they will not have to attend the academy if they have a current Post Certificate.
- What are the benefits and salary for a Deputy Sheriff Trainee
- The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department provides excellent benefits and salary for a Deputy Sheriff. Please click on the benefits and salary link to get more information.
- How does the Sheriff’s Department differ from other police agencies?
- The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department differs for other polices agencies in several ways. The most significant is that the Sheriff’s Department provides staffing for 8 custody facilities and security for 48 courthouses throughout the County. The Sheriff’s Department also provides patrol and investigative services to 40 contract cities and the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. This difference creates more assignment diversity than any other police agency in the Southern California basin.
- How can I get more information?
- For more information you can call 1-800-A-DEPUTY (1-800-233-7889) and any of our recruiters will be more then willing to assist you with any other questions you may have.
