• No. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office sponsors Deputy Sheriff Trainees through the POST Basic Police Academy. We provide salary, benefits, tuition, and all required equipment while you attend.

• Yes, there is a 6-week academy for Correctional Officer that you would attend within your first year of appointment to the Correctional Officer position. We provide salary, benefits, tuition, room and board, and required equipment while you attend.  

• Deputy Sheriff: You must be at least 20 years old at the time of application (21 at academy graduation), have a high school diploma or GED or college degree preferred, possess a valid California driver’s license, and be legally authorized to work in the U.S.  

• Correctional Officer: You must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application, have a high school diploma or GED, possess a valid California driver’s license, and be legally authorized to work in the U.S. 

• No. We hire both entry-level candidates and experienced laterals for both Correctional Officers and Deputy Sheriff’s. Entry-level candidates receive full academy sponsorship, while laterals and academy graduates may qualify for accelerated hiring.

• No. Many employees commute from nearby counties. However, deputies and correctional officers must be available for varied shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

• The process typically includes: 

1. Application & Written Exam (PELLETB or NTN)
2. Physical Agility Test (PAT) 
3. Selection Interview 
4. Background Investigation (includes polygraph) 
5. Psychological Evaluation 
6. Final Interview with the Sheriff 
7. Medical Examination 
8. Onboarding & Academy (if applicable) 

• On average, the process takes 3–6 months, depending on scheduling, background complexity, and academy start dates.

1. Unlawful use or possession of any unlawful drug within three years of application for employment.
2. Unlawful sales, distribution, manufacture, transportation of an unlawful drug. 
3. Use of any unlawful drug during work hours while employed in a job related to public safety or security. 
4. Termination from employment or discharge from the military because of a drug test. 
5. Conviction or commission of a felony. 
6. Conviction or commission of a misdemeanor within the last three years involving conduct that would adversely impact the candidate’s ability to perform as a law enforcement officer. 
7. The conviction or specified misdemeanor within the last ten years per California Penal Code 29805(c). 
8. Classification as a negligent operator under the Department of Motor Vehicles: a. Four or more points in twelve (12) months. b. Six points in twenty-four (24) months. c. Eight points in thirty-six (36) months. 
9. A peace officer applicant who is the subject of a protective order or a temporary restraining order related to domestic violence or stalking (California Penal Code section 12021(g)(1) and US Code, Title 18, part 1, Chapter 44, Section 922). 
10. Conviction of a misdemeanor containing the elements of domestic violence (US Code, Title 18, Part 1, Chapter 44, Section 922(d)(9)). 
11. Discharge from the armed services of the United States of America under dishonorable conditions (US Code, Title 18, Part 1, Chapter 44, Section 911(d)(6)). 
12. Termination from a sworn position at a law enforcement agency. 
13. Termination from any employment in the past three years for reasons that would adversely impact the candidate’s ability to perform as a law enforcement officer. 
14. Any incorrect representation, verbal misrepresentation or deletion of a material fact on an application, interview or background investigation. 

• Candidates who fail a component (such as the written exam or physical agility test) may reapply at a later time. Each case is reviewed individually. If you are disqualified during the process, you would be unable to apply again for a 1-year period.

• Yes, applicants may apply for multiple positions if they meet the qualifications.

• Our Deputy Sheriff Trainees attend the South Bay Regional Public Safety Training Academy in San Jose or Seaside.

• The full-time academy is approximately 6 months (904 hours), Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Training covers: 

• Criminal law and investigations 
• Patrol procedures and community policing 
• Report writing and courtroom testimony 
• Defensive tactics and firearms 
• Vehicle operations and traffic enforcement 
• Leadership, ethics, and cultural diversity 
• Crisis response and handling emotional situations 
• First Aid/CPR 
• Physical conditioning 

• Yes. Recruits must complete the POST Work Sample Test Battery (WSTB), which includes running, obstacle course, dummy drag, and other fitness requirements. Ongoing physical conditioning is essential throughout the academy and career.

• Recruits are promoted to sworn Deputy Sheriff and begin the Field Training Program, where they train with experienced officers before being assigned to patrol in a solo capacity.

• Deputy Sheriff Trainee salary starts at $8,218 per month, with opportunities for advancement, pay incentives, and overtime. Correctional Officer salary starts at $6,805 per month. Laterals may receive advanced pay depending on experience.

• Yes. Current bonuses include: 
  • $10,000 for Sheriff’s Corrections Officers 
  • $15,000 for Deputy Sheriff Trainee/Entry 
  • $25,000 + 40 hours advanced vacation for Deputy Sheriff Laterals 

• CalPERS retirement 
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance 
• Vacation and sick leave 
• Bilingual pay for qualifying employees 
• On-site gym and wellness program 
• Additional pay incentives for experience, shifts and assignment. 

• Deputy Sheriff: SWAT, K9, Detectives, Air Support, Bomb Team, Crisis Negotiation, Community Policing, Field Training Officer, Drone Team, and more. 
  
• Corrections Officer: CERT, Training Unit, Classification, Recruitment, K9, Drone Teams, and other specialized assignments.

• Yes. Deputies may promote to Sergeant, Lieutenant, and beyond. Correctional Officers may promote to Supervising Correctional Officer or Sergeant. Both tracks offer leadership and specialty opportunities.

• Yes. Recruits must complete the WSTB or our in-house Physical Agility Test and maintain physical conditioning throughout the academy and career. Our in-house Physical Agility Test consists of a 220 yard run in under a minute and a 60 foot dummy drag in under a minute. 

• Yes. You may apply while finishing school, as long as you meet the minimum qualifications and can attend the academy full time after the 3-6 month hiring process in concluded.

• Laterals with recent California peace officer experience or academy graduation may qualify for a streamlined hiring process and are eligible for lateral incentives.