Hiring Process
Hiring Process OVERVIEW
Application Process
- Correctional Officer
- Submit proof of:
- PELLETB T-score of 42+ (within one year), OR
- NTN Corrections REACT Exam with passing scores: Video ≥ 65%, Reading ≥ 75%, Count ≥ 70%.
- To submit proof of your T-score or verification of NTN completion, you may 1) email a copy to: [email protected]; 2) fax it to (831) 454-2240 or mail; or bring a copy to County of Santa Cruz Human Resources Department 701 Ocean Street, Room 510, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Applicants who do not have a valid T-Score or NTN Score will be invited to take the in-person Adult Corrections Officer written exam administered by County Personnel.
- Submit proof of:
- Deputy Sheriff Trainee:
- Submit proof of one of the following:
- PELLETB Written Exam with a T-score of 46 or higher (valid within 12 months), or
- NTN Frontline Law Enforcement Written Exam with passing scores: Video ≥ 65%, Reading ≥ 70%, Writing ≥ 70%.
- To submit proof of your T-score or verification of NTN completion, you may 1) email a copy to: [email protected]; 2) fax it to (831) 454-2240 or mail; or bring a copy to County of Santa Cruz Human Resources Department 701 Ocean Street, Room 510, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Submit proof of one of the following:
- Deputy Sheriff Lateral / Academy Graduate
- Must show proof of one of the following:
- Currently employed as a California peace officer within the past 3 years, OR
- Graduation from a California POST Basic Academy within the past 3 years, OR
- Completion of a POST Requalification course within the past 3 years.
- Must show proof of one of the following:
Physical Agility Test (PAT)
- 220-yard run in under 1 minute
- 165-pound dummy drag for 60 feet in under 1 minute
- Two attempts are allowed per event. Failure on both attempts ends testing, and candidates may reapply at a future date.
- Physical Agility Examination Waiver: Applicants who have completed the POST Work Sample Test Battery (WSTB) with a minimum passing score of 320 within 12 months of applying may waive the physical agility portion of the exam. An official verification letter must be submitted at the time of application by email, fax, mail, or in person to the Human Resources Department. To submit proof of your T-score or verification of NTN completion, you may 1) email a copy to: [email protected]; 2) fax it to (831) 454-2240 or mail; or bring a copy to County of Santa Cruz Human Resources Department 701 Ocean Street, Room 510, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Selection Interview
- Interviews are conducted by Sheriff’s Office staff (Lieutenant, Sergeant, Deputies, or Correctional Officers). Candidates can expect questions to cover your background, job knowledge, understanding of the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office and the County of Santa Cruz, as well as details provided in your Personal History Statement (PHS).
Background Investigation
- If selected to move forward into backgrounds, a POST-certified investigators conduct an in-depth review, in accordance with POST standards. Areas evaluated include:
- Moral Character: Integrity, impulse control, safety awareness, substance use history
- Handling Stress: Ability to overcome challenges
- Work Habits: Conscientiousness, reliability
- Interpersonal Skills: Communication and teamwork
- Decision-Making: Judgment, learning capacity
During this step, candidates also complete: - Polygraph Exam (licensed examiner)
Psychological Exam
- Psychological Exam (POST-certified psychologist)
Sheriff's Interview
- Final candidates meet with Sheriff Chris Clark for evaluation of qualifications, communication, and overall fit for the agency.
Medical Examination
- A licensed physician conducts a full medical evaluation to ensure candidates meet the physical standards of peace officers or correctional officers.
Onboarding
- Successful candidates receive uniforms, complete onboarding with County Personnel, and are scheduled for their start date.
Employment Disqualification Factors for Uniform Personnel
- Failure of the background investigation will include but is not limited to one of the following:
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.
Any exceptions to the above may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
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