EMPLOYMENT

As a Deputy Sheriff with the County of San Luis Obispo, you are responsible for patrolling assigned areas for the maintenance of order and the protection of life and property.  This involves a wide variety of activities included, but not limited to, reporting to scenes of disturbances, accidents, or reported crimes, making preliminary investigations, issuing citations, and arresting lawless persons.

The ideal candidate will have excellent character, strong ethics and observing skills, and be adept in executing the basic principles of law enforcement, public safety, and personal security.  The ability to adopt quick, effective, and reasonable courses of action with due regard for the hazards and circumstances of a given situation, as well as understand and follow written and oral directions is key. Strong oral and written communication skills, especially regarding writing clear and comprehensive reports is key.

Graduation from high school or possession of a general education development test certificate indicating high school graduation level or its equivalent as determined by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training. Proof of minimum educational requirement may be required.

Are you a highly regarded, experienced peace officer in California with a proven track record of success in law enforcement looking to lateral transfer? The Sheriff’s Office is seeking self-motivated, law enforcement professionals.

For all applicants currently employed under penal codes 830.1, 832.2(a), 832.2(d), 832.2(e), 832.2(g), 832.2(h), your POST certification will remain current. If not employed as an officer under any of the stated penal codes, the POST certification will expire three years from:

• the date of graduation from a POST Academy, or
• the date of separation from employment under penal codes 830.1, 832.2(a), 832.2(d), 832.2(e), 832.2(g), 832.2(h), or
• the date of completion of a POST Waiver Program, or
• the date of completion of a POST Re-Certification Course

NOTICE: Out of state applicants must contact the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards & Training (P.O.S.T.) to see if their training qualifies them for a California POST Certification waiver.

California Commission on Peace Officer Standards & Training
1601 Alhambra Boulevard
Sacramento, CA 95816-7083
Phone: (916) 227-3909
Fax: (916) 227-3895
E-mail: [email protected]

As a Correctional Deputy with the County of San Luis Obispo, you are responsible for working in the County Jail which houses all persons arrested in San Luis Obispo County who are either sentenced or awaiting trial.  Under general supervision you are responsible for the intake, custody, welfare, transportation and release of inmates in the custody of the Sheriff. You will investigate crimes that arise from custodial assignments and perform other related work as required.

The ideal candidate will possess formal education in corrections or law enforcement and possess a knowledge of Custody division programs, policies and procedures.  Candidates must be honest, possess integrity, and be able to take direction, as well as work independently when required.  The ability to effectively interact with a diverse population including, but not limited to, inmates, arresting officers, probation staff, and administrative support staff is key.  A strong work ethic and excellent communication and observation skills are desired.  The ability to adapt to various environments, think quick on your feet, and multi-task is a must.

Graduation from high school or possession of a general educational development (GED) certificate indicating high school graduation level.

Are you a highly regarded, experienced Correctional Deputy or Correctional Officer in California with a proven track record of success in law enforcement looking to lateral transfer? The Sheriff’s Office is seeking self- motivated, dedicated team players to fill the position of Correctional Deputy.

For all applicants currently employed as a Correctional Deputy or Correctional Officer, you can transfer as a lateral if you meet the following criteria:

1. The class in which employment is contemplated is closely related and comparable in duties and minimum qualifications to the class in which the individual holds permanent status.
2. The individual must have been employed by the other public agency within one year prior to the date of his or her application to the County.
3. The individual was appointed to the class in which he or she holds permanent status from an eligible list resulting from an open competitive or promotional examination which meets the standards of the County.
4. There must be written information submitted by the other public agency and on file with the Commission confirming the individual’s permanent status and containing the following statements:
   1.  The employment record of the individual has been entirely satisfactory;
   2. The individual has not been separated, nor is he/she being considered from separation, due to fault or delinquency on his/her part.
5. The individual may be required to take and pass an oral examination as administered by an oral board as provided in Rule 7.02.
6. The individual shall meet the medical requirements as provided in Rule 8.
7. The names of such individuals shall be placed on the open eligible list in the order of their approval and shall follow any names which may already appear on the eligible list.

As a Dispatcher, you are responsible for monitoring, receiving, and dispatching routine and emergency radio communications to and from Sheriff’s patrol units and other law enforcement or public safety agencies. To effectively accomplish these tasks, you will be involved in securing and recording information as to the nature of a reported problem and identifying the exact location. You will be operating a C.L.E.T.S. (California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System) computer terminal to obtain or verify information and maintaining required logs of calls and incidents.  Additionally, you will prepare reports, provide information and assistance to the public, and determine availability and location of patrol units to dispatch. The County of San Luis Obispo’s Sheriff’s Dispatch Center provides coverage to San Luis Obispo, as well as the surrounding areas including Morro Bay and Arroyo Grande.

The ideal candidate will have interest in corrections or law enforcement, possess excellent communication and multi-tasking skills, as well as be able to exercise good judgment in emergency situations. Strong powers of observation, memory, logical reasoning, and judgment are desired.  As a Dispatcher, being able to understand and carry out oral and written instructions; speak clearly; listen attentively; remember names, locations and numbers; read maps quickly and accurately; establish effective working relationships; and tactfully handle irate or upset individuals is key. Telephone operation and etiquette and the ability to learn geography of the County is a must.  Excellent computer software skills with the ability to quickly and accurately type data is required.

Graduation from high school or possession of a General Education Development (GED) Certificate and any combination of education, training, and experience which would provide the required knowledge and abilities. Ability to type at a speed of 45 net wpm.

Work experience receiving information and simultaneously performing data entry is desirable.

The Sheriff’s Office offers a variety of opportunities for professional support staff which are critical for operations. We offer positions in a variety of divisions which include:

Administration
Finance
Information Technology
Human Resources
Forensics
Crime Lab
Custody
Crime Prevention
Records & Warrants

To learn more about the various opportunities provided to members of our Professional Staff team, visit our Annual Report for details.

To learn more about the many benefits and incentives offered through San Luis Obispo County, visit the following links below:

Employee Benefit Brochure

Medical Benefits

Dental and Vision Benefits

Ancillary Insurance Options

Financial Wellness Programs

Employee Health Clinic

The Sheriff’s Office has various positions which require a physical agility test. These positions include:

• Correctional Deputy
• Deputy Sheriff
• Sheriff’s Cadet

The physical agility test for Correctional Deputy consists of four (4) events as follows:

1. 550-yard run
2. Push-ups
3. Sit-ups
4. Pull-ups

All events are scored individually; however, points are cumulative for these exercises.  If you are less successful in one event, you can make up points in other events by completing more repetitions.  More information is listed below regarding each event and scoring.

Event 1 – 550 Yard Run

165 seconds or less target time.

Event 2 – Push-Ups

Two (2) minute max time limit for as many as you can do with proper form.  During the exercise you can only rest in “plank” position; plank must have proper form; knees cannot touch the ground.

Event 3 – Sit-Ups

Two (2) minute max time limit for as many as you can do with proper form.  During the exercise, arms must be behind the head or crossed over the chest; candidate can rest in up or down position.

Event 4 – Pull-Ups

Must attempt at least one (1) unassisted rep starting in “hang” position; candidate can rest in “hang” position; kipping is permitted.  Note:  If you attempt the pull-up and are not able to complete it, you do have that ability to make up those points with the push-ups and sit-ups.

The physical agility test for Deputy Sheriff and Sheriff’s Cadet consists of four (4) events as follows:

1. 1.5 Mile Run
2. Push-Ups
3. Sit-Ups
4. Pull-Ups

The 1.5 mile run is pass/fail.  Candidates must successfully complete the 1.5 mile run in fifteen (15) minutes or less to advance to the other three (3) events.  The remaining events, events 2, 3, and 4, are scored individually, however, points are cumulative for these exercises.  If you are less successful in one (1) event, you can make up points in other events by completing more repetitions.  More information is listed below regarding each event and scoring.

Event 1 – 1.5 Mile Run

Fifteen (15) minute or less target time

Event 2 – Push-Ups

Two (2) minute max time limit for as many as you can do with proper form.  During the exercise you can only rest in “plank” position; plank must have proper form; knees cannot touch the ground.

 Event 3 – Sit-Ups

Two (2) minute max time limit for as many as you can do with proper form.  During the exercise, arms must be behind the head; candidate can rest in up or down position.

Event 4 – Pull-Ups

Must attempt at least one (1) unassisted rep starting in “hang” position; candidate can rest in “hang” position.  Note:  If you attempt the pull-up and are not able to complete it, you do have the ability to make up those points with the push-ups and sit-ups.

Sheriff’s Cadet applicants and Sheriff’s Dispatcher applicants are required to take a written test prior to interviews. The written examination is designed to evaluate your skills of comprehension, retention, and interpretation.

Practice

There are many publicly available resources available which provide practice testing materials, and several are even free.

Sheriff’s Cadet applicants can review the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) preparation guide which provides an overview of what the exam measures, how the exam is scored and provides a practice test as well.

Sheriff’s Dispatcher applicants can review the POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery examinee guide which provides an overview of what the exam measures, how the exam is scored and provides a practice test as well.

Examination

On your test date, you will be given the related materials and further instructions on how to complete the test-taking forms. Follow these instructions carefully! Ensure that you are filling your answers in on the required lines, and if you have a question about something prior to the test start, speak up and ask for clarification. When completing the test, allow yourself enough time to complete as many of the questions as possible. As a final check, ensure your name is on your paperwork before you turn it back in.

Preparation

Take some time to do research the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office through open-source information and learn as much as you can about us. At a minimum, you should know the general population size, the geographic area we cover, and the makeup of the communities we serve. Our social media pages are also full of details about the activities we are passionate about being involved in, as well as news and related information pertaining to some of the critical incidents we have handled. All of this will give you a better understanding of the core values of the department.

Take time in advance to put together an outfit that is clean, neat, ironed, and presentable. Professional attire is expected. Prior to your interview, double-check your appointment time and location, investigate projected travel time, and ensure you give yourself enough room to arrive without being rushed.

Presentation

Get some good sleep the night before your interview, dress professionally, and arrive early. You will meet a panel of three interviewers. Present yourself warmly, make eye contact, and greet everyone. They will then ask a series of questions that are designed to provide insight into your background, your previous employment, and your critical thinking skills. Do not be afraid to admit a shortcoming if asked about a difficult situation you may have encountered in the past – the ability to adapt, grow, and overcome a trying circumstance translates positively overall. At the end, provide your personal summary if asked for it, and then take a moment to show graciousness by thanking each panel member for their time.

Preparation

California P.O.S.T. (Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training) has mandates regarding the due diligence a law enforcement agency must complete to thoroughly investigate a candidate’s background prior to an offer of employment.

To start, you will be asked to complete a document called the Personal History Statement (PHS). It can be a bit intimidating on the surface, as it’s a detailed list of requests of your in-depth information. Besides basic details, you will be asked to provide information about immediate relatives, 7-10 character references, residential history including names of roommates and landlords, and specific details as they relate to your education, employment, military experience, financial background, criminal history and illegal drug use.

Taking the time to do an online search and familiarize yourself with this document is helpful, so you may begin to corral the requested details and have them readily available should you be asked to move forward in the process. It can be overwhelming when first viewed, and it’s natural to feel a slight sense of dread or fear, but it’s extremely important to note that your admission of certain aspects of your prior history are not automatically considered disqualifiers.

It is far more damaging to engage in any willful omission of prior details, as the potential for your investigator to later discover information you have withheld is great, and the punishment for your dishonesty will be rendering your ineligibility for the position.

Background Interview

Once you have completed your PHS, arrangements will be made for you to meet with your assigned background investigator. They will spend time going over your PHS in detail, asking clarifying questions as needed. It is also typical to be given a list of additional forms needed to move through the background process. Some of these items are likely to include a credit check authorization, transcript requests, certified copies of birth and marriage certificates, copy of your driver’s license, proof of vehicle registration and insurance, and DMV driving history printout, among others. Any action items that require follow-up on your part at the conclusion of this meeting should be handled without delay.

Investigation

Your background investigator will spend several weeks, and often times months, working through the information you provided and making determinations about your fitness for the position. At the conclusion of their investigation, a final summary report will be provided to the agency for their review, at which point a determination would be made on whether or not to have the candidate continue through the hiring process.

Honesty is the most valued trait of any law enforcement professional. It is valued by not only the law enforcement profession, but the community as well. Honesty within the polygraph community is a vital component among this unique profession. Polygraphs are used in a variety of ways:

• Screen candidates applying for law enforcement jobs at the municipal, state, and federal levels.
• Monitor Post Convicted Sex Offenders (PCSOT).
• Assist law enforcement in criminal investigations.
• Assist attorneys in determining the veracity of their clients.

If polygraph examiners were dishonest in rendering their professional opinions, it would potentially have an adverse effect on public safety and the criminal justice system.

Each Sheriff’s Office employee is required to complete a thorough medical evaluation during an appointment with a department-assigned physician. Paperwork will need to be completed noting information such as your basic biological descriptors, medical history, known risk factors, and family history. You will be weighed and have your height measured, have your blood pressure and temperature taken, and provide laboratory blood samples for a general health assessment. Additionally, you will undergo a thorough hearing test, and vision test, to determine your baseline values.

Any candidates seeking a career in a sworn position will be required to complete additional medical exams required by POST.

Some candidates will be required to undergo a psychological examination. The intent of the psychological exam is to get a better understanding of everyone’s unique personality traits, assess their specific skills and shortcomings, identify their concerns or fears, and determine their fitness for positions that requires an ability to handle high amounts of stress for an extended duration.

The examiner may be looking for potential red flags such as a lack of impulse control, perceived bias, or willful deception, but they are not evaluating based on some unattainable “perfect” score. This exam is a useful tool for analyzing the potential for an individual to be perceived as relatable, flexible, and self-aware – all essential components for the highly specialized positions in law enforcement.

The examination is typically handled in two parts over an extended session, and it is not uncommon for this appointment to be two to three hours in duration. The first portion of the exam is often a written test, with many questions requiring a response based on multiple-choice selections. The industry standard means of measurement for this is the MMPI (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory) which will be scored at the conclusion of your written test and is used to direct specific questions during the second portion of the exam, which consists of an oral interview. Do not assume that this meeting is an interrogation, as it should be treated more conversationally. The examiner will have key components they wish to address, but they may also ask open-ended questions to discern more about your personality make-up. Your candidness during this session will reflect more positively than an attempt to be more reserved, as the latter has the potential to be viewed as dishonest.

Thank you for your interest in joining the Sheriff’s Office team!

To view current job opportunities, click here.