San Joaquin Sheriff's Office Logo
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NON-EMERGENCY
(209) 468-4400

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7000 Michael Canlis Blvd.
French Camp, CA 95231

San Joaquin Sheriff's Office Logo
ï¡»

NON-EMERGENCY
(209) 468-4400



7000 Michael Canlis Blvd.
French Camp, CA 95231

Join the Team

Interested in joining the san Joaquin county sheriff’s office?

We’re looking for courageous men and women who have a passion to serve, save lives, and provide the best possible community for others to live, work, and play.

We are passionate about the residents of our county and are looking for individuals who will treat its residents with dignity and respect while protecting and serving.

The job of wearing our badge is a noble profession. If this sounds like you, review the hiring process and apply!

Featured Job Openings

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Woman typing on keyboard

SJSO HIRING COMMUNICATION DISPATCHERS 1

The San Joaquin Sheriff’s Office is seeking highly motivated individuals who are interested in a career as a Communications Dispatcher.

SJSO IS HIRING DEPUTY SHERIFF TRAINEES

The San Joaquin Sheriff’s Office is seeking highly motivated individuals who are interested in a career as a law enforcement officer.

SJSO IS HIRING CORRECTIONAL OFFICER TRAINEES

The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office is seeking highly motivated individuals who will play a critical role in the daily function and operations of the Custody Division.

What it takes

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Application and Testing

Applicants must complete a series of tests, evaluations, and interviews during this phase of the hiring process.

The Academy

Hired recruits will be sent to a law enforcement academy to learn the basic skills of a deputy sheriff.

The FTO Program

Upon successful completion of the academy, recruits are trained and constantly tested under the watch of a field training officer.

Probation

Once a trainee has successfully completed the FTO program, they will provide the duties of a deputy sheriff under the monitoring of department supervisors.

The Hiring Process

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The steps to becoming a deputy with The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office.

Application and written exam

Go to San Joaquin County’s employment opportunities page and apply online. Once the application is accepted and minimum qualifications met, the applicant will be notified of the written exam date, time and location. Please make note of any special requirements when submitting your application: some positions require certain certificates or are limited to a certain number of applicants. Be as thorough and correct as possible to increase your chances of advancing to the next step.

physical agility test

The physical agility consists of five events; Obstacle Course, Body Drag, Solid Fence, and 500 Yard Run. Once you’ve passed the written exam, you will be notified of the test date, time, and location. Be early, come prepared, and dress in comfortable, appropriate athletic gear.

Background interview

Also known as the personal history statement interview, the applicant will meet with a staff member of the Professional Standards Division to review the applicant’s written statement and collect copies of any necessary documentation. The applicant will also complete waivers, a live scan (fingerprinting) and may be required to complete an autobiography. Be honest! Be complete! Trying to hide past issues, no matter how small, or failing to provide required information are two of the biggest reasons candidates will fail out of a background investigation.

cvsa exam

A thorough CVSA examination will be conducted.

Background investigation
The applicant will be assigned to a Background Investigator. A comprehensive, in-depth background investigation will be conducted into all aspects of the applicant’s past and current life.
Command Staff Interview

Upon completion of the background investigation, a report is prepared and given to the administrative lieutenant, the captains, and finally the Undersheriff for evaluation of the candidate’s interpersonal skills, oral communication skills, and qualifications. An interview is then scheduled with the Command Staff and if successful, the candidate will be given a conditional job offer. This offer is contingent upon successfully passing the steps below.

Medical Evaluation
A thorough medical evaluation will be conducted. The extent of the exam will be dependent upon the position for which the applicant is processing.
psychological evaluation
A thorough psychological evaluation will be conducted.
appointment

If the candidate is successful in the previous nine steps, they are scheduled for the next sheriff’s academy. Lateral deputies will begin the FTO Program.

We expect candidates to have these qualities

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  • ZIntegrity
  • ZGood Judgement
  • ZProfessionalism
  • ZCourage
  • ZTeam Player
  • ZCommunication
  • ZAccountability
  • ZSelf-Motivation

General Disqualifications

  • Incomplete, false, or illegible Personal History Statement
  • Falsification and/or omission of any requested information
  • Rude, belligerent, or otherwise unacceptable behavior towards staff
  • Untruthfulness to staff
  • Knowingly remaining in place where illegal drugs were used/sold
  • Prior arrests and convictions
  • Felony probation/parole
  • DUI conviction(s)
  • License suspension(s)
  • Traffic accident(s)/citations(s)
  • Poor employment or education history/performance (i.e., continual firing, poor grades/performance reviews)
  • Financial concerns (i.e., bankruptcies/collection accounts/failure to pay child support, etc.)

These issues or acts will disqualify a candidate from our employment process

Psychological disqualifications
  • Failure to meet the standards as determined by the department psychologist (written and oral interview)
Polygraph disqualifications
  • Continued responses indicating deception on questions asked
  • Failure to appear for the exam without notification or refusal to complete the exam
  • Attempts to defeat the machine (i.e., holding breath, hyperventilating, or taking drugs/alcohol before testing)
  • Withholding information from polygraph examiner
  • Admissions to conduct deemed unacceptable by Department or POST standards
  • Information uncovered by examiner which deviates from information provided to background investigator
Medical Disqualifications
  • Failure to meet the standards for the position as determined by the department physician

SJCSO Positions

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Deputy Sheriff Trainee

  • Be at least 20-1/2 years of age upon appointment

  • Must possess a valid California Driver’s License

  • Must possess a high school diploma or G.E.D.

  • Meet minimum standards required for Peace Officers as set forth in Section 1029 and 1031 of the Government Code

  • Pass background investigation conducted by Sheriff’s Office

  • Meet physical standards established for safety members

  • Will be required to attend and successfully complete POST academy

Deputy Sheriff

  • Be at least 21 years of age upon appointment
  • Must possess a valid California Driver’s License
  • Must possess a high school diploma or G.E.D.
  • Meet minimum standards required for Peace Officers as set forth in section 1029 and 1031 of the Government Code
  • Pass background investigation conducted by Sheriff’s Office
  • Meet physical standards established for safety members
  • Must have successfully completed a basic training academy as mandated by State Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, 832 Penal Code
  • Must pass a probationary period of not less than twelve month

Correctional Officer

  • Be at least 18 years of age upon appointment
  • Must possess a valid California Driver’s License
  • Must possess a high school diploma or G.E.D.
  • Meet minimum standards required for Peace Officers as set forth in Section 1029 and 1031 of the Government Code
  • Pass background investigation conducted by Sheriff’s Office
  • Meet physical standards established for safety members
  • Must successfully complete a basic training course approved by the California Board of State and Community Corrections within the first 12 months of employment

Communications Dispatcher

  • Be at least 18 years of age upon appointment
  • Must possess a high school diploma or G.E.D.
  • Meet minimum standards required for Dispatchers as set forth by California Peace Officers Standards and Training
  • Must have 6 months performing journey-level clerical work or operating multi-line telephone or radio communications systems, OR completion of 30-semester units from an accredited college/university, OR 1-year experience working in a law enforcement environment
  • Pass a background investigation conducted by the Sheriff’s Office
  • Meet physical standards established for Dispatchers
  • Be able to work rotating shifts on a 24/7 basis
  • Must pass a probation period of not less than twelve months

Sheriff Cadet

  • Be at least 18 years of age upon appointment
  • Possess a valid California driver’s license
  • Graduation from high school or satisfactory completion of a G.E.D.
  • Currently enrolled in an accredited two-year community college or a four-year college university
  • Pass a background investigation conducted by the Sheriff’s Department

Other Professional Career Opportunities

Interested in joining the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office but don’t want to become a deputy?

Join our team in a professional staff capacity. Click below to view our current career listings!

 

Benefits

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Salary Range

Deputy Sheriff Trainee:
$5,452 – $6,626/month

Deputy Sheriff DS I:
$6,430.67 – $7,819.07/month

Deputy Sheriff DS I-AC:
$6,656.00 – $8,092.93/month

Deputy Sheriff DS II:
$7,340.67 – $8,923.20/month

Correctional Officer:
$5,936.85 – $7,216.28/month

Communications Dispatcher CD I:
$4,355 – $5,294/month

Communications Dispatcher CD II:
$5,115 – $6,217/month

Sheriff’s Cadet:
$2,427/month

Deputy Sheriff Trainee: $5,452 – $6,626/month

Deputy Sheriff DS I: $6,430.67 – $7,819.07/month

Deputy Sheriff DS I-AC: $6,656.00 – $8,092.93/month

Deputy Sheriff DS II: $7,340.67 – $8,923.20/month

Correctional Officer: $5,936.85 – $7,216.28/month

Communications Dispatcher CD I: $4,355 – $5,294/month

Communications Dispatcher CD II: $5,115 – $6,217/month

Sheriff’s Cadet: $2,427/month

Deputy Sheriff Trainee

$5,452 – $6,626/month

Deputy Sheriff DS I

$6,430.67 – $7,819.07/month

Deputy Sheriff DS I-AC

$6,656.00 – $8,092.93/month

Deputy Sheriff DS II

$7,340.67 – $8,923.20/month

Correctional Officer

$5,936.85 – $7,216.28/month

Communications Dispatcher CD I

$4,355 – $5,294/month

Communications Dispatcher CD II

$5,115 – $6,217/month

Sheriff’s Cadet $2,427/month
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Paid time off

80 – 184 hours per year
10 paid holidays
12 working days of sick leave per year

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Health insurance

Three insurance plan options
Dependant coverage cost
shared by employee and County

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life insurance

Premium is paid for by the county
Different packages available for employees

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Dental insurance

Two dental plans covered by the county
Dependant coverage covered by employee

Frequently Asked Questions

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How Can I Prepare For The Written Examination?

There are around 100 questions covering reading, writing, and logical reasoning on the written examination.

You will need to have excellent reading and writing skills, such as spelling, English comprehension, grammar and vocabulary.

We recommend you read articles, magazines, publications, and books and then quiz yourself later on in the day on items you read.

Practice writing without the use of spell-check software or electronic devices.

There are several resources online to help people improve these skills.

What Is The Memory Recall Portion Of The Test?

As a deputy sheriff, it is imperative that you be able to quickly and accurately recall information you see, hear or read.

During the exam, you may be shown a picture or series of pictures to study for a period of time. You will then continue a different portion of the exam. After a period of time, questions about what you saw in the photo or photos will be asked, to see if you retained the information.

Why Is The Spelling And Grammar Important?

Everything we do in law enforcement is documented. This documentation is then viewed by other deputies, supervisors, attorneys, judges, and all parties to a crime and can be released to the public.

Your credibility and the department’s professionalism is on view for the world to see. Although it may seem small, when people find errors in your written documentation, they may wonder what errors were made in the arrest of a subject or an investigation.

What Should I Wear Or look Like For My Testing?

Part of the hiring process is the constant evaluation of applicants. From the day you pick up or turn in any paperwork, to your physical agility, to various testing appointments, you will be observed.

You should practice good hygiene, such as having clean fingernails. Your hair should be neat and professional in appearance.

Clean, professional business attire should be considered any time you make an appearance. Obviously, this isn’t the case for the physical agility, where you should be wearing appropriate training clothing.

For the oral interview, you should wear a properly tailored suit with shined shoes. Don’t wear outlandish ties or colors, or have any lapel pins or jewelry on which would cause a distraction.

Do Traffic Tickets Affect My ability To Get Hired?

Traffic tickets themselves do not necessarily pose a problem in the hiring process; however, repetitious receiving of traffic tickets can have an impact on your processing.

Does honesty matter?

A lot of applicants are disqualified for lying or for integrity issues. Tell the truth no matter how embarrassed you are about your past mistakes. Remember, all applicants are administered a polygraph examination during the hiring process!

What level of education do i need?

Most of the progressive agencies in California place a high value on a college education. An AA is a good start, but you should always consider higher education. The choice of a major is not nearly as important as the college experience itself.

Do I need law enforcement experience?

Make an ongoing effort to learn about law enforcement. Most agencies have part-time positions. They may be cadets, community service deputies, sheriff aides, public safety aides, etc. All provide exposure to the law enforcement environment. Agencies also have volunteer programs that can provide similar exposure and may also lead to employment opportunities.

How Can I prepare for the physical agility test?

The physical agility test is purposely designed to see how your body reacts and performs when completing high-intensity, short-duration skills and movements.

While lifting weights is excellent for building strength and toning a person’s physique, it does little to help you prepare your joints, muscles, and tendons for the physical agility test in terms of different movements and cardiovascular demands.

Any type of functional fitness workout, such as a bootcamp, HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training), or CrossFit-style workout routine would be excellent to use in your preparation for the physical agility test. You should also be able to run a few miles in a reasonable amount of time

There are several resources online to help people improve these skills.

Do You check social media activity?

We will view your online activities, as this is a good way for us to see how you conduct yourself in life.

We want to know answers to questions like: Are you hostile or confrontational with people expressing different opinions? Do you bully people online? Who are your friends or followers? What do you like to do or not like to do?

In today’s climate, social media can reveal a great deal about a person. If you exercise good judgment, display a positive attitude, and behave in a manner desired of a member of the law enforcement community, your social media activities will be viewed favorably.

I've Had some credit issues. Will this hurt me?

Having good credit is a good indicator of who you are as a person, in terms of meeting obligations, making wise decisions, maturity, and adhering to deadlines.

We also understand things happen in a person’s life, such as a divorce or catastrophic event, which may negatively impact your credit. We take this into consideration when reviewing your credit information.

Each applicant is evaluated individually on a case-by-case basis.

What are the top reasons people will fail the process?
There are a number of reasons why people fail, but the top reasons are typically:
  1. Dishonesty – Either omitting or failing to disclose anything on paperwork or verbally will always cause a disqualification.
  2. Attention to Detail – Not fully completing paperwork or caring about personal appearance.
  3. Not Meeting Obligations – Arriving late or forgetting appointments.
  4. Lack of Soft Skills – Unable to shake hands, make eye contact, or finish a sentence.
What Should I Know for the oral interview?

During the interview, we’re going to ask questions about you as a person, as well as questions pertaining to why you want to work for us and the skills you possess.

We’re also going to see how well you have prepared and your specific desire to work at the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office. What do you know about our department? Who is our leadership team? What’s the population, square mileage, and ethnicity of our county?

The interview panel will also be looking at your attire, your hygiene, and how you handle yourself in the interview. Are you confident or reserved? Are you arrogant or militant? Can you speak confidently, or are you scared and intimidated?

What qualities do recruiters look at?

We need applicants who believe in themselves. Be assertive, self-confident, outgoing, compassionate and learn to communicate well with a wide variety of people.

Does character matter?

Realize that any poor choices you make, especially as an adult, could jeopardize a future law enforcement career. While perfection is not expected or required, drug use, theft, dishonesty, and poor judgment end many careers before they get started. Don’t let your friends or co-workers pressure you into compromising your values or integrity. Remember, integrity is “What you do when nobody is looking!”

Join the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office

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