Qualifications
Learn about the age, education, citizenship, and background requirements for a Deputy Sheriff position.
Age
Deputy Sheriff applicants must be at least 20 years of age at the time of their application, and 21 years of age at the time of graduation from the Basic Peace Officer Academy.
Education
The County of Santa Clara Sheriff’s Office requires graduating Deputy Sheriff Cadets to have 60 semester units or 90 quarter units of college credit by the end of the academy. Completing the P.O.S.T. Basic Academy provides 22 semester units or 33 quarter units, so applicants must enter the program with at least 38 semester units or 57 quarter units. College coursework does not need to be related to Criminal Justice or Administration of Justice. This policy allows the Sheriff’s Office to benefit from a diverse range of skills and educational backgrounds.
The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office will also accept two (2) years of full-time active-duty military service with honorable discharge or two (2) years of full-time experience working as a peace officer within a correctional facility in lieu of the above college educational requirements.
Citizenship
Pursuant to California Senate Bill 960, effective January 1, 2023, it is no longer required for peace officers to either be a citizen of the United States or be a permanent resident who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship; instead, peace officers must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
If you have any questions, please contact a recruiter at (408) 808-4605 or email a recruiter at [email protected].
Background
Must be able to pass a complete background investigation, including fingerprints and a search of local, state, and national files for criminal history.