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.

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.

A thorough CVSA examination will be conducted.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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?

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

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!”