Our Department’s Hiring Process

The first step to joining our team is to meet certain legal requirements:

  • Applicants must be a US Citizen.

  • Applicants must be at least 21 years old at the time of appointment.

  • Applicants must have no felony convictions.

  • Applicants must have received their High School Diploma or GED.

  • Applicants must have good moral character as defined by Government Code 1031 and the Ten POST Job Dimensions.

    • Moral Character

    • Impulse Control/Attention to Safety

    • Substance Abuse and Other Risk Taking Behavior

    • Handling Stress and Adversity

    • Conscientiousness

    • Controlling and Overcoming Problems, Obstacles and Adversity

    • Interpersonal Skills

    • Decision Making and Judgment

    • Learning Ability

    • Communication Skills

Background Process

    1. Personal History Statement (PHS) 28-page questionnaire distributed after successful completion of the Oral Board. Please make sure this document is filled out completely.Personal History Statement (PHS) 28-page questionnaire distributed after successful completion of Physical Ability and Written Examinations. Please make sure this document is filled out completely.

    2. PHS due on specific date given (Approximately two weeks after testing)

    3. Initial PHS Screening

    4. Background Interview

      • Fingerprints

      • Photo

      • Waivers signed

      • Interview/ Review PHS with applicant

    5. Polygraph Examination

    6. Background Investigation

      1. Investigations

        • Relatives/ Neighbors/ Friends/ Acquaintances

        • Employment History

        • Educational Institutions

        • Police Academy

        • Law Enforcement

        • Credit History Report

      2. Field Work

        • Home Visit/ Neighborhood Check

    7. Interview

    Conditional offer will be given upon successfully passing the Background process.

  • This is conducted in Los Gatos.

  • This is conducted in Salinas.

  • Sheriff via Chain of Command for Review.