San Jose is the county seat of the Santa Clara County where the primary responsibility to maintain law and order is fulfilled by the County of Santa Clara Office of the Sheriff .Established in 1850, it is one of California’s oldest law enforcement agencies. If you are interested in joining it, here are all the details.

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Requirements to Become a Sheriff in San Jose (Santa Clara County)

The County of Santa Clara Office of the Sheriff has the “Deputy Sheriff Cadet,” “Deputy Sheriff – Lateral,” “Sheriff’s Correctional Deputy Cadet” and the “Sheriff’s Correctional Deputy – Lateral” positions.

Requirements for Deputy Sheriff Cadet

The following standards must be met for the Deputy Sheriff Cadet program.

  • At least 21 years old at the time of appointment.
  • Must be a legal US national. Permanent resident aliens who are eligible and have applied for nationality are also allowed to sign up.
  • Must be a high school graduate. In case of other qualifications, a high school equivalency test must be cleared.
  • Should have completed either 57 quarter units or 38 semester units from any accredited college.
  • Must not be a convicted felon.
  • Should be a California driving license holder with a satisfactory record.
  • Must clear all background checks which include fingerprint scanning and a thorough scrutiny of local, state and national files for any criminal record.
  • Should qualify a psychological assessment and medical test based on P.O.S.T standards.

Requirements for Deputy Sheriff – Lateral

The requirements listed below have to be fulfilled to join the Deputy Sheriff – Lateral program.

  • Must hold a P.O.S.T (Peace Officers Standards & Training Council) Basic Certificate from an accredited P.O.S.T academy. Otherwise, a P.O.S.T basic waiver must be submitted.
  • Should have an employment history with an accredited P.O.S.T agency performing duties equivalent to those carried out by a Deputy Sheriff in the last 3 years.
  • Should be at least 21 at the time of appointment.
  • Must be a valid national of the USA. Permanent resident aliens who are eligible and have applied for citizenship are also allowed to sign up.
  • Must have passed high school or high school equivalency test.
  • Should have completed 90 quarter units or 60 semester units from an accredited college.
  • Must not have a felony conviction.
  • Should possess a California driver’s license.
  • Should pass all background investigation including fingerprint scanning.
  • Must pass a psychological test as well as medical exam on the basis of P.O.S.T standards.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Sheriff in San Jose?

Becoming a sheriff is a long term process. After completing training and joining the sheriff’s office as a Deputy Sheriff or Sheriff’s Correctional Deputy, you will have to serve in this position for some time to be eligible to contest sheriff elections.

How Much Does a Sheriff Make in San Jose?

After graduating from the academy, the starting salary of a Deputy Sheriff (both cadet and lateral entry programs) is $96,093.92 a year. Since the sheriff is the person in-charge of the County of Santa Clara Office of the Sheriff, they are compensated quite well.