Deputy Sheriff Cadet-Promotional

Promotion only for current County of San Diego employees.

Temporary employees, except for Certified Temporary employees, are not eligible for promotional recruitments. For more information, please review the FAQ on Promotional Recruitments.

Deputy Sheriff Cadets attend the San Diego Regional Public Safety Institute at Miramar College, which includes classroom study, practical application, and examinations in Communications, Criminal Investigations, Custody Procedures, Force and Weaponry, Law, Laws of Evidence, Patrol Procedures, Progressive Physical Training (for more information regarding the Physical Agilities Exam, ) and Defensive Tactics, Police Community Relations, Professional Orientation, Traffic and Vehicle Operations and related subjects.

Upon graduation, the Deputy Sheriff Cadet will be promoted to Deputy Sheriff.

Note: Current Detentions/Court Services Deputies are encouraged to complete their probationary period prior to applying for this recruitment. For a complete job description including minimum requirements, physical characteristics, license requirements, and working conditions, . This recruitment is intended for current employees that have not obtained their P.O.S.T.
Internal candidates with a P.O.S.T. are encouraged to apply for the Lateral (005757) recruitment.

• June 2026 – 4.97% increase to base pay (3.5% Across-the-Board + 1.47% Market Adjustment)
• June 2027 – 4.47% increase to base pay (3% Across-the-Board + 1.47% Market Adjustment)

As part of the County of San Diego’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position.

Illegal drug use and possession is prohibited in any form by Sheriff’s Office employees.

STEP 1:
Complete the online application form providing correct and complete responses to the Supplemental Questions. Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental application form will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.

STEP 2:
If you meet the minimum qualifications for Deputy Sheriff’s Cadet-Promotional, you will be invited to schedule yourself for the Qualifications Shoot examination.

Please note:

Once scheduled, you will NOT receive a reminder to appear for the Qualifications Shoot examination. Please note the date and time of your exam when you schedule yourself. This is your responsibility.

Unscheduled candidates will not be admitted.

If you do not meet the minimum qualifications for Deputy Sheriff’s Cadet-Promotional as determined by the application screening, the Department of Human Resources will notify you via e-mail. If you receive this e-mail, you will not be eligible to take the Firearms Qualification Shoot.

The evaluation process for this recruitment will consist of a Firearms Qualification Shoot. Applicants must successfully pass this exercise to be placed on the 12-month eligibility list for Deputy Sheriff’s Cadet-Promotional.