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Under general supervision, a Police Officer is responsible for the performance of law enforcement duties to protect life and property in accordance with applicable laws, to carry out special assignments as necessary, and other related duties as assigned. A wide variety of assignments are available which include Patrol, Traffic, Narcotics, Detectives, Off-Road and Surface Street Motorcycle Patrol, Bike Patrol, Special Weapons Team, Crisis Negotiation Team, Canine, Background Investigations, School Liaison, Gang Suppression, Special Enforcement Section and Intelligence.

This position participates in a 4/10 work schedule. Must be available to work nights, weekends, and holidays.

Requirements:

Candidates must have completed a California P.O.S.T. Certified Police Academy. Must be 21 years of age as of the appointment date, high school graduate or G.E.D., (as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education), and U.S. citizen or a permanent resident alien who is eligible and has applied for citizenship.

Out-of-State Candidates:

The California Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) will conduct an evaluation of all out-of-state training. POST is the sole authority on applicable training and determines whether the candidate must attend an abbreviated academy, or a regular police academy. If an academy is required, the candidate will be hired as a Police Officer Trainee. Upon completion of the academy, promotion will be made to Police Officer.

Selection Process:

All qualified applicants will be invited to appear before an Oral Appraisal Board. Applicants passing the Oral Board examination will be placed on the eligibility list based on their Oral Appraisal Board rankings. Prospective employees will be required to pass a physical agility examination and undergo a thorough background investigation including a medical, psychological, polygraph and drug/alcohol screening.

Physical Agility

Phase I Includes:

• 99 Yard Obstacle Course (time limit 25 seconds)
• Body Drag (165 pounds) (time limit 14 seconds)
• Chain Link Fence (time limit 10 seconds)
• Solid Fence (time limit 13.5 seconds)
• One Mile Run (time limit 10 minutes)

Phase II: For candidates progressing to the Chief’s Oral Interview process

• 1.5 Mile Run (time limit 15 minutes)
• 15 Military Style Push-ups without stopping

Are you interested in gaining valuable work experience in the field of law enforcement? The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office is now accepting applications for the 2025 Sheriff's Summer Internship Program!

The Summer Internship Program will run for 12 weeks from June 9 to August 29, 2025. The Sheriff’s Office is searching for up to 20 Summer Interns to perform a variety of administrative functions throughout the following divisions of our office:

• Corrections
• Court Security & Transportation
• Criminal Records
• Emergency Services
• Fiscal / Accounting
• Forensic Lab
• Patrol
• Property & Evidence
• Sheriff’s Activities League
• Technical Services
• Training

Interns will work a maximum of 20 hours per week. Work schedules will fall during the standard work week -- Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. There may be room for scheduling flexibility to be further discussed during the placement portion of the hiring process.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Candidates selected to fill these internship positions must submit to a thorough pre-employment background investigation prior to receiving a final offer of employment.

Examples Of Duties:

• Support assigned unit/division in its operations
• Answer telephones
• Proofread reports and flyers
• Prepare correspondence and materials for meetings and presentations   
• Enter, analyze, and monitor data
• Maintain office supply inventory
• Scan and file documents
• Develop and prepare forms, records, reports, spreadsheets, and schedules

Qualifications:

To apply, the following criteria must be met:

• A high school diploma or equivalent educational certification is required.
• Applicants should possess the legal right to work in the United States.
• Successful completion of a comprehensive background investigation is required for employment.
• Interns assigned to roles in the Forensic Lab, Correctional Facilities, or working with youth must participate in a medical clearance process prior to hire.

Ideal Candidates will possess:

• Strong computer skills (Microsoft Office experience preferred)
• Excellent organizational skills and keen attention to detail
• Strong customer service and teamwork skills
• Ability to adapt to rapidly changing priorities  
• Excellent oral and written communication skills   
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Desire to learn and share knowledge with others

Strong preference will be given to candidates actively pursuing an education or career in law enforcement or a related field.

Application/Examination:

If you are interested in being considered for this Internship, please submit the following items in Word or PDF format via email.

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter that covers the following topics:
   1. Why you are interested in a Summer Internship with the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office
   2. Why you are the ideal candidate for this position
   3. Your current or anticipated course of study and/or your work experience that aligns with a career in law enforcement
   4. Which division of the Sheriff’s Office you would prefer to work in and why
3. A copy of your high school diploma or equivalent educational certification 

Please include the words "Sheriff's Office - Summer Intern 2025" in the subject line of the email submission. Please send the required materials via email to:

Dorothy Brandt, Management Analyst - Sheriff's Office

Email: dhalley@smcgov.org

Application materials will be reviewed as they are received, and well-qualified candidates will be contacted by the Sheriff's Office for an interview. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination.

Apply immediately. Application materials will be accepted until the positions are filled. This posting is open on a continuous basis and selections may be made at any time within the process.

NOTE: Application materials are only accepted via e-mail. Materials sent via regular mail and/or fax will not be accepted. Submittals that do not include all required elements (Resume, Cover Letter, and Proof of Education) will not be considered.

Under supervision, a Police Cadet is a non-sworn, part-time classification that assists police personnel in a variety of operations in order to gain practical knowledge of law enforcement. They will obtain practical work experience that supports their career goals.

Employees in this classification may receive training and experience in each of the below duties.

CLASS CHARACTERISITICS:

Incumbents in this position are interested in law enforcement (and the Union City Police Department will provide the opportunity to learn various aspects of police work where they can integrate academic philosophies with practical experience. This position will provide incumbents on-the-job training and the ability to develop professional networking relationships for future service in government or law enforcement.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES (illustrative only):

Positions assigned to Records may be responsible for:

• Copying, indexing, assembling, filing, distributing, and retrieving various documents files, records, and reports.
• Providing information to individuals at the front counter or over the phone.
• Conducting transactions from cash drawer for purchasing reports.
• Inputting, tracking, retrieving, accessing, and purging data in various logs, systems, and databases.
• Conducting research projects and drafting reports and memos.

Positions assigned to Animal Control may be responsible for:

• Transporting animals to the shelter or if injured to the veterinary hospital.
• Disposing of deceased animals.
• Quarantining animals that have bitten people and complete associated forms.
• Investigating cruelty to animal calls.
• Placing animals under protective custody.
• Drafting animal control citations.
• Appearing and testifying in court when subpoenaed.
• Inspecting animal control vehicles and equipment for damage and inventory prior to use on shift.

Positions assigned to Parking Enforcement and Vehicle Abatement may be responsible for:

• Patrolling an assigned area by vehicle or on foot to ensure public compliance with existing parking ordinances.
• Maintaining communication with dispatch.
• Writing warnings and citations for illegally parked vehicles.
• Observing and reporting hazardous conditions such as missing traffic signals, signs, and street markings that need to be repainted.
• Maintaining assigned equipment and supplies such as hand-held citation computers, citation books, rain gear, street cones, flares, etc.
• Performing traffic control duties such as setting up barricades and temporary signs, directing traffic, and placing inoperative bags on broken parking meters.

Positions assigned to Fleet Maintenance may be responsible for:

• Reviewing and reporting vehicle deficiencies.
• Scheduling repair of vehicles and equipment.
• Transporting vehicles and equipment to repair shop.
• Arranging for tows.
• Entering and maintaining vehicle inventory/status log.
• Coordinating service, oil changes, and cleaning of vehicles.
• Maintaining supplies such as stocking first aid kits, fingerprint kits and flares, ensuring fire extinguishers are full and appropriately charged, etc.
• Registering undercover vehicles with DMV.

The Position
Under general or direct supervision, performs a wide variety of law enforcement duties involving crime prevention and investigation, protection of life and property, and enforcement of laws, codes, and ordinances; performs investigation duties, assists in the preparation of cases and testifies in court; cooperates with other law enforcement agencies and City departments; may provide lead direction for subordinate departmental employees and volunteers; provides information and assistance to the public; and performs related duties as assigned.

Community Oriented Policing
The Foster City Police Department is centered on the philosophy of Community Oriented Policing. There is an expectation that all employees will provide excellent service to the public, every call, every contact, every day. As with all employees, the Police Corporal is expected to make non-enforcement contacts with the public in an effort to more clearly identify the needs of the community, and to assist the public in solving community problems. 

Class Characteristics
This is a lead-level class in the sworn officer series responsible for performing a wide variety of law enforcement tasks in support of a municipal police department. Incumbents perform the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from Police Sergeant in that the latter exercises technical and functional direction over and provides training to lower-level staff on an assigned shift.

Education and Experience
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities
is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade; successful completion of 30 semester units of college course work at an accredited institution.  An Associate's degree or higher is desirable. The minimum education requirements may be met by the possession of an Intermediate Post Certificate.

Experience: Possession of a POST Basic Certificate at the time of application. 

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License, and a good driving record, to be maintained
  throughout employment.
• Possession of a valid Basic Certificate issued by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). 
• Possession and maintenance of firearms qualification.

To review the full job description, click on the Police Corporal job description. 

Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed for relevant education, experience, training and other job related qualifications. Based upon a review of employment applications and supplemental questionnaires received, a limited number of the qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the examination process. 

The process will consist of four Oral Panel Interview (Technical - weighted 30%; Tactical - weighted 30%; Community - weighted 30%; and Presentation - weighted 10%). An eligibility list will be established from those who pass the examination process with a score of 80% or higher. Current and future vacancies may be filled from this list. The list will remain in effect for at least one year unless exhausted sooner. 

The department will invite the most qualified candidates from the eligibility list to a final department interview. The Police department will make the hiring decision. 

Expected Dates for Examinations (subject to change): 
Oral Panel Interviews: TBD 
Department Interview: TBD 

Note: Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee that a candidate will be invited to participate in the selection process. The City of Foster City reserves the right, at its discretion, to limit the number of qualified candidates invited to the selection process. 

BE A PART OF SERVING OUR COMMUNITY!

The City of Sebastopol Invites Applications for the Position of

POLICE OFFICER

Full-Time position/eligibility list

Salary: $88,744 - $107,872 Annually

$7,395 - $8,989 Monthly

Plus an excellent benefits package

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Come join the vibrant City of Sebastopol! We are currently creating an eligibility list for anticipated future full-time Police Officer positions. The Police Officer's duties are to perform law enforcement and crime prevention work. Full-time permanent positions of Police Officers serve an eighteen (18) month probationary period. 

The Police Officer will demonstrate cultural competency working with all community members regardless of cultural differences or circumstances, including race, ethnicity, religion, language, gender identity, age, marital and familial status, sexual orientation, diverse physical and learning abilities, socioeconomic status, and other identities.

For more information about this exciting opportunity, please view the brochure below: 

TO VIEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, CLICK JOB PDF OR JOB ANNOUNCEMENT URL BELOW.

Please click on the Job PDF below to view the full job announcement.

 

Are you ready to embark on an exciting career in law enforcement? The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office invites applications for the Deputy Sheriff Trainee position!

 

Prior experience in law enforcement is not required for the Deputy Trainee position.

 

The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office is eagerly seeking passionate individuals to join our team! As an agency, we are committed to the values of Dignity, Compassion, and Respect ensuring that we provide exceptional service to all citizens and visitors. By joining our team as a Deputy Sheriff Trainee, you'll kick-start your law enforcement career with the support and guidance you need to succeed. Under close supervision, you will receive comprehensive Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Academy and/or field officer training, allowing you to acquire a prestigious POST Basic Certificate. As you progress in your role, you'll perform a wide range of peace officer tasks under the direct supervision of experienced officers.

As you gain experience and expertise, you'll have the opportunity to advance to the journey-level Deputy Sheriff classification, where you'll play a crucial role in facilitating community interaction, utilizing collaborative problem-solving techniques, investigating crimes, and patrolling assigned areas. Additionally, you may also have the opportunity to engage in tasks such as receiving, supervising, and transporting inmates, acting as a bailiff or civil deputy, and fulfilling various law enforcement and crime prevention duties assigned under general supervision.

The ideal candidate will possess the following characteristics: 

• Knowledge of laws and regulations as well as familiarity with the criminal justice system.
• Excellent communication skills including active listening, verbal and written communication, conflict resolution, and de-escalation techniques.
• Strong critical thinking and problem solving skills.
• Demonstrated track record of professionalism and ethical conduct. 
• Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and maintain trust 
• Be physically fit and have knowledge of self-defense tactics.
• Demonstrate cultural competency and emotional resiliency. 
• Ability to manage stress as well as cope with challenging situations. Has the ability to remain calm and composed in stressful or confrontational situations

 

TO AVOID DELAYS IN PROCESSING YOUR APPLICATION, PLEASE READ THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS JOB POSTING IN ITS ENTIRETY PRIOR TO SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION. 

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT APPLYING

 

The required test score for Deputy Sheriff Trainee applicants must be completed before submitting an on-line application.  The following describes the required application materials: 

 

Step 1:  Application Submission: All applicants are required to submit an online application to be considered. Responses to the supplemental questions and copies of required test scores must be submitted in addition to the regular employment application form. Applications submitted without the required attachments will be rejected. 

 

Step 2:  Written Examination: Applicants for the Deputy Sheriff Trainee have four options for meeting the written examination requirement – (a) submittal of a valid and passing T-Score on the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) exam dated within the last 12 months prior to the date of application or (b) possession of a passing score on the National Testing Network (NTN) Frontline Law Enforcement written examination dated within the last 12 months prior to the date of application or (c) possession of a Basic Police Academy certification meeting POST requirements will be accepted in lieu of PELLETB scores or (d) possession of an associate’s degree or higher from an accredited U.S. college or university. 

 

a) POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB): This exam must be completed in less than 2.5 hours, and it must be passed with a minimum T-Score of 46.  To schedule for the exam, visit the South Bay Regional Public Safety Training Consortium's website at: www.theacademy.ca.gov. 

 

b) National Testing Network (NTN) Frontline Law Enforcement Written Exam: Passing scores accepted for this exam are Video Judgement Test 65% or higher; Reading 70% or higher; and Writing 70% or higher. This examination is administered directly by the National Testing Network, and it may be taken virtually or in person at testing sites nationwide. To schedule for this exam, visit the National Testing Network Website at:https://www.nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs. 

 

c) Possession of a Basic Police Academy certification meeting POST requirements. 

 

d) Possession of an associate’s degree or higher from an accredited U.S. college or university. NOTE: PELLETB Test scores or results from other training organizations or law enforcement agencies will be accepted so long as they meet California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) requirements. 

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT TESTING

 

PELLETB: Applicants can complete the PELLETB exam at the South Bay Regional Public Safety Training Consortium. The areas covered by the test include spelling, vocabulary, clarity, reading and CLOZE (use contextual clues to complete a passage that contains missing words). Applicants are responsible for contacting South Bay Regional Public Safety Training Consortium and self-enrolling in the required written exam. Visit South Bay Regional Public Safety Training Consortium's website for current exam schedules, requirements, and enrollment at (www.theacademy.ca.gov).

 

National Testing Network (NTN) Frontline Law Enforcement Written Examination (Online option): Applicants can register with NTN and schedule for the written examination by visiting www.nationaltestingnetwork.com, select “Find Jobs”, then select “Law Enforcement Jobs” and sign up for San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office. You must take the examination first before applying. Candidates who have already completed the National Testing Network (NTN) examination may submit their results through NTN to our agency. The exam must have been taken within one year of your submitted application. Candidates must meet the minimum passing scores. Acceptance of NTN exam scores are subject to verification with National Testing Network.

 

Qualifications

As required by California State Law candidates for Deputy Sheriff Trainee and Deputy Sheriff classifications must have the following qualifications:

Education:  A high school graduate or passing the General Education Development (GED) test or other high school equivalency test approved by CDE, or completion of at least 60 college units from an accredited or approved institution to apply.

Knowledge of: Civil laws, codes, ordinances and recent court decisions; principles and practices of law enforcement, criminal investigation and basic psychology, rules of evidence, laws of arrest and court procedure.

Skill/Ability to: Work collaboratively with others to solve problems; read and comprehend legal documents, law enforcement manuals, and court decisions; read standard street and highway maps; follow instructions; function effectively under stress; demonstrate leadership and control in volatile, rapidly changing environments; maintain impartiality, transparency and make accurate observations; perform repeated strenuous physical exertion; write complete and accurate reports and correspondence.; communicate clearly and respectfully with all types of people, both orally and in writing; lead by personal example by interacting professionally and compassionately with community members; meet State of California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) medical, physical and psychological standards for law enforcement.

Licensure/Certification:

• Possession of a Class C California driver license or equivalent (both classifications).

Deputy Sheriff Trainee: Eligibility for State of California P.O.S.T. law enforcement academy and field officer training OR successful graduation from State of California P.O.S.T. law enforcement academy and eligibility for field officer training.

Other Requirements:

• Must be at least 21 years of age per P.O.S.T and AB-89 Peace Officers: Minimum Qualifications.
• Refrain from using tobacco products at any time for employees hired by the County after October 1, 2004.

 

Application/Examination

Open. Anyone may apply.  Responses to the supplemental questions and copies of required test scores must be submitted in addition to the regular employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required employment application and supplemental questionnaire.
 
This is a continuous recruitment which may close at any time. The final filing date will be posted five days in advance on this job announcement.

 

The examination/selection process will consist of the steps detailed in order below.

Step 1:  Application Submission: All applicants are required to submit an online application to be considered. Responses to the supplemental questions and copies of required test scores must be submitted in addition to the regular employment application form. Applications submitted without the required attachments will be rejected.

 

Step 2:  Written Examination: Applicants for the Deputy Sheriff Trainee have four options for meeting the written examination requirement – (a) submittal of a valid and passing T-Score on the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) exam dated within the last 12 months prior to the date of application or (b) possession of a passing score on the National Testing Network (NTN) Frontline Law Enforcement written examination dated within the last 12 months prior to the date of application or (c) possession of a Basic Police Academy certification meeting POST requirements will be accepted in lieu of PELLETB scores or (d) possession of an associate’s degree or higher from an accredited U.S. college or university.

 

Step 3:  Application Appraisal (weight: 100%): Applicants who meet the written examination requirement as outlined in Step 2 and meet the qualifications for the position will be placed on the eligible list for a period of six months.

 

After placement on the eligible list, qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the following departmental process with The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office:

Oral Interview: Qualified candidates will be invited to participate in a panel interview with the Sheriff’s Office Professional Standards Bureau.

Physical Agility Exam: Qualified candidates will be invited to participate in a physical agility test which may include, but is not limited to, the following events: weight drag, obstacle course, fence/wall climb and 1.5 mile run completed in 15 minutes or less.

Candidates must successfully pass both the departmental interview and the departmental physical agility test to be hired for the position of Deputy Sheriff's Trainee.

 

RECRUITMENT TIMELINE: Continuous
Apply immediately. This recruitment is open on a continuous basis and selections may be made at any time within the process.

 

Are you an experienced peace officer? The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office is seeking current peace officers for the position of Deputy Sheriff Lateral.
 
The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office employs over six hundred sworn and civilian employees. Deputy Sheriffs facilitate community interaction and utilize collaborative problem-solving techniques; investigate crimes; patrol assigned areas; receive, supervise and transport inmates; act as bailiff or civil deputy; and perform all related duties in law enforcement and crime prevention as may be assigned under general supervision.
 
To avoid delays in processing your application for this position, please read all the information contained in this job posting prior to submitting an application.
 

This is NOT an ENTRY-LEVEL POSITION.

 
Successful candidates must have experience as a peace officer and must possess a valid California Basic POST Certificate. The Basic Certificate is awarded to current full-time peace officers of a POST-participating agency that have satisfactorily completed the prerequisite Basic Course requirement and the employing agency's probationary period.  A copy of a valid California Basic POST Certificate or Basic Course Waiver Letter must to attached to the application.   
 
California Basic POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) Certificate - The Basic Certificate is awarded, as defined in Regulation 1011, to currently employed full-time peace officers of a POST-participating agency who have satisfactorily completed the prerequisite Basic Course requirement and the employing agency's probationary period.

Out-of-state applicants: Completion of the Basic Course Waiver process is an option for meeting California's Regular Basic Course training requirement for out-of-state applicants. An individual must successfully complete the entire four-step Basic Course Waiver (BCW) process to obtain a waiver. To begin or learn more about the Basic Course Wavier process, please visit https://www.post.ca.gov/basic-course-waiver-process.aspx.

 

Qualifications

Certificate: As required by the State of California, incumbents at this level must possess a valid California Basic POST Certificate.

Education: High school diploma or its equivalent.

License: Valid California Class C Driver License or equivalent.

Background: No felony convictions and no recent drug use.

Physical Requirements: Must be free from any condition which might adversely affect fitness for the duties of the position; uncorrected visual acuity of at least 20/100 in each eye, correctable to 20/30 in each eye; weight must be in proportion to height.

Other requirements: Willing to work irregular hours, holidays, weekends, and rotating shifts. Refrain from using tobacco products at any time for employees hired by the County after October 1, 2004.

 

Application/Examination

Anyone May Apply.  Responses to supplemental questions must be submitted in addition to our County of San Mateo application form along with a copy of your Basic POST Certificate. An application screening committee may select those applicants whose education, experience, training, and knowledge most closely match the requirements of the position and the needs of the Sheriff's Office. 

Qualified candidates will be notified of the date, time and place of the examinations. Subsequent phases of the selection process include a psychological evaluation, polygraph test, and medical examination. The Sheriff's Office will conduct final interviews with candidates who pass all required tests and evaluations. Final selection of candidates is made by the Sheriff's Office and is based on panel interview performance and information gathered in the background investigation, psychological and polygraph assessments, and medical evaluations. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract, expressed or implied, and any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California, and applicants must participate at their own expense.

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the 'Apply' button above. If you are not on the County's website, please go to http://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply.

For specific questions regarding retirement, the San Mateo County Employees' Retirement Association (www.samcera.org) can be contacted by email (samcera@samcera.org) or by phone (650-599-1234).