Academy - General Information

The Sacramento Sheriff's Department is currently sponsoring non-affiliated P.O.S.T. Certified Basic Academies. The non-affiliate class is for individuals who are interested in a career in law enforcement, but who have not been hired or sponsored by an agency. Law Enforcement agencies may also sponsor their own candidates (trainees) through the Academy. You may put yourself through this Academy and upon completion receive a Certificate of Completion for a P.O.S.T. Basic Course. This certification makes you eligible for employment by any agency within the State of California. Many agencies require applicants to have their Basic Course training before offering employment.

Our non-affiliate P.O.S.T. Intensive Format (daytime) Academy is approximately 24 weeks with approximately 950 hours of training. The Extended format (nighttime) Academy is approximately 44 weeks in length, this class has approximately 950 hours of training.

While attending the Academy, you may apply to become a Reserve Deputy Sheriff with the County of Sacramento. You will be required to pass a thorough background investigation, a psychological evaluation, a polygraph (or other truth verification) examination, a medical examination and a drug test. If you are successful in passing these requirements, you will be considered for appointment as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff for the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department.

As a Reserve Deputy Sheriff, you will be able to work with a full-time sworn Deputy Sheriff in a variety of jobs throughout the Department. One great advantage of being a Reserve Deputy Sheriff is the experience gained working in all aspects of the Department. Reserve Deputies work a myriad of assignments. They provide security for the Pig Bowl and many other community functions. You may also work in Patrol, Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center, Main Jail, Work Release Facility, Community Resources and a wide range of other assignments. The experience you obtain from your volunteer service will be invaluable to your future in law enforcement. Many of our full-time Deputies began their careers as Reserve Deputies.

When funds become available and positions are open, Reserve Deputies have the opportunity to become On-Call Reserve Deputies. The On-Call position is a temporary, part-time County position. On-Call Reserve Deputies are paid while working in this position. Further information on recruitment may be accessed from this website.

When the Department of Personnel Management announces a test for Deputy Sheriff, non-affiliate Academy graduates may apply for this full-time position. The testing process must be completed and a thorough background investigation will be completed. This process is very similar to the one required to become a Reserve Deputy Sheriff.

The non-affiliate full-time academy generally meets from 6:45 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. There will be an occasional Saturday and Sunday attendance required. Some nights will also be required for night exercises.

The Sacramento County Sheriff's Academy is affiliated with Los Rios Community College District. Those successfully completing the P.O.S.T. Basic Course will earn 17.5 college credits. The night time Academy meets on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from approximately 6:00 p.m. to approximately 11:00 p.m., and all day Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Monitor this website for academy testing announcements.

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