Hiring Process for Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

NOTE: Information provided in these FAQs is subject to change without notice.

Are you currently testing and hiring?

Yes, we are currently testing and hiring. For a list of all open positions, please visit the LASD Career Opportunities page.

How do I apply for any of the listed job opening(s)?

Please visit the LASD Career Opportunities page and review the job bulletin (job description) for all the open positions. If you are interested and meet the selection requirements for any position(s), you may submit an online application by clicking on the green tab on the top right corner of the job bulletin titled " Apply. "

Complete the employment application and Supplemental Questionnaire (SQ). Once the application process is complete and if you are successful in passing the SQ, you will be scheduled for a test administration. All correspondence is conducted via email.

What examinations are part of the Law Enforcement Job Family (LEJF)?

1. Deputy Sheriff – Lateral (DS-Lateral)

2. Deputy Sheriff Trainee (DST)

3. Custody Assistant (CA)

4. Security Officer (SO)

5. Security Assistant (SA)

What are the selection requirements for Deputy Sheriff – Lateral (DS-Lateral), Deputy Sheriff Trainee (DST), Custody Assistant (CA), Security Officer (SO), or Security Assistant (SA)?

Deputy Sheriff – Lateral (DS-Lateral)

•  Currently employed as a full-time peace officer in a California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T) certified law enforcement agency with two years of continuous paid peace officer experience at the time of filing application.
•  U.S. Citizen or permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship.
•  Graduation from a U.S. high school or evidence of equivalent U.S. high school proficiency or higher. Evidence of equivalent high school proficiency includes having successfully passed the GED, TASC, HiSET, or CHSPE.
•  Valid Basic, Intermediate, or Advanced P.O.S.T. certificate(s) from the California Commission on P.O.S.T or a Certificate of Completion from a California P.O.S.T-Certified Basic Training Academy at the time of filing.
•  Valid California class "C" driver license at the time of filing.
•  Applicants cannot have any felony convictions or be on probation; misdemeanors may be disqualifying, depending on the number, type of violation, and date of the violation.
•  Good general physical condition.
•  20/70 uncorrected vision, corrected to at least 20/30.

Deputy Sheriff Trainee (DST)

•  19 ½ years of age at the time of filing and 20 years of age at the time of hire.
•  U.S. Citizen or permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship.
•  Graduation from a U.S. high school or evidence of equivalent U.S. high school proficiency or higher. Evidence of equivalent high school proficiency includes having successfully passed the GED, TASC, HiSET, or CHSPE.
•  Valid California class "C" driver license or higher at the time of filing. Out-of-State applicants must have a valid driver license from the state in which they reside at the time of filing and will be required to obtain a California class "C" or above driver license, prior to hire.
•  Applicants cannot have any felony convictions nor be on probation; misdemeanors may be disqualifying, depending on the number, type of violation, and date of the violation.
•  Good general physical condition.
•  20/70 uncorrected vision, corrected to at least 20/30.

Custody Assistant (CA)

•  17 ½ years of age at the time of filing and 18 years at the time of hire.
•  Graduation from a U.S. high school or evidence of equivalent U.S. high school proficiency or higher. Evidence of equivalent high school proficiency includes having successfully passed the GED, TASC, HiSET, or CHSPE.
•  Valid California class "C" driver license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation to carry out job-related functions.
•  Applicants cannot have any felony convictions nor be on probation; misdemeanors may be disqualifying, depending on the number, type of violation, and date of the violation.

Security Officer (SO)

•  18 years of age at the time of filing.
•  Graduation from a U.S. high school or evidence of equivalent U.S. high school proficiency or higher. Evidence of equivalent high school proficiency includes having successfully passed the GED, TASC, HiSET, or CHSPE.
•  Valid California class "C" driver license at the time of filing.
•  Applicants cannot have any felony convictions nor be on probation; misdemeanors may be disqualifying, depending on the number, type of violation, and date of the violation.

Security Assistant (SA)

•  18 years of age at the time of filing.
•  Graduation from a U.S. high school or evidence of equivalent U.S. high school proficiency or higher. Evidence of equivalent high school proficiency includes having successfully passed the GED, TASC, HiSET, or CHSPE.
•  Valid California class "C" driver license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation to carry out job-related functions.
•  Applicants cannot have any felony convictions nor be on probation; misdemeanors may be disqualifying, depending on the number, type of violation, and date of the violation.

Law Enforcement Technician (LET)

•  Two years of paid experience working for a public safety agency* performing law enforcement-related services and support duties; or
•  Completion of 30 semester or 45 quarter units from an accredited college or university**
•  Valid California Class "C" driver license at time of filing
•  Applicants cannot have any felony convictions nor be on probation; misdemeanors may be disqualifying, depending on the number, type of violation, and date of the violation.

* Public safety agencies include departments such as sheriff, police, military police, college or university police, and fire.

** In order to receive credit for any college course work or Associates, Bachelors, or Masters Degree, applicants must submit a legible copy of the official transcripts or diploma, or an official letter from an accredited institution that shows the date of graduation, at the time of filing or within 15 calendar days of filing.

What does the LEJF written test consist of and what should I study?

The written test consists of seven sections:

1. Vocabulary

2. Reading Comprehension

3. Writing Clarity

4. Spelling

5. Grammar

6. Deductive and Inductive Reasoning

7. Data Interpretation

There are websites available that have sample or practice tests to help in the preparation of this test. They are only guides and do not guarantee success in the test. These sample tests are located at the following websites:

 The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department website

 The Los Angeles County Department of Human Resources website

 The Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission website

You may also find study materials/literature at the public library or local bookstores on entry-level law enforcement employment tests.

When will I be notified about my written test?

For LEJF positions, you will be notified via email one to two weeks after passing the SQ.

For LET, you will be notified in approximately two months from the date your application was reviewed and accepted.

If I pass the DST written test, when will I be scheduled for the Validated Physical Ability Test (VPAT)?

You will be scheduled approximately two weeks from the date of your written test.

When will I receive my results for the written test?

Written test results for LEJF positions are typically emailed to applicants the next business day after the test administration, unless instructed otherwise by the proctor.

Written test results for LET will be emailed four to six weeks after the written test, unless instructed otherwise by the proctor.

Whom do I contact if I did not receive my written test results?

Please contact the Sworn Examinations Unit by e-mail at swornexamsentrylevel@lasd.org or phone (323) 981-5800.

For how long are the LEJF and LET written test scores valid?

Written test scores for LEJF positions are valid for eighteen (18) months from the date of the written test, unless otherwise noted in the job bulletin.

Written test scores (T-scores) for the LET are valid for twenty-four (24) months from the date of the written test, unless otherwise noted in the job bulletin.

For more information, please refer to the Eligibility Information section of the respective job bulletin(s).

If I take the written test and fail, may I reapply?

Applicants who fail the written test may reapply six (6) months after the date of the written test. For more information, please see the Reapply Procedure section of the respective job bulletin.

Applicants who fail the written test for the Law Enforcement Technician (LET) may reapply six (6) months after the date of the written test.

For more information, please refer to the Eligibility Information section of the respective job bulletin.

Important notice: applicants may reapply only if the respective job bulletin is open.

May I be provided with my written test score?

The written test score will not be provided for any LEJF position. The written test is a qualifying test; therefore, you will only be informed if you passed or failed the test.

For the LET position, you will be emailed your test scores.

Do you accept another agency's written test score in lieu of the LEJF written test?

No, outside agency test scores are not accepted for the LEJF positions. Applicants must take the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's written tests.

For the LET examination, written test scores (T-Scores) from other law enforcement agencies who administer the California P.O.S.T. Dispatcher exam are acceptable as well as written test scores from the Public Response Dispatcher Examination. Test scores will be verified to ensure they are transferrable to the LET examination.

What is Dual Track Career Path (only applicable to DS-Lateral and DST applicants)?

The Dual Track allows sworn personnel to select, remain, and promote within their career path of choice: Custody, Patrol, or both. This program was developed by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department to enhance continuity, stability, and accountability in the Los Angeles County correctional system and patrol-related functions. Learn more here

I'm currently on active duty in the military. When should I start the hiring process?

We recommend that you begin the process when you have approximately six (6) months or less left on your enlistment time of service.

When will closed/suspended position(s) reopen?

There is no expected timeframe. Please visit our website periodically to check the status of the positions of your interest.

How do I update my personal information/profile?

1. Go to: www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lacounty/

2. Sign-in on the upper right corner

3. Click on your user name on upper right corner

4. Select "Profile"

5. Click on "Edit" on the section you need to update information

6. Update your information

7. Click Save

I have not heard anything in a while in regards to my application status. Should I reapply?

No. Contact the Sworn Examinations Unit at (323) 981-5800 prior to reapplying or send an email to swornexamsentrylevel@lasd.org.

I am having trouble logging into my account. How can I retrieve my password?

You may navigate to the Login page and click on the " Forgot Username " link and enter your email address that was used to sign up. Your username will be delivered to your email address.

May I apply for more than one position at the same time?

Yes. You may apply for more than one position at the same time as long as you meet the selection requirements for each of the positions.

What is the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's hiring process for Deputy Sheriff Trainee?

1. Application and SQ

2. Written Test

3. Validated Physical Ability Test (VPAT)

4. P.O.S.T. mandated Structured Interview

5. Background Investigation

6. Medical and Psychological Evaluations

If I fail the VPAT after the second opportunity, may I reapply?

Applicants who fail the VPAT after the second opportunity may reapply six (6) months after the date of the failed VPAT.

If I fail the P.O.S.T. mandated Structured Interview, may I reapply?

Applicants who fail the P.O.S.T. mandated Structured Interview may reapply twelve (12) months after the date of failed Structured Interview.

How long does it take to complete the DST hiring process?

A quality candidate who remains actively engaged in the process, submits all necessary documentation in a timely manner, and keeps scheduled appointments, is expected to complete the process within eight months.

Is there a program for applicants who reside outside of California or reside more than 90 miles from Monterey Park, California?

Yes, there is an Out-of-State/Area Applicant Program available for DST applicants only. Once you receive your email invitation to the written test, contact the Sworn Examinations Unit either by phone at, (323) 981-5800 or by e-mail at, swornexamsentrylevel@lasd.org to request placement in the program.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Out-of-State/area applicant program enables you to complete the first six components of the DST hiring process in four days. These components are: (1) written test, (2) VPAT, (3) P.O.S.T. mandated structured interview, (4) background interview, (5) fingerprinting, and (6) polygraph. Your ability to complete all six components is contingent upon you passing each of the components.

If you successfully pass the written test, you will proceed to the VPAT. Once you successfully complete the VPAT, you will be assigned to a background investigator who will conduct an interview and review your completed Personal and Work History package and all other required documents. The fingerprint search and polygraph examination will follow after successful completion of the background interview.

LASD does not reimburse candidates for expenses incurred while participating in the Out-of-State/Area Applicant Program. Should you choose to participate in this program, you will be responsible for all related expenses.

Whom may I contact for more information?

For application, SQ, and written test status, contact the Sworn Examinations Unit at, (323) 981-5800 or swornexamsentrylevel@lasd.org

For CA, DST, and DS-Lateral background status call

The Sworn Backgrounds Unit at, (323) 229-1793 or (213) 229-3100 For LET, SA and SO background status, contact the Civilian Backgrounds Unit at, (626) 258-3042 or (626) 258-3041

For the Validated Physical Ability Test (VPAT), contact the Recruitment Unit, at 1-800-A-DEPUTY or (800) 233-7889 or (562) 347-1001 or vpat@lasd.org

For specific information about the different jobs and career opportunities within LASD, contact the Recruitment Unit, at 1-800-A-DEPUTY or (800) 233-7889, or visit http://lasdcareers.org

Hiring Process for Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

Source: http://lasdcareers.org/frequently-asked-questions/

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