Santa Barbara — Application Process

Source: https://www.sbsheriff.org/application-process/

Application Process

The selection process may vary based on the requirements for the position and is clearly noted on the job announcement. The steps provided below are for the sworn Sheriff’s Deputy Trainee and Custody Deputy positions.

Step 1 – Complete an Online Application:

For a list of current positions, we are accepting applications, Recruitment – Join Our Team.

Step 2 – Application and Supplemental Questionnaire: All applications will be reviewed to determine whether or not the stated employment standards are met as required. Applicants who meet the employment standards will be invited to continue in the next step in the selection process.

Step 3- Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ): The PHQ is a pre-screen questionnaire. Qualified candidates will be invited to complete and submit a PHQ. PHQs not received by the deadline will result in disqualification from the recruitment process. PHQs will be reviewed and given a Pass or Fail result. Candidates who pass the PHQ will advance to the Physical Agility Test (PAT).

Step 4 – Physical Agility Test (PAT) Pass or Fail: The Physical Agility Test will measure a candidate’s ability to perform the physical requirements of the job.

Step 5 – Written Examination: Candidates are required to pass a law enforcement examination as a step in the Civil Service testing process. We currently offer two types of examinations, an online exam through National Testing Network or an in person written exam called POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLET B). The written exam is a Pass/Fail and the score will be used as your final score for placement on the Employment List.

Step 6 – Selection Interview: Candidates placed on the Employment List will be evaluated to determine who will advance to a selection interview with the background investigation team. Candidates for selection will be scheduled for a polygraph examination.

Step 7 – Polygraph Examination: The polygraph examination will measure the accuracy of information submitted during the background investigation process. Upon passing a polygraph exam, candidate will be provided a Personal History Statement (PHS for Deputy Applicants) (PHS for Dispatcher/Civilian Applicants).

It is important that all information an applicant provides is truthful and accurate. Omission of facts is considered to be untruthful. Dishonesty are grounds for disqualifications.

Step 8 – Background Investigation: This step typically takes 2 – 3 months to complete. Once a candidate reaches this phase, s/he will be assigned to a background investigator.

A background check includes but is not limited to the following:

Criminal History

Driving History

Education

Drug Use

Sex Crimes

Personal and Professional References

Credit Worthiness

Favorable Employment History

Military Service

Past Relationships

Character Reference

Social Media

Step 9 – Conditional Job Offer

The following shall commence upon accepting a conditional offer of employment:

Step 10 – Psychological Examination: The psychological exam is administered by a licensed psychologist. Candidates will be evaluated on the psychological factors related to successful performance to determine if a candidate is presently suited for the difficult stressfulness of the job.

Step 11 – Physical Examination: The physical examination is conducted by a licensed physician. Candidates will be evaluated on the physical factors related to successful performance to determine if a candidate is presently suited for the physical demands of the job.

Step 12 – Appointment

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Avoid. Deny. Defend — Surviving an Active Shooter Event.

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16 Sep 2100020380572537173

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a 68-year-old incarcerated man who was found unresponsive in his cell at the Northern Branch Jail.

Follow this link to read more:

Notice of In-Custody Death – Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office

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15 Sep 2099853220076257347

Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office Announces 1988 Cold Case Investigation Reopened. Click here to read more:

Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office Announces 1988 Cold Case Investigation Reopened – Santa Barbara...

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Small but mighty. 🔬🧬🔎

This National Forensic Science Week, we’re celebrating the small team that does some seriously detailed work behind the scenes.

From late-night callouts and long hours processing evidence to meticulous work in the lab, our Forensics Team brings professionalism, expertise and dedication to every scene. And when you spend that many hours working side-by-side, coworkers have a way of becoming friends.

Thank you to our Forensics Team for the skill, patience and teamwork you bring to the Sheriff’s Office every day — and every night the phone rings. 💚

#NationalForensicScienceWeek #ForensicScience #Forensics #SBSheriff #Teamwork

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Open post by santabarbaracountysheriff with ID 18105543980458566

Small but mighty. 🔬🧬🔎

This National Forensic Science Week, we’re celebrating the small team that does some seriously detailed work behind the scenes.

From late-night callouts and long hours processing evidence to meticulous work in the lab, our Forensics Team brings professionalism, expertise and dedication to every scene. And when you spend that many hours working side-by-side, coworkers have a way of becoming friends.

Thank you to our Forensics Team for the skill, patience and teamwork you bring to the Sheriff’s Office every day — and every night the phone rings. 💚

#NationalForensicScienceWeek #ForensicScience #Forensics #SBSheriff #Teamwork

...

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Deputies joined members of the Armed Forces for the ceremonial coin toss at tonight’s Dos Pueblos High School football game. Thank you, Dos Pueblos, for honoring our military service members and local law enforcement! 🇺🇸🏈

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Open post by santabarbaracountysheriff with ID 18091400261258430

Deputies joined members of the Armed Forces for the ceremonial coin toss at tonight’s Dos Pueblos High School football game. Thank you, Dos Pueblos, for honoring our military service members and local law enforcement! 🇺🇸🏈

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National Police Woman Day — Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office

Today, we honor the women of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office — the women who wear the badge, serve our communities, lead from the front, and set the standard for professionalism in public safety.

We also honor the women behind the badge — the dispatchers, analysts, technicians, professional staff, and family members whose strength, skill, and support make our mission possible every single day.

Their impact is felt in every division: patrol, investigations, custody, coroner, search and rescue, forensics, behavioral sciences, community outreach, and the countless roles that keep this organization moving forward.

To every woman who serves, supports, and stands with the Sheriff’s Office — thank you for your dedication, your leadership, and your commitment to Santa Barbara County.

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Open post by santabarbaracountysheriff with ID 18581867389069064

National Police Woman Day — Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office

Today, we honor the women of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office — the women who wear the badge, serve our communities, lead from the front, and set the standard for professionalism in public safety.

We also honor the women behind the badge — the dispatchers, analysts, technicians, professional staff, and family members whose strength, skill, and support make our mission possible every single day.

Their impact is felt in every division: patrol, investigations, custody, coroner, search and rescue, forensics, behavioral sciences, community outreach, and the countless roles that keep this organization moving forward.

To every woman who serves, supports, and stands with the Sheriff’s Office — thank you for your dedication, your leadership, and your commitment to Santa Barbara County.

...

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National Night Out was a great reminder of what makes Santa Barbara County special—strong partnerships, great conversations, and communities that come together. 🚔🌙

From bubbles and smiles in Santa Barbara to “magic hands” in Lompoc, we loved spending the evening connecting with residents, answering questions, and meeting so many families. 🫧 🪄✋🏼

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth, said hello, and helped make National Night Out another memorable evening. We appreciate the opportunity to build relationships that make our communities stronger and safer every day.

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Open post by santabarbaracountysheriff with ID 18091695065384117

National Night Out was a great reminder of what makes Santa Barbara County special—strong partnerships, great conversations, and communities that come together. 🚔🌙

From bubbles and smiles in Santa Barbara to “magic hands” in Lompoc, we loved spending the evening connecting with residents, answering questions, and meeting so many families. 🫧 🪄✋🏼

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth, said hello, and helped make National Night Out another memorable evening. We appreciate the opportunity to build relationships that make our communities stronger and safer every day.

...

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Congratulations to Sergeant Kemp on graduating from the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute (SLI)!

Over the course of this intensive program, Sgt. Kemp strengthened the leadership skills, decision-making, and professional development that help build stronger teams and better serve our community. We are proud to see our leaders continue investing in their growth and bringing that knowledge back to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.

Please join us in congratulating Sgt. Kemp on this well-earned achievement! 👏🎓💚💛

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Open post by santabarbaracountysheriff with ID 18130300198558302

Congratulations to Sergeant Kemp on graduating from the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute (SLI)!

Over the course of this intensive program, Sgt. Kemp strengthened the leadership skills, decision-making, and professional development that help build stronger teams and better serve our community. We are proud to see our leaders continue investing in their growth and bringing that knowledge back to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.

Please join us in congratulating Sgt. Kemp on this well-earned achievement! 👏🎓💚💛

...

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☕ Coffee, conversation, and community ☕

Join us this Saturday, July 11 from 9–11 a.m. at Gina’s Piece of Cake in Orcutt for Coffee with the Crew!

Stop by, grab a cup of coffee, and spend the morning with your Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office deputies and County Fire firefighters. No speeches, no agenda — just a chance to ask questions, share what’s on your mind, or simply say hello.

We hope to see you there! ☕🚒⭐️

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Open post by santabarbaracountysheriff with ID 17891809719564446

☕ Coffee, conversation, and community ☕

Join us this Saturday, July 11 from 9–11 a.m. at Gina’s Piece of Cake in Orcutt for Coffee with the Crew!

Stop by, grab a cup of coffee, and spend the morning with your Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office deputies and County Fire firefighters. No speeches, no agenda — just a chance to ask questions, share what’s on your mind, or simply say hello.

We hope to see you there! ☕🚒⭐️

...

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When life gives you lemons… call for backup. 🍋🚓

Our deputies made a sweet stop at a neighborhood lemonade stand while out on patrol. Summer is in full swing, and we love seeing kids out creating memories, meeting neighbors, and sharing a little kindness one cup at a time.

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Open post by santabarbaracountysheriff with ID 18121921987703693

When life gives you lemons… call for backup. 🍋🚓

Our deputies made a sweet stop at a neighborhood lemonade stand while out on patrol. Summer is in full swing, and we love seeing kids out creating memories, meeting neighbors, and sharing a little kindness one cup at a time.

...

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📞 What really happens after you call the Sheriff’s Office ?

In this edition of Sheriff’s Mini Roundup, From Ring to Response, we take you behind the scenes to show how a call for service is created, prioritized, and dispatched to deputies. It’s a quick look at the people and technology working together to get help where it’s needed.

Watch now and see what happens between the ring of the phone and the arrival of a deputy.

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Open post by santabarbaracountysheriff with ID 18070628900700883

📞 What really happens after you call the Sheriff’s Office ?

In this edition of Sheriff’s Mini Roundup, From Ring to Response, we take you behind the scenes to show how a call for service is created, prioritized, and dispatched to deputies. It’s a quick look at the people and technology working together to get help where it’s needed.

Watch now and see what happens between the ring of the phone and the arrival of a deputy.

...

133

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