CountyofSB.org Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are you currently testing and hiring?
A: Yes. We are actively recruitment for the Sheriff’s Deputy Trainee and Custody Deputy positions. These recruitments are conducted as ongoing recruitments. The PAT and written exam testing process is conducted throughout the year, approximately every 3-4 months. Recruitments for Professional Civilian Staff positions are recruited for based on the business need. For a listed of our Current Job Openings CLICK HERE.
Q: How can I submit an application?
A: Please visit Join SBSO – Apply Now for a list of our current job openings.
Q: What does the physical agility test include?
A: The physical agility test (PAT) is required for entry-level sworn positions. PAT modules vary based on the physical requirements of the job. More specific details are available at Physical Preparation.
Q: What does the Sheriff’s Deputy Trainee and Custody Deputy written examination include?
A: There are two types of written examinations available to applicants. First is the POST Entry Level Law Enforcement Battery (PELLETB) which is an in person written exam administered through our agency several times a year. To prepare for the PELLETB examination CLICK HERE to review the Applicant Preparation Guide for the PELLETB.
Secondly, National Testing Network NTN, which is a public safety online virtual examination. This exam can be taken conveniently online or at a test center. CLICK HERE to review their website and enrollment process.
Q: How long is the background investigation hiring process?
A: Most candidates complete the background investigation process in 2-3 months. The duration of the background process may vary on a case-by-case basis.
Q: Will I receive a salary and benefits while attending an Academy?
A: Yes. You start earning a salary upon your hire date; benefits will be effective at the beginning of the month that immediately follows the employee’s first pay period of employment in a regular position.
Q: How long is an Academy?
A. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office currently sends recruits to several tri-county academies.
The Allan Hancock Basic Law Enforcement Academy is a 21- week (836 hour) intensive academy. CLICK HERE for frequently asked questions.
Ventura County Sheriff’s Department Training Academy conducts a 22-week California POST accredited program. CLICK HERE to review the website.
The Allan Hancock Core Custody Academy is a 6-week course of 176 hours of STC mandated training and approximately 40 hours of additional training. CLICK HERE frequently asked questions.
SBSO Instagram Feed
Today is Administrative Professionals Day and we want to thank all our behind-the scenes staff who keep the Sheriff’s Office running smoothly by maintaining our records, paying bills, stocking supplies, preparing reports and correspondence, answering phones, and helping the public.
We appreciate all of your hard work and are thankful to have you on our team! 🌟
🌟 This week is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. Our public safety dispatchers and call takers are an extraordinary group of women and men who answer emergency calls 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Answering calls for help from members of the public, and dispatching cops, paramedics and firefighters to law enforcement, medical and fire emergencies - many of which are inter-connected - requires great levels of technical skill, coolness under extreme conditions, an outstanding ability to communicate, dedication to duty, and large doses of tact, patience, common sense, and empathy for the plight of others.
🙏🏼 Thank you to our dispatchers and call takers for the amazing work you do every day! 📞
Join us on-line on Thursday, April 25, 2024 to discuss funding, acquisition, and use of SBSO’s equipment that is considered military equipment pursuant to Assembly Bill 481.
Date: Thursday, April 25, 2024
Time: 10:00 am
Location: Microsoft Teams
Meeting ID: 233 399 032 129
Passcode: 7JfiCQ
Or call in (audio only) +1 805-724-6760,,737039882#
Phone Conference ID: 737 039 882#
📊The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office is sharing preliminary stats related to the 2024 Deltopia weekend. We issued 256 citations and made 32 arrests (all misdemeanors).
Rain and wind on Friday made for a calm and relatively uneventful first day of Deltopia. The crowds were largest on Saturday and significantly larger than last year’s event and concentrated at residences along the ocean side of Del Playa. Attendance spiked in the early afternoon along with an increase in emergency medical calls, most of which were for acute alcohol intoxication.
Most residents complied with the Outdoor Festival Ordinance, however 13 citations were issued for illegal parties, in accordance with the new Social Host Ordinance where deputies encountered rooftop partygoers and noise violations. One paid party was also shut down. Deputies noted compliance from the community on maintaining smaller, free parties. The Sheriff’s Office noted no incidents of cliff fall or fentanyl overdose fatalities.
Thank you to our community partners and first responders from @santabarbaracountyfire , @amr_social , Alcoholic Beverage Control, @ucsbpolice , @chp_santabarbara , @smpdhq , @sbcsar , and Santa Barbara County Emergency Medical Services.
As we approach the unsanctioned festival known as Deltopia, here are some quick tips for a safe weekend! 👍🏽
🌟 Our recent retirees were honored at the Board of Supervisors meeting today.
👏🏼 Join us in congratulating Sergeant Henebry, K9 Odin, and Administrative Office Professionals Marla Arnoldi and Karen Kozak.
🙏🏼 Thank you all for your service- you will be missed!
🌟 We are proud to introduce the newest member of the Sheriff’s Office team – Deputy Oliver. Earlier today, Sheriff Brown lead a swearing-in ceremony at Headquarters that was attended by Deputy Oliver’s family and Sheriff’s Office staff.
👮🏽♀️👨🏽💼The Sheriff’s Office is hiring for a variety of exciting and rewarding careers – learn more at SBSheriff.org!
☕️ Thank you to everyone who joined us for Coffee with a Cop today! This was a great opportunity to have conversations with our community members and connect over a cup of coffee.
🏆 Join us in congratulating Custody Deputy Soto, who was honored today at the Military Order of the World Wars, Colonel George C. Woolsey Chapter 113 awards luncheon with the National Law and Order Outstanding Performance Award. This recognition honors those who excel in local, and national security, homeland security, law enforcement and service to the community.
Santa Maria Valley Community of Prayer stopped by NBJ to learn more about the work of the Sheriff’s Office in serving our local communities and the challenges faced by our team members. Thanks for the visit and chance to connect @ndop_santamaria