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: Sheriff’s Deputy Trainee written examination is the POST Entry Level Law Enforcement Battery (PELLETB). To prepare for the PELLETB examination CLICK HERE to review the Applicant Preparation Guide for the PELLETB.
A: Custody Deputy written examination is the entry level Adult Corrections Officer. To prepare for the written exam CLICK HERE to review the Preparing For An Examination Guide.
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 X Feed
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office has been recognized by the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services as a 2026 Honoree for Outstanding Contributions to Gun Violence Prevention. Read more here:
Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office Recognized for Outstanding Contributions to Gun Violence...
Proud to Protect and Serve Santa Barbara County The men and women of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office ...
www.sbsheriff.org
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office is reporting the death of a 79-year-old Santa Maria man who remained in Sheriff’s Office custody while receiving medical care outside of the Northern Branch Jail. Read more here:
Inmate Dies at Nursing Facility – Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office
Proud to Protect and Serve Santa Barbara County The men and women of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office ...
www.sbsheriff.org
SBSO Instagram Feed
☕👮 Coffee with a Cop is coming back to Goleta!
Join us for National Coffee with a Cop Day and spend the morning getting to know the deputies who serve the Goleta community. No speeches, no presentations—just coffee and conversation. Ask questions, share what’s on your mind, or simply stop by and say hello.
📅 Wednesday, October 7
⏰ 9–11 a.m.
📍 Marketplace McDonald’s
6900 Camino Real Marketplace Dr., Goleta
☕ Free McCafé coffee, courtesy of McDonald’s!
We hope to see you there!
#CoffeeWithACop #NationalCoffeeWithACopDay #Goleta #GoletaPolice #SBSheriff #CommunityPolicing
Great weekend at Los Alamos Old Days! 🤠
Our Sheriff’s Office team had a great time joining the parade and seeing so many families, friends and neighbors lining the streets of Los Alamos. From our historic patrol car to ATVs and the BearCat, we enjoyed sharing a little bit of Sheriff’s Office history—and some of the equipment our teams use today.
Thank you to the Los Alamos community for the waves, smiles and warm welcome. We’re always grateful for the opportunity to be part of the communities we serve. 💚⭐
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
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! 🇺🇸🏈
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.
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.
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! 👏🎓💚💛
☕ 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! ☕🚒⭐️
