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
Two Guadalupe Men Arrested in Separate Child Sexual Abuse Material Investigations. Read more here:
Sheriffs detectives served two separate search warrants in Guadalupe this morning on Esperanza Dr. and Tognazzini Ave. These were separate investigations - both for internet crimes against children. Federal agents assisted with the investigations and warrant service.
Buellton, you're invited! Join us for Coffee with a Cop at Zaca Coffee. Meet your local deputies and Buellton's new Chief of Police, Lieutenant Tom Green, for some friendly conversation over a cup of coffee. More here:
Sheriff's Office Invites Community to Coffee with a Cop in Buellton – Santa Barbara County Sherif...
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, conversation, and community! 🚔
Buellton, you`re invited! Join us for Coffee with a Cop at Zaca Coffee! Meet your local deputies and Buellton`s new Chief of Police, Lieutenant Tom Green, for some friendly conversation over a cup of coffee.
No speeches, no agendas — just an opportunity to connect, ask questions, and get to know the people who serve your community.
📅 Tuesday, November 17, 2026
🕙 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
📍 Zaca Coffee | 240 E. Highway 246, #109, Buellton
☕ FREE drip coffee, generously provided by Zaca Coffee!
Everyone is welcome, and no RSVP is needed. Stop by, say hello, and grab a cup with us!
A big thank-you to @zacacoffee for hosting! 💚
🎃👻 It’s time to pick your favorite pumpkin!
Our Sheriff’s Office team brought their creativity to this year’s pumpkin decorating contest, and now it’s YOUR turn to choose the winner! 🏆
🗳️ Cast your vote by commenting the number of your favorite pumpkin below!
⏰ Voting closes Friday, October 30, at midnight!
🎃 We’ll announce the winning pumpkin on Halloween! 🧡
Happy voting! 🎃
Today, we had the privilege of celebrating new beginnings and well-earned achievements at our Sheriff’s Office Welcome and Promotion Ceremony!
Sheriff Brown welcomed two new professional staff members and recognized eight team members who have earned promotions into new leadership roles.
Each promotion represents years of dedication, hard work, and a commitment to serving the people of Santa Barbara County. We’re proud to recognize these accomplishments and excited for the experience, leadership, and fresh perspectives each of these team members brings to their new roles.
Please join us in congratulating our newly promoted personnel and welcoming the newest members of the Sheriff’s Office family!
👏 Congratulations to all! 💛💚
☕👮 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.
