• Applicants must be at least 20 years old at the time of application and 21 years old at the time of appointment. A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Applicants must have a legal right to work in the United States. Citizenship is not required.

• No prior experience is necessary. The Sheriff’s Office provides comprehensive training at the academy for all new recruits. 

• No, residency in San Francisco is not required.

• The process includes an online application, written examination, physical ability test, oral interview, background investigation, medical examination, psychological evaluation, and a polygraph test. We do not offer or accept the POST Entry-level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB). We accept and test for REACT. 

• The process varies but typically takes 6 to 12 months

• As of January 4, 2025 the starting annual salary for an entry level Deputy Sheriff is $91,177.45. Scan the following QR Code for up-to-date salary details:

• New recruits attend a 26-week P.O.S.T. (Peace Officer Standards and Training) certified Academy covering criminal law, community policing, defensive tactics, firearms training, physical fitness, and Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (E.V.O.C.)

• Yes, you must possess a valid California Driver’s License at the time of appointment.

• Felony convictions disqualifies applicants, but certain misdemeanor offenses may not.

• The available assignments are Custody Operations Divisions, Community Programs, Backgrounds, Community Assessment and Referral Center (CARC), City Hall Patrol Unit (CHPU), Civil Section, Classification Unit, Court Services (including Hall of Justice Front Lobby Security), Emergency Communication Dispatch (DEM/ECD/CAD911), Public Utilities Commission Building Security (PUC), San Francisco General Hospital (Ward 7D/7L), Sheriff’s Patrol Unit (SPU), Transportation Unit, and Warrant Services Unit. Deputies can pursue assignments in specialized units such as Emergency Services, Special Response Team, Criminal Investigations Unit (CIU)

• Yes, the Sheriff’s Office encourages ongoing professional development and offers tuition reimbursement for eligible courses.

• Yes, lateral transfers are welcome and qualify for higher initial salaries. Contact us for more information.

• The Sheriff’s Office provides a meaningful career in public safety, competitive pay, excellent benefits, and the opportunity to make a positive impact in the San Francisco community.

All applicants must complete the following steps prior to being hired:

1. Fill out our online application 
2. Prepare in advance by taking the REACT practice test for Corrections Officers.
3. Take and pass our physical ability test
   1. Run 500 yards
   2. Lift and drag a 165-pound dummy 32 feet
   3. Complete a 99-yard obstacle course
4. Complete an oral interview
5. Watch video scenarios and answer questions
6. Complete and submit a personal history statement with requested documentation
7. Pass a background investigation
8. Take and pass a psychological evaluation and polygraph test
9. Take and pass the medical examination