Q: Is there an upper age limit?
A: There is no upper age limit but you need to be in good physical condition, especially for the Level II and Level I academies

Q: How do I know if I'm overweight?
A: Click for the height/weight chart.[Height_weight chart.bmp - 1Mb]
IF YOU ARE OVERWEIGHT AS SHOWN ON THIS CHART, YOU MAY STILL QUALIFY:
If your body fat is 22 percent or lower for males, or 30 percent or lower
for females, you will be eligible for a height/weight exemption. Your body
fat will be checked during your County medical exam if you do not meet the height/weight requirement. You may elect to have it checked by your doctor before your County exam to see how it looks, but the results of your doctor's test will not be considered during your County medical.

Q: What do I do if I want a specialized unit like detectives, canine detail or helicopters?
A: You need to graduate from at least the Level II academy, be assigned to a patrol station, and get patrol qualified. Once you're patrol qualified you can contact the specialized units you might be interested in about a possible transfer.

Q: I was a reserve in another county. Do I need to go through the Sheriff's Academy?
A: If you still hold an active California POST reserve certificate, you will need to go through some processing and a background update - but in most cases this is a relatively brief, simple procedure.

Q: I was a reserve in another state. Do I need to go through the Sheriff's Academy?
A: Out of state applicants will be considered individually based on the length of training, time in the field and other factors. However, you must still meet the California POST requirements, and will probably need a Basic Course Waiver. More information is available at the California POST website

Q: Is prior drug use a disqualifier?
A: Each application is individually judged based on a number of factors. Some past drug use may not necessarily be automatically disqualifying. Failure to disclose past drug usage is a disqualifier.

Q: What's the physical testing to get into the academy?
A: Click here for the PT testing for entry into the academy and during the academy. [PT500.pdf - 107k] & [POST_PAT.pdf - 35k]

Q: Can I go directly to search and rescue after I complete the academy?
A: Applicants interested in search and rescue should contact the station S&R unit they are interested in, early in the application process. Each unit makes its own determination of whom to accept, and they may want you to begin training with them while your reserve application is being processed.

Q: Can I pick the station where I want to work?
A: Yes.

Q: After I start at one station, can I transfer to another?
A: You can request the change; requests are approved in most cases.

Q: Once I go to patrol, how many hours do I have to put in every month?
A: 20 hours per month minimum is normally required of all reserves, whatever your assignment within the department.

Q: If I'm thinking of a career in law enforcement, should I become a reserve first?
A: Some people prefer to hold on to their present jobs and go through the reserve academy to see how much they're going to enjoy law enforcement--whether they want to do it on a part-time basis or whether they want to make a career out of it. But for those who already know they would like to be full-time peace officers, applying directly to the regular academy is the best way to go.

Q: How old do I have to be?
A: 20 years old at the time you are accepted.

Q: Do I have to be a high school graduate?
A: You must be a high school graduate or have a G.E.D.

Q: Can a resident alien apply?
A: You must be an American citizen, by birth or naturalized.

Q: If I have a felony arrest but no conviction, can I be a reserve deputy sheriff?
A: The totality of the circumstances will be evaluated by your background investigator. You should explain the situation fully in your application; use extra pages if necessary.

If you still have questions, please send us an email.

Go to Step 1: Basic Requirements