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Reserve Deputy Sheriff - Entry Level

Employer County of Los Angeles
Temporary
On-site
Los Angeles, California, United States
$82,080 - $110,616 USD yearly

Position/Program Information


SPECIAL SALARY INFORMATION
The voluntary Reserve Deputy Sheriff-Entry Level (RDS-Entry Level) position receives monetary compensation of $1.00 annually for the performance of their duties.


LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT


FIRST DAY OF FILING:
January 10, 2025 8:00 A.M. (PT)  


EXAM NUMBER:

J9308P


TYPE OF RECRUITMENT:

 Volunteer

  (THIS IS NOT A CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATION)


FILING TYPE:

Open Continuous



The application filing period will be open continuous but may be suspended AT ANY TIME without prior notice AND the examination may reopen as the needs of the service require. It is recommended that you complete your application using a desktop or laptop to apply with the most up-to-date version of Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.  

Note that the system also requires email verification for each new email address, which may result in delays in submitting an application. It is recommended that you create a profile before the application start date.

CLASSIFICATION STANDARDS

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department – Reserve Forces Detail is encompassed by community members who volunteer their time and energy to fulfill many of the roles which are traditionally handled by full-time, Deputy Sheriffs. Our Reserve Deputy Sheriffs undergo the same hiring standards as full-time Deputies and work alongside them in support of every aspect of the Department operations.

A volunteer organization of individuals who are utilized to supplement the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's law enforcement manpower. Like full-time deputies, reserve deputies are professionally trained and duly sworn law enforcement personnel. In most cases, reserves are assigned to the same duties as full-time deputies. Reserve Deputies are required by law to meet the same hiring, background, medical and psychological standards as full-time deputies. Most reserve deputies are available to work in virtually all aspects of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. After becoming field qualified, a Level 1 reserve deputy can work patrol alone or with a partner and has peace officer status.

Incumbents who successfully complete the Sheriff's Training Academy and are appointed to the Reserve Deputy Sheriff (#9308) classification must possess and maintain a current and valid Proof of Eligibility issued by P.O.S.T. Peace officers on probation must possess and maintain a Proof of Eligibility (POE) issued by P.O.S.T.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES OF A DEPUTY SHERIFF
  • Testify in court
  • Make a forcible arrest
  • Search for and handle evidence/contraband
  • Use a firearm
  • Drive a County vehicle

Essential Job Functions

Reserve Deputy Sheriffs in all assignments are responsible for performing the following duties:

  • Takes action, as deemed appropriate and within the guidelines of the law and departmental policy, in response to any public offense committed to which there is immediate danger to person or property or of the escape of the perpetrator of such offense whether on or off duty.
  • Performs law enforcement administrative and operational duties such as writing reports, maintaining logs and other records.
  • Maintains current knowledge of policies and procedures resulting from changes in laws or other legal mandates affecting functional area of assignment.
  • Takes responsibility for and maintains all equipment, including weapons, ammunition, and other specialized law enforcement equipment; attends required training; and maintains proficiency in all issued equipment.
  • Responds to emergent situations such as natural disasters, civil unrest, or other tactical situations to protect lives and prevent criminal acts.
  • Appears in court to testify in legal proceedings.
  • Performs collateral duties as assigned.
  • Performs community-based policing, interacts with community residents, and engages in collaborative problem solving. 
CORRECTIONAL OR COURT FACILITY ASSIGNMENTS:

  • Controls, monitors, and supervises inmate conduct in housing units during meals, bathing, recreational activities, or work assignments according to established policies, regulations, and procedures to prevent escapes, injuries, or violence. 
  • Interprets and enforces correctional rules and regulations, such as California Code of Regulations, Minimum Standards for Local Detention Facilities, Title XV.
  • Searches inmates, including performing clothed and unclothed body searches, and inspects housing units for contraband such as weapons or drugs to maintain the security and safety of inmates.
  • Monitors movement and maintains security and safety of sentenced and pre-sentenced inmates within a correctional or court facility. 
  • Transports inmates to hospitals as needed for medical treatment and provides security as needed.
  • Maintains visual surveillance of inmates and facilities according to departmental policy and established schedule through direct observation and the use of video equipment.
  • Responds to inmate disturbances or emergencies and takes action to control the situation in accordance with legal guidelines, training, and established departmental policies and procedures.
  • Conducts, records, and reports inmate count during shift to ensure all inmates are present and that accurate documentation is maintained. 
  • Responds to incidents of suspected criminal activity within a facility such as physical assaults; conducts preliminary investigations; gathers and maintains the chain of evidence; writes reports; and makes arrests as necessary.
  • Provides jail orientation and responds to questions, concerns, and requests from inmates.
  • Oversees and monitors access to attorney rooms, visiting areas, and other controlled locations.
  • Serves as a Superior Court bailiff by assisting the court in maintaining order and by providing security for inmates in custody and for jurors.
  • Serves all writs, notices or other processes issued by superior courts in the manner prescribed by law.
  • Transports sentenced and pre-sentenced inmates to and from courts, correctional facilities, or other locations.
PATROL STATION/SPECIALIZED UNIT/OTHER NON-CUSTODIAL ASSIGNMENTS:

  • Patrols designated area in a patrol car to enforce laws and prevent or suppress crime; responds to reports of suspected criminal activity or disturbance such as physical assault, rape, homicide or burglary; makes preliminary investigations; gathers and maintains the chain of evidence; and makes arrests as warranted.
  • Responds to requests for service from the public regarding suspected criminal activities such as those involving juveniles, narcotics, vice, license violations, or nuisance complaints, and initiates the investigation of incidents.
  • Responds to locations of traffic accidents to assist victims; takes control to maintain traffic flow; obtains evidence and interviews suspects, witnesses, and victims; documents findings in a written report, and issues citations or makes arrests as warranted. 
  • Transports inmates to or from courts, stations, emergency medical facilities or other correctional facilities. 
  • Conducts personnel background investigations by interviewing employers, neighbors, personal references, and family members and prepares reports of significant information obtained.
  • Guards and maintains the security and safety of sentenced and pre-sentenced inmates by enforcing detention policies and procedures in station jails.
MAY BE ASSIGNED TO PERFORM SPECIALIZED DUTIES IN ASSIGNMENTS SUCH AS THE FOLLOWING:

  • Exercises technical supervision over other line personnel, including but not limited to patrol, custody, detective, court services, and technical services.
  • Plans and conducts law enforcement courses and seminars including classroom instruction and practical demonstration; tests and evaluates participants' knowledge and performance. 
  • Exercises technical supervision over field training activities in various patrol procedures and techniques such as report writing, vehicle pullover and approach, traffic control, arrest, and search and seizure.
  • Coordinates operational activities such as scheduling patrol units and resolving community concerns and incoming calls for service at a Sheriff's patrol station.
  • Conducts polygraph investigations of suspects, victims, or witnesses to determine the validity of their statements; conducts polygraph examinations of applicants for Deputy Sheriff.
  • Serves as a detective in a specialized investigative unit such as burglary, juvenile gang, child abuse, forgery, commercial crimes, vice, or narcotics, with responsibility for investigating crimes, identifying and apprehending criminals, and assisting in the prosecution of court cases.
MAY BE ASSIGNED TO PERFORM HIGHLY SPECIALIZED DUTIES IN ASSIGNMENTS SUCH AS THE FOLLOWING:

  • Conducts complex major investigations in such areas as homicide, arson, and fraud, requiring extensive technical knowledge and skill, and the ability to compile, analyze, interpret, and synthesize massive amounts of information.    
  • Performs duties such as flying a helicopter and making mountain and underwater rescues requiring extensive training, skills, and certification or licensure.

Requirements

SELECTION REQUIREMENTS

AGE
Must be at least 19½ years of age at time of application.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law. Applicants will be required to submit their documents during the background investigation.

EDUCATION
Graduation from an accredited high school, its equivalent or higher in accordance with California Government Code Section 1031(e). 

In accordance with the provisions of California Government Code Section 1031(e), accredited high schools are those accredited by certifying organizations recognized by the United States Department of Education and include accredited public and non-public high schools in the United States and accredited United States Department of Defense high schools.

Successful applicants will be required to submit sealed transcripts and/or other education documents during the background investigation. 

LICENSE
A valid California class "C" driver license is required to perform job-related essential functions. Must possess a current, non-expired California class "C" driver license or above at the time of application. 

Out-of-state applicants must have a valid driver license from the state in which they reside at the time of application and will be required to obtain a California class "C" driver license or above by the time of appointment.

Successful applicants will be required to submit a copy of their valid driver license during the background investigation. License must not be suspended, restricted, or revoked. An applicant's driving record within the past 36 months will be evaluated. 

PHYSICAL CLASS
4 - Arduous 
This class involves frequent heavy lifting over 25 pounds, often combined with bending, twisting, or working above ground on irregular surfaces. It includes those positions that occasionally demand extraordinary physical activity such as those in Safety positions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Must be in good general physical condition, and free from any medical condition that would interfere with the satisfactory performance of the essential duties of this classification.

VISION
(1) Acuity - At least 20/70 in each eye without correction, correctable to 20/30 in each eye.
Successful soft contact lens wearers are not required to meet the uncorrected standard as long as their corrected vision is 20/30 in each eye. 
(2) Color perception - Anything other than minor hue impairment is disqualifying.

HEARING
There may be no greater than a 25 dB loss in the better ear as averaged over the test frequencies of 500, 1000, 2000, and 3000 Hz. There may not be a peak loss at any of the test frequencies greater than:

30 dB at 500 Hz
30 dB at 1000 Hz
40 dB at 2000 Hz
40 dB at 3000 Hz

There may be no greater than a 35 dB loss in the worse ear as averaged over the test frequencies, and no peak loss greater than 45 dB at any of the test frequencies. In the case of a questionable, unusual, or borderline hearing loss, the candidate's record may be reviewed by the Occupational Health Program's Service Consultant for final determination of qualifications.

Additional Information

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE
As part of this application process, you will be required to complete a supplemental questionnaire.  The questionnaire contains a pre-investigative questionnaire which will be utilized as part of the background investigation process to ensure you meet the standards set forth by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD).  If you fail the pre-investigative questionnaire, you may be disqualified and will have to wait three (3) months from the date of the disqualification in order to reapply. 


WORK CONDITIONS
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) operates seven days a week, 24-hours a day, and has locations throughout the greater Los Angeles County. Appointees must be willing to:

  • work with people of any race or ethnic group.
  • work assignments with co-workers of the opposite sex.
  • injure and perhaps kill another person in defense of their life or the life of others.
  • work assignments where there is risk of being injured in the performance of their duties.
  • deal with people who are hostile, irrational, emotionally distraught, or mentally ill.
  • deal with volatile or life threatening situations.
  • make appropriate split-second decisions in emergent, highly stressful situations.
  • work independently and as a partner or team member with a variety of individuals.
EXAMINATION CONTENT
The examination will consist of a computer based multiple-choice test weighted 100%, assessing writing clarity, vocabulary, spelling, writing grammar, reading comprehension, deductive and inductive reasoning, and data interpretation. You must achieve a passing score of 70% or higher on the multiple-choice test to be placed on the eligible register. If you fail the multiple-choice test, you may retest without penalty before your application expires. The multiple-choice test is not reviewable by applicants per Civil Service Rule 7.19.

TEST PREPARATION INFORMATION
There are websites available that have practice tests to help in the preparation of this examination. They are only guides and do not guarantee success in the examination. These sample tests are located at the following sites.
 
The Los Angeles County Department of Human Resources website:
https://hr.lacounty.gov/job-search-toolkit
https://apps.hr.lacounty.gov/olt/Test

The Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission website:
https://post.ca.gov/portals/0/post_docs/publications/poWrittenPracticeTest.pdf

REAPPLY PROCEDURE
If you have participated in the examination process for any one of the LASD's Law Enforcement Job Family (LEJF) positions and did not achieve a qualifying score, you must wait three (3) months after the date of the test to reapply.

RESCHEDULING PROCEDURE
Your application will remain active for three (3) months from the date of your application. You may reschedule the multiple-choice test within a three-month period from the date of your application. You must pass the multiple-choice test before your application expires. 

MULTIPLE CHOICE TEST SCORE
The LASD's Law Enforcement Job Family (LEJF) multiple-choice test score do not expire.

SCORE TRANSFERS
If you meet the selection requirements for this position and achieved a qualifying score from any of the LASD's LEJF examinations, the latest LEJF multiple-choice test score will be transferred to this position.

If you have taken the California Commission on P.O.S.T. PELLETB, you may have your test score transferred to this examination.  To transfer a score, you must email a legible copy of your PELLETB score to the Sworn Examinations Unit at swornexamsentrylevel@lasd.org at the time of application.  All transferred scores are subject to verification by P.O.S.T.'s Standards and Evaluations Services Bureau. 

If you wish to take the LEJF multiple-choice test instead of transferring your PELLETB score, the latest test score will be the final score.   

ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION
In lieu of traditional banding, an alternative banding procedure may be employed as a result of a special study sanctioned by the Department of Human Resources, consistent with Civil Service Rule 11.01(0). 

Eligible applicants will be placed on the eligible register accordingly and will remain on the eligible register for a period of twelve (12) months following the date of eligibility, unless you: 
  • withdraw or refuse the position at any time after the multiple-choice test.
  • do not pass the VPAT prior to receiving a conditional job offer
  • do not pass the structured interview.
  • do not appear (DNA) to any scheduled interview appointment.
  • do not appear (DNA) to any scheduled background investigation appointment.
  • are disqualified during the background investigation.
  • are disqualified from the medical or psychological evaluation.

VACANCY INFORMATION
All applicants who successfully complete the hiring process may be considered to fill voluntary positions in the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

ELECTRONIC CORRESPONDENCE
All correspondence will be sent to the email address provided on the application. It is important that you provide a valid email address. Please add the following email addresses to your email address book and list of approved senders to prevent email notifications from being filtered as spam/junk/clutter mail:

You have the ability to opt out of emails from LA County. If you unsubscribe, you will not receive any email notification for any examination for which you apply with Los Angeles County. Regardless of whether you choose to unsubscribe, you can always check for notifications by logging into governmentjobs.com and viewing your profile inbox, which saves a copy of all emailed notices. It is your responsibility to take the above steps to view correspondence. Los Angeles County will not consider claims of not viewing or receiving notifications to be a valid reason for a late test administration or re-scheduling.

SPECIAL INFORMATION 

ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY IF HIRED
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has a "zero tolerance" policy for its employees for the use of narcotics, controlled substances, and/or prescription drugs without a prescription.  Any employee found in violation of this policy will be subject to discharge.  

DISQUALIFICATION
The background questions in the Supplemental Questionnaire (SQ) are utilized to ensure you meet the standards of the LASD. If you fail any background question(s) you may be disqualified from all LEJF examinations for which you have applied and will have to wait a minimum of three (3) months from the date of disqualification to reapply.

LASD HIRING PROCESS  
1. Application (including SQ)
2. Multiple-Choice Test
3. Validated Physical Ability Test (VPAT)
4. Structured Interview
5. Background Investigation
6. Psychological and Medical Evaluations

If during the hiring process, the LASD determines that one or more components have expired prior to hire, you will be required to complete the expired component(s) again. 

Reserve Deputy Sheriffs interested in becoming Deputy Sheriffs will be required to apply and meet the selection requirements for the Deputy Sheriff Trainee position.

VALIDATED PHYSICAL ABILITY TEST
If you pass the multiple-choice test, you will proceed to the VPAT.

The VPAT evaluates your baseline physical fitness level, relative to the physical demands of the Sheriff's Academy and is comprised of four tests: push-ups, 75-yard run, sit-ups, and 20 meter shuttle run test.  You must pass the VPAT to start the background investigation.

You will have unlimited opportunities to pass the VPAT during the hiring process.  You must pass the VPAT prior to receiving a conditional offer of employment.

If you do not pass the VPAT by your Psychological and Medical Evaluation, then you must wait three (3) months before you reapply for this position.

You are strongly encouraged to work out and be in good physical condition. After passing the VPAT, you should continue to work out to meet the physical demands of the academy. The LASD Pre-Academy Workouts for candidates in the hiring process.

STRUCTURED INTERVIEW (SI)
After you attempt the VPAT, you will participate in a P.O.S.T. mandated structured interview (SI). The SI evaluates your experience, problem solving, interest/motivation, interpersonal skills, community involvement/awareness, and communication skills. If you do not pass the SI, you must wait three (3) months to reapply.

PRE-INVESTIGATIVE QUESTIONNAIRE
You will be required to complete a Pre-Investigative Questionnaire that will consist of questions regarding narcotics use, theft, arrest history, domestic violence, and driving history. Examples of disqualifying factors include but are not limited to: Failure to appear to scheduled appointments, felony convictions, job related misdemeanor convictions, certain serious traffic convictions or patterns, suspended license, driving under the influence, poor credit or employment history, substance abuse, and active criminal probation.

PERSONAL HISTORY STATEMENT (PHS)
You will receive emails from the Department's electronic case management system, E-Hire, with instructions on how to complete the required Personal History Statement (PHS) and submit specific documents (i.e., driver license, social security card, birth/marriage certificate(s) etc.). It is your responsibility to bring both original documents and copies to your background intake appointment. LASD representatives will verify the copies against the original documents and return all original documents.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION  
A thorough background investigation will be conducted which includes, but is not limited to; discrepancy interviews, a Live Scan (fingerprint search), polygraph examination, law enforcement agency checks, and residence/employment checks. If you complete the background investigation you may be selected for the position and will be extended a conditional offer of employment prior to the psychological and medical evaluations.

  • If you are disqualified from the background investigation you may be ineligible to reapply for any LASD position(s) for a minimum of twelve (12) months.
PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION 
The psychological evaluation consists of a four (4) hour test. Once you have completed the test, you will meet with a psychologist.

  • If you do not pass the psychological evaluation, you will be ineligible to reapply for the position for a minimum of twelve (12) months. 
MEDICAL EVALUATION 
The medical evaluation assesses physical ability, ensuring capability to participate in the demanding duties of the position.

  • If you do not pass the medical evaluation, you will be ineligible to reapply for the position for a minimum of twelve (12) months.
ACADEMY TRAINING 
The Sheriff's Academy is a training program and is approved by the California Department of Corrections and the California Commission on P.O.S.T. Classes are conducted two evenings a week and some weekends and holidays. The Academy days may be conducted in shifts. Recruits generally spend additional time outside of class preparing for class and studying for exams. Recruits in the Sheriff's Academy will participate in classroom and scenario-based training, which will include: the interpretation and application of laws, report writing, radio operations, first aid and CPR, defensive tactics, handcuffing and searching techniques, use of the baton, the safe handling, care, and use of firearms, emergency vehicle operations, and Department regulations and laws regarding the use of force and firearms. Throughout the academy program, recruits will also participate in regular physical training. Knowledge, skill and task competence will be assessed. Academy success will be determined through multiple-choice and true/false tests, role playing exercises and performance, physical ability, and work sample tests.

APPLICATION AND FILING INFORMATION
You are required to submit an online County of Los Angeles Sheriff's Department employment application. Applications will be processed on an as received basis. All information, including the selection requirements (i.e., age and education) is subject to verification and your application may be rejected at any time during the selection process. The acceptance of your application depends on whether you have clearly shown that you meet the selection requirements. You will be asked to provide required documents during the background investigation. 

INSTRUCTIONS FOR FILING ONLINE
To apply for this examination, click on the "Apply" button located on the top right corner of the screen. Applications will be processed on an as received basis.  Applications must be submitted electronically by the last day of the application filing period. You will be asked to provide required documents during the background investigation.

To ensure you have the best experience possible, it is recommended that they use a desktop or laptop to apply using the most up-to-date version of Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.

COMPUTER AND INTERNET ACCESS AT LIBRARIES
Applications can be completed on computers at public libraries throughout Los Angeles County if you do not have regular access to a computer or the internet. Information about library may be found at https://lacountylibrary.org/. 

NO SHARING OF USER ID AND PASSWORD
You must file your application online using your own user ID and password. Using a family member's or a friend's user ID and password may erase your original application record and may result in a rejection of your application.
 
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER
You must include your social security number for record control purposes. Federal law requires that all employed persons have a social security number.  

ADA Coordinator Phone:                  (323) 981-5800
Teletype Phone:                                 (213) 626-0251
California Relay Services Phone:    (800) 735-2922
Department Contact Name:              Sworn Examinations Unit
Department Contact Phone:             (323) 981-5800
Department Contact email:              swornexamsentrylevel@lasd.org

COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES

Employment Information

Any language contained in the job posting supersedes any language contained below.

This document is intended to provide general information about the recruitment process of the County of Los Angeles. Applicants with questions about a specific job posting should contact the exam analyst listed on the posting.

Equal Employment Opportunity/Non-Discrimination Statement:
The County of Los Angeles is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and is committed to non-discrimination in the County workforce, regardless of age (40 and over); ancestry; color; ethnicity; religious creed; protected family or medical leave status; disability; marital status; medical condition; genetic information; military and veteran status; national origin; race ; sex; gender; sexual orientation; or any other characteristic protected by State or federal law. For more information, please visit: https://employee.hr.lacounty.gov/eeo-programs/.



Testing Accommodations for Applicants:
The County of Los Angeles complies with all federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application process, please contact the testing accommodation coordinator listed on the job posting. Hearing impaired applicants with telephone teletype equipment may leave messages by calling the teletype phone number on the job posting. For more information on accommodations, please visit: https://hr.lacounty.gov/accessibility/.


Fair Chance:
The County of Los Angeles is a Fair Chance employer. Except as otherwise permissible under applicable laws, you will not be asked to provide information about conviction history unless you receive a conditional offer of employment. The County will make an individualized assessment of whether your conviction history has a direct and adverse relationship with the specific duties of the job, and will also consider potential mitigating factors, which may include, but is not limited to, evidence and extent of rehabilitation, recency of the offense(s), and age at the time of the offense(s). If asked to provide information about conviction history, any convictions or court records which are exempted by a valid court order do not have to be disclosed. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with County Fair Chance Policies and the Fair Chance Act (Gov. Code Section 12952).


Employment Eligibility:
Final appointment is contingent upon verification of U.S. citizenship or the right to work in the United States.


Career PathFinder:
Resources to help current and prospective employees plan a career with Los Angeles County are available. To explore career paths to and from nearly all job titles, please visit our interactive Career PathFinder application at http://career-pathfinder.hr.lacounty.gov.

 

Revised January 2025

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