F.A.Q.'s

Who can I call or write for more information?

You can call the Human Resources Team at 1-888-JOINRSD (1-888-564-6773). You may also inquire about specific job related questions for sworn or general non-sworn positions via e-mail hrsheriffrecruiter@rc-hr.com or write to:

Riverside County Sheriff's Department

Personnel Bureau / Recruitment Unit

P.O. Box 592

Riverside, CA 92502

What are the application steps to be considered for Deputy Sheriff Trainee (DST) and/or Correctional Deputy (CD)?

Below is a list of the steps in the application process for the DST and CD positions. You will need to successfully pass each step of the process to move forward.

Online Pre-Screen Questionnaire
Written Examination
Physical Agility Test (PAT)
Completion of a background packet
Extensive background investigation, including interview
Polygraph Examination
Pre-employment Psychological Examination
Medical Examination, including a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening

How do I apply with the Sheriff's Department?

To apply for the Deputy Sheriff Trainee, Correctional Deputy I, or Sheriff 911 Communications Officer I position, the application process starts with the online application. The link is located on the main page of this website. To apply for a classified position with the Sheriff’s Department, please visit www.rc-hr.com to submit your resume. Human Resources will contact you if you are among the most qualified applicants for any position within the Sheriff’s Department.

Is there an expedited process for Pre-Service and Lateral applicants?
Yes. If you qualify as a Pre-Service or Lateral applicant, you will need to contact Human Resources via email at hrsheriffrecruiter@rc-hr.com and fax a copy of a current California P.O.S.T. Certificate.

How do I schedule a written exam and what does it consist of?
After successful completion of the preliminary background questionnaire, you will schedule a test date for the written examination with the County of Riverside. The written examination is an aptitude and biometric assessment to evaluate an individual’s fit for a career in law enforcement. It is an online examination conducted at the County of Riverside’s Assessment Center.

I’m not seeing any dates on the calendar to schedule my written exam. Are you still testing?
We book testing session out one month is advance. If you do not see any asterisks on the calendar to indicate open test dates, it simply means that all available dates are booked. Check back periodically for additional testing dates. Availability may be limited, so please be patient.

How long are the written exam results good for?
The test results on the written examination are good for one year from the date of the examination.

What are the minimum score requirements for the Physical Agility Test (PAT)? What should I expect at the PAT?

You will be given one minute each to correctly perform as many sit-ups and push-ups; however, you must perform at least 27 sit-ups and 22 push-ups to continue on to the PAT run. If you are successful with the sit-ups and push-ups, you will then move on to the mile and a half run which has to be completed in less than 14 minutes. Stopping or walking while on the run will result in disqualification.

You should check your score card after each event so that the correct scores are recorded. You will not be able to challenge your scores at the end of the PAT. You will be given only one attempt for each of the events.

If you are unsuccessful, you will be allowed to reschedule once. Rescheduling can be done by emailing us at hrsheriffrecruiter@rc-hr.om or by contacting us at 1-888-JOINRSD (1-888-564-6773). If you are unsuccessful on your second attempt, you must wait one year to re-apply from the date of the last PAT you took.

If I successfully complete the PAT, what is the next step in the hiring process?
As positions become available, you may be contacted within one year from the date of the PAT to complete a background packet, provided your PAT scores are still on an active eligibility list.

What does “active eligibility list” mean and when will I be contacted?
Eligibility lists remain active for one year from the date of the PAT. As positions become available, Human Resources will contact you to pick up your background packet beginning with the active eligibility list closest to its expiration date. For example, we will contact applicants from the January 2011 PAT before we contact those on the February and/or March 2011 PAT.

How will I be contacted?
Human Resources will email you to pick up your background packets using the email address submitted on a your JOINRSD profile. Due to our volume of candidates, email is the most effective means of communication. You are responsible for keeping your contact information on your JOINRSD profiles updated and for checking your spam folder.

How much time will I have to pick up my background packet?
There is no deadline to pick up your background packet from Sheriff’s Personnel provided you return a completed packet within the 30 day timeframe from the date Human Resources emails you.

How long will I have to return my completed background packet?
You will have 30 days from the date Human Resources emails you to complete your background packet and return it to Sheriff’s Personnel.

What if I’m unable to complete my background packet in the 30 day timeframe?
If you do not complete your background packet in the 30 day period, you will need to re-apply with us.

What is meant by re-apply?
If you do not complete your background packet in the 30 day timeframe, you will need to login to your profile on this website and re-apply to be considered for a Deputy Sheriff Trainee and/or Correctional Deputy I.

Do I have to pick up my packet in person if I am an out-of-state applicant?
No, the email you receive will provide you information on how to receive your background packet through the mail.

Is there a way to find out what eligibility list Human Resources is utilizing?
Yes. In order to inform candidates of their status, Human Resources will be updating their Twitter and Facebook sites with the most recent information.

If I am on the eligibility list, can I apply with other agencies?
Yes, placement on the eligibility list will not preclude you from applying with other law enforcement agencies.

I am having trouble logging into my account. How can I retrieve my login information?
To retrieve your password, you may use the “Forgot my Password” feature on the login screen. You will be prompted to type your UserID and the system will email your password to the registered email address on file. If you need to retrieve your UserID, you will need to contact Human Resources via email at hrsheriffrecruiter@rc-hr.com.

I'm on active duty in the military, when should I start the process?
You should begin the process when you have about six (6) months or less on your enlistment time of service. You will need to be available to take the written examination and the PAT and successfully pass each stage to continue further in the selection process

How do I use my Veteran’s Preference points?
You may bring in a copy of your DD-214 form on the date of your written assessment. Your Veteran’s Preference points will be added to your total overall score for the written assessment.

How does the hiring process work if I live out-of-state?

Human Resources will try to accommodate the written assessment and PAT in the same trip

If you live out-of-state, you are still required to complete the written assessment and PAT. We have a process in place to assist out-of-state applicants with scheduling. After completing the Pre-Screen Questionnaire, contact Human Resources via email hrsheriffrecruiter@rc-hr.com.

What are the vision requirements?

Vision must be at least 20/30 in each eye with the following exceptions. If glasses are worn, vision must be at least 20/30 in each eye while wearing the glasses and uncorrected distance vision must not exceed 20/70 in either eye and the better eye must be at least 20/40. If soft contact lenses are worn, they must have been worn for at least three months and vision must be at least 20/30 in each eye tested with the contacts in. If a LASIK procedure (refractive surgery) was performed, vision must be at least 20/30 in each eye. In addition, applicants must be able to accurately and quickly name colors, and must be free from other visual impairments that would restrict the ability to perform law enforcement duties.

What are the hearing requirements?

You must be able to understand speech in noisy areas, understand whispered speech, and localize sounds. Specialized testing methods are used to determine hearing capability. Although hearing aid use is not automatically disqualifying, additional specialized tests will be administered to determine if the use of hearing aids will be permitted.

What is the starting salary?
Salary information can be found by visiting the County website at www.rc-hr.com.

How long is the academy? Do I get paid while I am in the academy?
Correctional Deputy I and II - S.T.C. certified 9-week academy.
Deputy Sheriff Trainee - P.O.S.T. certified 24-week academy.

You will receive pay and benefits during your academy training.

How long does it take to complete the hiring process for Deputy Sheriff Trainee and/or Correctional Deputy?
Generally, depending on the background investigation process, it may take anywhere from 4 to 6 months from the date of the initial written examination to enter the academy for Correctional Deputy or Deputy Sheriff Trainee. The length of time may also be dependent on the scheduling of the academies.