Background Investigation

The Sierra County Sheriff's Office actively recruits ongoing applicants for the position of Deputy Sheriff Recruit. Recruits are required to complete an initial application. A link to the application can be located employapp, SV 04 09 13 (00280237-2).DOC. 

Once an application and resume (recommended) are received, the Sheriff's Office will compile a list and notify the applicant of an oral interview. If the applicant passes an oral interview, they will be notified for a Sheriff's Interview. If the applicant passes the Sheriff's Interview, the applicant will be scheduled for a written examination, which is known as the PELLETB. The applicant must receive a T-Score of at least 42. If the applicant successfully passes the written examination, the applicant will be moved into the background investigation stage. 

Background investigations are a multi-step process that begins with the Personal History Statement (PHS). The PHS can be located on the POST website: 2-251 Personal History Peace Officer. 

A background investigator will be assigned to you and will walk you through the process. The process consists of the following:

      1. FBI and DOJ fingerprint clearance.
      2. Background investigation interview (in-person).
      3. PHS investigation to ensure accuracy and truthfulness. This investigation includes credit history, work history, reference checks, driving record, criminal history, landlord history, military records, family history, and other areas.
      4. Polygraph examination (lie-detector test).
      5. Conditional offer.
      6. Psychological evaluation.
      7. Medical evaluation.
      8. Final offer.

The background investigation is an extensive process that requires the applicant to make several appointments and meet deadlines. Failure to meet these appointments or deadlines will result in elimination from the process.

 THE TRUTH IS EXPECTED OF YOU. Many applicants are removed from the process because they fail to disclose information, omit information, or lie. Many past behaviors can be explained and aren't automatic disqualifiers, but failing to disclose ANY INFORMATION is grounds for removal and barring from the process.