FAQ
Get answers to frequently asked questions about the Butte County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy Sheriff
Frequently asked questions about becoming a Butte County Deputy Sheriff.
What is the minimum age to be a Deputy Sheriff?
POST – Peace Officers Standards and Training requires you to be at least 21 years of age.
Is there an age limit for becoming a Deputy?
As long as you meet the minimum qualification requirements, pass the physical agility test, and the written test, you are eligible.
What does the physical agility test consist of?
- Body drag – lift and drag a 165 lbs dummy 30 feet
- Obstacle course – run a 99-yard obstacle course with several sharp turns, curb height obstacles, and a 34-inch-high obstacle that must be vaulted
- Chain link fence – run 5 yards to a 6-foot chain link fence, climb over the fence and continue running another 25 yards
- Solid fence – run 5 yards to a 6-foot solid fence, climb over the fence and continue running another 25 yards
- 500-yard run
Do I have to be a US Citizen to apply?
No, you do not have to be a US Citizen to apply. However, you do have to be legally authorized to work in the United States under current federal law.
How long does the background investigation process take?
It varies from candidate to candidate but you can expect it to take approximately 6-8 weeks
What does the interview process look like?
We recommend you dress in business attire. We are going to ask you questions about you as a person, why you want to work for us and what skills you possess. We’re also going to see how well you prepared yourself by asking what you know about our department (leadership team, departments, assignments etc.)
Have well thought out answers (not generic responses) for the following questions:
- What do you know about BCSO?
- Why do you want to work for BCSO?
- Why do you want to be a Deputy Sheriff?
- Be ready to address any potential issues in your background.
The interview panel will assess your attire, hygiene and how you present yourself in the interview. If you are well prepared, your competence should display in confidence.
What are the top reasons people will fail the process?
There are a number of reasons why people fail, but the top reasons are typically:
- Dishonesty – Intentionally lying about any part of your past.
- Failure to Disclose – Purposely omitting required information needed to complete your background.
- Incomplete Application – Submitting forms with blank sections or missing documents.
Do I have to have a college degree?
You need a High School diploma or GED certificate to be eligible. Higher education (AA, College) can enhance your ability to be hired. Attention: If you have been home schooled, you need to provide a GED certificate.
What criminal offenses disqualify me from a job with BCSO?
The Sheriff’s Office will NOT consider applicants with felony convictions.
I have been arrested for a misdemeanor (ex. DUI) in my past, does this prevent me from getting hired?
The Sheriff’s Office will consider how long ago the offense(s) occurred, the frequency, as well as type of offense(s). The determination will be made on an individual case basis.
I have used illegal drugs in the past, does this prevent me from getting hired?
The Sheriff’s Office will consider how long ago the use(s) occurred, the frequency, as well as type of drugs. The determination will be made on an individual case basis.
I have bad credit. Will that prevent me from getting hired?
Credit related issues are not an automatic disqualification. Although applicants with outstanding collections accounts, a pattern of late payments or pending civil actions may have difficulty in the background investigation process. Explanations to the above-mentioned circumstances will be considered.
How long is the POST Regular Basic Course Academy?
The POST Regular Basic Course Academy has a minimum requirement of 664 hours. However, most POST certified basic training academies exceed the 664-hour minimum; by 200 or more hours with some academies presenting over 1000 hours of training and testing. That translates to about 6 months of training in the intensive full-time academy format.
Is there a hiring bonus?
The Butte County Sheriff’s Office currently offers a $50,000 hiring bonus for lateral Deputy Sheriffs.
I am a current sworn peace officer from out-of-state. Can I apply to BCSO as a lateral?
Yes. You will need to submit a Basic Course Waiver. Learn more from the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training website here
What is the difference between a lateral candidate and an entry level candidate?
The primary difference between an entry-level and a lateral deputy lies in their experience and training. Entry-level deputies are new recruits or academy graduates without prior law enforcement experience, while lateral deputies/officers are experienced officers transferring from another agency. Lateral officers have completed a police academy and have at least one year of full-time experience working in the field.
What does the schedule look like?
- 3 days on, 3 days off, 4 days on, 4 days off
- 12-hour shifts
- Seniority-based schedule
How do I request a ride along?
We are only accepting ride along requests for people that are currently in the application process.
Your request for a ride along will be reviewed for approval by the BCSO Backgrounds and Training Unit. Upon approval, you will be contacted to schedule the appointment, and your information will be forwarded to the deputy and patrol sergeant whose team you will be assigned to for the shift.
At the time of the ride along appointment the Deputy will review his/her expectations and safety precautions with you and ask for your signature of agreement on the form at that time.
Please allow up to two weeks for this process to occur. Due to scheduling and/or deputy availability, ride-alongs may be cancelled. Notice of cancellation will be attempted with the applicant.
Requests can be made by filling out the form.
Correctional Deputy
Frequently asked questions about becoming a Butte County Correctional Deputy.
What is the minimum age to become a Correctional Deputy?
You are required to be at least 18 years of age.
Do I have to be a US Citizen to apply?
No, you do not have to be a US Citizen to apply. However, you do have to be legally authorized to work in the United States under current federal law.
What are the top reasons people will fail the process?
There are a number of reasons why people fail, but the top reasons are typically:
- Dishonesty – Intentionally lying about any part of your past.
- Failure to Disclose – Purposely omitting required information needed to complete your background.
- Incomplete Application – Submitting forms with blank sections or missing documents.
What does the physical agility test consist of?
Treadmill: One (1) minute run at approximately five (5) miles per hour.
Balance Beam obstacle: Eight (8) feet long / Three and a half (3.5) inches wide / Eight (8) inches high.
Hurdle obstacle: Lift yourself over the three (3) foot high hurdle. Your hands must be in contact with the implement while going over.
Stairs obstacle: Climb to top of staircase while stepping on each step and utilizing the handrails.
Fine motor skills demonstration: Key a lock before in order to open a door and go through a doorway.
Dummy Drag: Drag a dummy backwards approximately 30 feet on a smooth surface.
Stairs obstacle: Climb to top of staircase while stepping on each step and utilizing the handrails.
Carry Obstacle: Carry an approximate 55-pound sandbag (without handles) 60 feet with a turn.
Once you replace the sandbag, you will sprint to the finish line.
Do I have to have a college degree?
You need a High School diploma or GED certificate to be eligible. Higher education (AA, College) can enhance your ability to be hired. Attention: If you have been home schooled, you need to provide a GED certificate.
How long does the background investigation process take?
It varies from candidate to candidate but you can expect it to take approximately 6-8 weeks.
What does the interview process look like?
We recommend you dress in business attire. We are going to ask you questions about you as a person, why you want to work for us and what skills you possess. We’re also going to see how well you prepared yourself by asking what you know about our department (leadership team, departments, assignments etc.)
Have well thought out answers (not generic responses) for the following questions:
- What do you know about BCSO?
- Why do you want to work for BCSO?
- Why do you want to be a Correctional Deputy?
- Be ready to address any potential issues in your background.
The interview panel will assess your attire, hygiene and how you present yourself in the interview. If you are well prepared, your competence should display in confidence.
What criminal offenses disqualify me from a job with BCSO?
The Sheriff’s Office will NOT consider applicants with felony convictions.
I have been arrested for a misdemeanor (ex. DUI) in my past, does this prevent me from getting hired?
The Sheriff’s Office will consider how long ago the offense(s) occurred, the frequency, as well as type of offense(s). The determination will be made on an individual case basis.
I have used illegal drugs in the past, does this prevent me from getting hired?
The Sheriff’s Office will consider how long ago the use(s) occurred, the frequency, as well as type of drugs. The determination will be made on an individual case basis.
I have bad credit. Will that prevent me from getting hired?
Credit related issues are not an automatic disqualification. Although applicants with outstanding collections accounts, a pattern of late payments or pending civil actions may have difficulty in the background investigation process. Explanations to the above-mentioned circumstances will be considered.
How long is the CORE Academy for Correctional Deputy?
An entry-level Correctional Deputy will be sent to the STC Core Training Program within 12 months of hiring date. The STC Core Training Program is 176 hours of instruction (approximately 5 weeks).
Is there a hiring bonus?
The Butte County Sheriff’s Office currently offers $25,000/$50,000 hiring bonuses for entry and lateral Correctional Deputies.
What does the schedule look like?
- 3 days on, 3 days off, 4 days on, 4 days off
- 12-hour shifts
- Rotating schedule
How do I request a jail tour?
We encourage applicants and those considering applying to participate in a jail tour.
Your request for a tour will be reviewed for approval by the BCSO Backgrounds and Training Unit. Upon approval, you will be contacted to schedule the appointment, and your information will be forwarded to the sergeant whose team you will be assigned to for the shift.
At the time of the jail appointment, the sergeant will review his/her expectations and safety precautions with you and ask for your signature of agreement on the form at that time.
Please allow up to two weeks for this process to occur. Due to scheduling and/or sergeant availability, jail tours may be cancelled. Notice of cancellation will be attempted with the applicant.
Requests can be made by filling out the form.
Public Safety Dispatcher
Frequently asked questions about becoming a Butte County Public Safety Dispatcher.
What is the minimum age to become a Public Safety Dispatcher?
You are required to be at least 18 years of age.
Do I have to be a US Citizen to apply?
No, you do not have to be a US Citizen to apply. However, you do have to be legally authorized to work in the United States under current federal law.
What does the interview process look like?
We recommend you dress in business attire. We are going to ask you questions about you as a person, why you want to work for us and what skills you possess. We’re also going to see how well you prepared yourself by asking what you know about our department (leadership team, departments, assignments etc.)
Have well thought out answers (not generic responses) for the following questions:
- What do you know about BCSO?
- Why do you want to work for BCSO?
- Why do you want to be a Deputy Sheriff?
- Be ready to address any potential issues in your background.
The interview panel will assess your attire, hygiene and how you present yourself in the interview. If you are well prepared, your competence should display in confidence.
What are the top reasons people will fail the process?
There are a number of reasons why people fail, but the top reasons are typically:
- Dishonesty – Intentionally lying about any part of your past.
- Failure to Disclose – Purposely omitting required information needed to complete your background.
- Incomplete Application – Submitting forms with blank sections or missing documents.
Do I have to have a college degree?
You need a High School diploma or GED certificate to be eligible. Higher education (AA, College) can enhance your ability to be hired. Attention: If you have been home schooled, you need to provide a GED certificate.
What does the schedule look like?
Public Safety Dispatchers work three 12-hour shifts in one week and four 12-hour shifts the following for a total of 84 hours in the pay-period. This means you will receive an automatic “built-in” 4 hours of overtime pay per pay period.
What criminal offenses disqualify me from a job with BCSO?
The Sheriff’s Office will NOT consider applicants with felony convictions.
I have been arrested for a misdemeanor (ex. DUI) in my past, does this prevent me from getting hired?
The Sheriff’s Office will consider how long ago the offense(s) occurred, the frequency, as well as type of offense(s). The determination will be made on an individual case basis.
I have used illegal drugs in the past, does this prevent me from getting hired?
The Sheriff’s Office will consider how long ago the use(s) occurred, the frequency, as well as type of drugs. The determination will be made on an individual case basis.
I have bad credit. Will that prevent me from getting hired?
Credit related issues are not an automatic disqualification. Although applicants with outstanding collections accounts, a pattern of late payments or pending civil actions may have difficulty in the background investigation process. Explanations to the above-mentioned circumstances will be considered.
Is there a hiring bonus?
The Butte County Sheriff’s Office currently offers a $50,000 hiring bonus for lateral Public Safety Dispatchers.
How do I request a dispatch sit along?
Your request for a sit along will be reviewed for approval by the BCSO Backgrounds and Training Unit. Upon approval, you will be contacted to schedule the appointment, and your information will be forwarded to the dispatch supervisor.
At the time of the ride along appointment the Dispatcher will review his/her expectations and safety precautions with you and ask for your signature of agreement on the form at that time.
Please allow up to two weeks for this process to occur. Due to scheduling and/or availability, sit-alongs may be cancelled. Notice of cancellation will be attempted with the applicant.
Requests can be made by filling out the form.