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FAQs

You must take a written exam and a physical agility test. Upon successful completion of these two tests you must pass an interview board.

The written test is a written exam, which covers reading, comprehension, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and word recognition. These are specific questions related to law enforcement, map reading, and radio codes usage. This is a basic aptitude test, similar to a scholastic aptitude test.

Yes, a thorough criminal background investigation is conducted.

You must complete a Level 3 Reserve Academy which is 176 hours of instruction over 11 weeks. Please go to the Academy Training page on this web site for additional information.

Yes, the Orange County Sheriff's Department Reserve Bureau is one of the most exciting and innovative law enforcement reserve forces in the nation. Our Reserve Deputies work in every area of the Department including, Bomb Squad, Harbor Patrol, High Tech, Economic Crimes and the Terrorism Unit.

Upon completion of the Level 3 Academy, you will receive 3 units and Level 2 Academy will provide 4 college units.

The California Government and Penal Code have set the requirements. Please refer to the Minimum Standards page on this web site.

The written test is a standard police entry-level exam, which covers reading, comprehension, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and word recognition. These are specific questions related to law enforcement, map reading, and radio codes usage. This is a basic aptitude test, similar to a scholastic aptitude test.

For the entry level we conduct a physical agility test, which consist of an obstacle course, dummy drag, pushups, sits ups and a quarter mile run. This affords you the opportunity to realize your weaknesses and where to focus on preparing yourself for the Level 3 Academy.

If you are approved to be hired as an Orange County Reserve Deputy Sheriff, the cost for the academy will be paid for by the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

For more information on joining the Reserves, see our Join Our Reserve Team page, or call the Reserve Office: 714-566-2711.