The Background Investigations Unit conducts pre-employment background investigations for all positions within the Kern County Sheriff’s Office and is dedicated to filling vacancies with highly qualified candidates. Whether you’re applying to become a Deputy Sheriff, Detentions Deputy, Dispatcher, Sheriff’s Aide, Records Specialist, Mechanic, Volunteer, or another support role, our mission is to ensure that every applicant meets the standards of honesty, integrity, professionalism, and public trust expected of our agency.

The Kern County Sheriff’s Office uses the POST Background Manual, which is the industry standard for outlining minimum requirements and disqualification criteria for sworn personnel. However, the Sheriff’s Office aims to attract, hire, and promote candidates who go beyond POST minimum standards and possess the skills, attributes, and qualities that align with the Ideal Candidate Profile.

The Ideal Candidate Profile encompasses seven pillars or characteristics that are assessed during the hiring process and throughout a law enforcement officer’s career. It is imperative that every Sheriff’s Office employee fulfills the requirements and development plans detailed in the complete profile document.