about napa county sheriff's office
Rooted in service. Driven by community.
The Napa County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) proudly serves the unincorporated areas of Napa County, the City of American Canyon, and the Town of Yountville, providing professional law enforcement to one of California’s most scenic and diverse regions. From vibrant tourist destinations to rural mountain terrain and the waters of Lake Berryessa, our deputies safeguard communities where people live, work, and vacation.
As a mid-sized agency with big opportunities, NCSO offers its deputies a wide range of specialized assignments — from K9 and SWAT to Marine Patrol, Investigations, and Community Policing — all within a supportive, community-driven environment. Our mission is rooted in integrity, service, and trust, with a strong focus on wellness, professional growth, and work-life balance for every member of our team.
Hiring process
Quick steps. Clear communication. No guesswork.
Step 1:
Take the PELLET-B Written Exam
Candidates must receive a score of 42 or higher on the exam. Napa County Sheriff’s Office does not offer the PELLET-B (Post Entry Level Law Enforcement Test Battery). Check Eventbrite or search on Google for opportunities to sign up, or learn more here.
Note: Napa County Sheriff's Office does not accept the NTN or any other law enforcement exams aside from the PELLET-B.
Step 2:
Apply
Apply for the position. Start by filling out the form below, then we will send you an application link via text and email.
Your PELLET-B score must be attached to your application or provided no later than the date of your Informational Session (see next step).
Step 3:
Informational Session
Once your application is approved, you will be invited to an informational session where you will complete the Physical Agility Test (PAT) and pre-backgrounds assessment. These sessions happen every 1-2 months and can change based on the number of incoming applications.
Additional PAT Information: The test includes a 32-foot body drag completed within 20 seconds, scaling a 6-foot fence, a 25-yard sprint completed in 12 seconds, and a 500-yard run completed in under 2 minutes and 20 seconds.
Step 4:
Oral Board Interview
Candidates who pass the PAT and pre-backgrounds assessment will then be invited to interview with a panel of NCSO staff.
Step 5:
Backgrounds
Top candidates will advance to the background investigation phase. This process includes a polygraph examination, credit and criminal history checks, fingerprinting, verification of employment history, reference checks, and other relevant evaluations.
Step 6:
Conditional Offer
As you near completion of the background investigation, you may be extended a conditional job offer. This offer is contingent upon successfully completing all remaining hiring requirements and is not a final offer of employment.
Step 7:
Medical Evaluation
You will be required to complete a comprehensive medical evaluation to ensure you meet the physical and health standards necessary to safely perform the essential duties of the position.
Step 8:
Psychological Evaluation
You will be required to complete a psychological evaluation to assess your suitability for the position and ensure you meet the mental and emotional standards necessary to perform the duties of a deputy sheriff.
Step 9:
Sheriff’s Interview
Candidates who pass the above evaluations successfully will be invited to a final interview with the Sheriff of Napa County Sheriff’s Office.
Step 10:
Official Job Offer
Successful candidates will be extended a formal offer of employment.
Step 11:
academy
Newly hired Deputy Sheriffs will be required to attend a law enforcement training academy at one of the following locations: Santa Rosa Junior College, Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, or Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office. Housing is not provided during academy attendance.
Step 12:
field training
Upon graduating from the academy, you will be assigned to a field training program to continue developing your skills under the guidance of experienced Napa County deputies.
Why Napa County Sheriff’s Office?
Patrol paradise. Protect community.
Go Straight to Patrol
Unlike many agencies, we don’t operate a county jail — our deputies head directly to patrol, gaining valuable field experience from day one.
A Community That Stands Behind You
Napa County residents deeply appreciate their deputies. When emergencies strike, the community rallies — providing meals, support, and gratitude that never goes unnoticed.
serve in various locations
From vineyards and valleys to lakes and mountains, Napa County offers incredible scenery and a variety of patrol environments:
Valley Patrol – Unincorporated areas with vibrant, active communities
City of American Canyon – Busy, diverse, and fast-paced
Town of Yountville – A world-class tourist destination
Lake Berryessa – 6 law enforcement boats, jet skis, and seasonal lake patrols
wellness & benefits
Strong body. Clear mind. Supported life.
We invest in your total well-being — physical, mental, and emotional.
On-site gym access
Jiu Jitsu programs for deputies (paid training)
Gym membership reimbursement
Wellness programs covering fitness, nutrition, and mental health
On-duty fitness sessions
Lunchtime yoga and peer wellness support
Work-life balance isn’t a perk — it’s part of the job.
Career Opportunities
Grow your skills. Expand your impact.
At NCSO, you don’t wait years to specialize — you earn the chance to shape your career early and often.
k9 Unit
SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics)
Crisis Negotiation Team
Field Training Officer (FTO)
Drone Unit
Marine Unit
Investigations Division
Coroner Unit
Traffic Motors Unit
Crime Scene Technician
POPP (Problem-Oriented Policing Program)
Honor Guard
Bomb Squad
Statewide Transport Unit
Court Security (Bailiff)
off-road unit
Start your application
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