Any LA CO. Sheriff Security Officers? Insight

[Honey nut]

I was wondering if anyone on here knows about the Non sworn class of los Angels county sheriff security officer position?

If so, how are you liking your career? Is the job pretty worthy? What county property have you worked in? What type of gear is required to be carried on the san Browne? Thanks.

[Ron-Solo]

I supervised Sheriff's Security Officers assigned to the courts for several years and was involved in their training.

In the Courts they are assigned to the security checkpoints and sometimes a roving patrol within the building. The basic equipment load is the same as that of a deputy sheriff, with the exception of the TASER. Before I retired, I wrote a proposal to equip them with TASERs but it was hitting opposition at the executive level. There's been a lot of positive change in that regard, but I don't know if anyone is pushing it.

A lot of the SOs are using the position as a stepping stone for a deputy position, but not all.

SOs also work at several of the Community Colleges policed by LASD under contract with the Los Angeles Community College District. There they do roving patrols and take reports on crimes committed on campus. There are also a couple of cities that contract for SOs to patrol their city parks.

SOs assigned to the Parks Bureau also work various functions in larger county parks. This was just coming on line when I retired, so I don't have a lot of details on that.

Required equipment is issued, including sidearm. It was a Beretta 92f but the department is switching to the M&P 9, so I would imagine that is also the current issue for SOs as well. The department had a very restrictive policy regarding firearms for SOs, and a CCW is NOT an option.

Pay is decent and you are enrolled in LACERA (Los Angeles County Employees Retirement Association) as a general member (not a safety member) but time earned as a general member can be converted to safety time if you become a deputy. You pay the difference, but you pay it over time and it is definitely worth it in the long run. You also get health benefits.

[Honey nut]

Ron,

Thanks for the detailed information. How is the five week academy like? Is it the same high stress academy deputy sheriff trainees attend?

Are the standards such as quarterly or annually training regimes same as deputy sheriffs?

Also, in a situation where a deputy needs help are SO's allowed to assist? Or is it policy to stand back and let sworn staff to respond?

how long has this security officer position been established in the LA co. sheriffs dept? Is it an effective strategy to save money instead of having sworn staff? I'm looking forward to this position, I didn't even know I applied couple of years ago and I'm finally testing for it.

[Samuelx]

Originally Posted by Honey nut

How is the five week academy like?

Kinda like the readers digest/watered down version of a real academy.

Is it the same high stress academy deputy sheriff trainees attend?

No.


Are the standards such as quarterly or annually training regimes same as deputy sheriffs?

Not sure what you're asking here. You may want to contact the Advanced Officer Training Unit (AOT) and talk to someone there - they run the SO/SA training programs.

Also, in a situation where a deputy needs help are SO's allowed to assist?

Yes. Talk to AOT for further regarding what you're allowed and not allowed to do.

Or is it policy to stand back and let sworn staff to respond?

Again, talk to AOT.

how long has this security officer position been established in the LA co. sheriffs dept?

Dunno. Been awhile now.

Is it an effective strategy to save money instead of having sworn staff?

Gonna depend on whom you ask - subjective.

I'm looking forward to this position, I didn't even know I applied couple of years ago and I'm finally testing for it.

If you're looking to use this as a stepping stone to becoming sworn, I recommend you come in to your 5 weeks as prepared (physically and mentally) as you should be for the sworn academy.

[micro911]

Armed SO leaves the issue pistol at work when they leave. You can only wear the pistol on duty. That was last I heard when I trained them at the weapons training center.

[Ron-Solo]

Originally Posted by Samuelx

If you're looking to use this as a stepping stone to becoming sworn, I recommend you come in to your 5 weeks as prepared (physically and mentally) as you should be for the sworn academy.

Originally Posted by micro911

Armed SO leaves the issue pistol at work when they leave. You can only wear the pistol on duty. That was last I heard when I trained them at the weapons training center.

Both correct. The SO program was adopted with the Sheriff's absorption of the Marshal's Department in 1994, but the program has evolved greatly since then and is nothing like the old program.

[Bobby Ricigliano]

Ron and Samuel covered it from top to bottom. I'd say it is a good job and also a stepping stone to Deputy if that is your goal.

[Honey nut]

Where do new S.O.'s usually get assigned to for their duty location? Also, do any of you know the hiring process for the S.O? Does the hiring process resemble sworn staff?
So far I've completed the written, and pre background screen. Now I'm waiting to be called for non sworn background investigation and to turn in all my required documents.
Usually how many trainees does the sheriff hire in an academy class? Thanks.

[brl0301]

Originally Posted by Honey nut

Where do new S.O.'s usually get assigned to for their duty location? Also, do any of you know the hiring process for the S.O? Does the hiring process resemble sworn staff?
So far I've completed the written, and pre background screen. Now I'm waiting to be called for non sworn background investigation and to turn in all my required documents.
Usually how many trainees does the sheriff hire in an academy class? Thanks.

I was a SO for two years before getting a shot at being a deputy. SOs work all over the county including county buildings, community colleges, custody facilities, court houses, and a lot of other cool spots. Where you get sent is completely dependent on where there are vacancies at the time. The hiring process for SO is exactly the same as the DST process other than the captains interview. It is a long and time consuming process so be prepared to run a lot of errands to get it done and be willing to jump through all of the hoops that they ask you to. My SO academy was around 30 people and from what Ive seen that is pretty average for the SO academies.

[mtchar702]

Any updates, news or changes to the SSO position in 2022?

[mtchar702]

How I always pictured Ron Solo…(that’s not him)

[SB1942]

Originally Posted by mtchar702

How I always pictured Ron Solo…(that’s not him)

How would you know Ron-Solo? Didn't you just join? 8 yr old thread revival?

Oh yeah...who am you kidding??

[thehunted777]

Originally Posted by Honey nut

I was wondering if anyone on here knows about the Non sworn class of los Angels county sheriff security officer position?

If so, how are you liking your career? Is the job pretty worthy? What county property have you worked in? What type of gear is required to be carried on the san Browne? Thanks.

Hello, I am Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Security Officer and have been doing so for the last 12 years. I have worked all over the County, started in County Services Bureau which is Hospitals, Welfare Offices, Mental Health Offices. Worked there a couple years and wanted to transfer for a new experience, so went to Twin Towers Jail and worked visiting and Security entry, transferred after another couple of years and have been at College Bureau for the last 8 plus years which I really enjoy.

The job is a good job, good experience, decent pay and benefits. If your thinking of becoming a Deputy, it's a great stepping stone as you get real law enforcement experience. I work the field side by side with Deputies responding to calls for service, you are right there and see/experience alot of the things Deputies do.


Our gear carried is everything a Deputy carries, gun, full duty belt, pepper spray, baton, taser, handcuffs, bulletproof vest, the whole nine yards. Only difference in uniforms is we have a white shirt instead of a tan shirt as the Deputies wear.

Our 5 week Academy is way too fast, in my opinion it doesn't prepare you for the field. Your being thrown into real law enforcement calls/situations carrying a gun, you and your partners lives are on the line. I had to learn almost everything I know with on the job experience, self education on policy/procedures, legal standing, use of force, radio traffic, and writing reports. Had some great Deputies and Supervisors show me the ropes my first few years on, still learning to this day.

Good luck to you if you decide to apply for the position, don't think you'll regret it. Although I do wish certain things like the pay, training, and powers on duty were different, I'm still very thankful to be working as a Sheriff's Security Officer.

[caliprep]

It's a good stepping stone to get into a covered law enforcement position. I wouldn't recommend doing it until retirement, use it to become a deputy or a sworn officer.

[Ron-Solo]

Originally Posted by mtchar702

How I always pictured Ron Solo…(that’s not him)

You guys crack me up. The SSO program is a great stepping stone to a full time law enforcement position. I can’t remember how to post a photo or I’d put one of me up. In my younger says, I was a lean, mean, law enforcement machine. Not so much anymore. Too many broken parts.

Academy photo, 1978. LA Riots, 1992, Medal for Bravery, about 2008.

And naw, I don’t care if people see my face. If someone wants to do me harm they need to stand in line, take a number, and pack a lunch. I still have the skills and mindset, and a variety of weapons for defense.

Much love to all.