General Employment FAQs
How long does the application process take?
The typical hiring process takes approximately 4 - 6 months for full employment. For part time casual employees (Special Events Patrol) can be as short as 3 weeks.
How do I apply for a position with the Stanford University Department of Public Safety?
Visit the Employment page and follow the instructions for the appropriate position. You can also visit the Stanford Careers site or email the SUDPS recruiter, Robert Contreras at police-recruitment@lists.stanford.edu
I am not a U.S. citizen but can legally work in the U.S. Can I still apply?
Applicants for sworn positions (Deputy Sheriff) must be a US citizen. Applicants for non sworn positions must be eligible to work in the United States, but are not required to be a US citizens. Applicants who are not US citizens must provide appropriate documentation verifying their eligibility to work in the United States.
A position I'm interested in is currently closed. Can I still turn in an application?
Do not apply for a closed position. It will not be accepted.
Deputy Sheriff FAQs
How do the Stanford University deputies derive their peace officer powers?
The Stanford Deputy Sheriffs derive their peace officer authority through a Memorandum of Understanding between the University and the Sheriff of Santa Clara County. This agreement provides for the deputization of Stanford officers as sworn peace officers, having full law enforcement powers to make arrests and enforce State laws and county ordinances.
The Minimum Requirements for deputy mandate that I have 45 (semester) / 60 (quarter) college units when I apply. Are there any exceptions?
This is to ensure a consistent standard of excellence for all our law enforcement personnel. All necessary college units must be completed before you submit an application.
Will my military experience count in lieu of college units?
At this time we are not able to accept military experience in lieu of accredited college units.
Can I apply as a lateral candidate for SUDPS?
You may apply as a lateral candidate if you meet the following qualifications:
  • Possess a valid California Basic P.O.S.T. certificate or Basic Course waiver attained through California P.O.S.T.
  • Complete an F.T.O. program and have one (1) year of California sworn peace officer status
  • Minimum requires for a basic entry level position.
Do you accept T-Scores?
T-Scores are not accepted in lieu of participating in the physical agility & written examination.
Physical Agility Field Test
What is the purpose of the physical agility test?
The physical agility examination is designed to measure the minimally acceptable levels of performance in tasks in which current sworn personnel encounter on duty.
What should I know about the test before taking it?

You will be required to pass a test of physical agility. You will be notified of the time, date and location of your test. The test day will take approximately 4 - 6 hours. Both the physical agility and written examination will take place on the same day.

Any and all questions the applicant may have about the manner of procedure in which any event of the physical agility test is performed or conducted should be asked before the testing begins. Any decisions that have to be made by the persons conducting the tests are final.

What Should I Wear?
Wear workout clothing that does not restrict movement of your arms and legs. Athletic shoes, (no cleats) are to be worn. You will be required to run on pavement and a track. The physical agility test will be conducted first so come dressed for the test. The atheltic attire can be worn for the remainder of the day. You will be required to present your driver's license for identification verification.
How Will I Be Tested?

The four events in the test will be:

  • Endurance Run: Run as far as possible in 12 minutes. Minimum completion of 5 laps required to pass the test. You will only be allowed to test once in this event. Score is based on distance covered. (5 laps=70%)
  • Wall Scale: Run a total of 50 yards then scale a smooth 6-ft high wall. Successful scale of wall is required to pass the test. Score is based on the number of seconds required to complete the event. (17 seconds=70%)
  • Maintain Grip: Run a total of 50 yards then take an overhand grip on a chinning bar. Maintain grip for (1) minute. Score is based on number of seconds required to run the 50 yards plus penalties (if any) for maintaining grip for less than (1) minute. (7.9 seconds with 0 seconds grip penalty=70%)
  • Weight Drag: Run 50 feet, then transport a dead weight dummy of approx. 165 lbs. for an additional 50 feet in a backwards underarm carry with the dummy's feet on the ground. Score is based on the number of seconds required to complete the event. (16 seconds=70%)
How is the test scored?
In order to pass the physical agility test,
  • you must successfully complete the wall scale test (several attempts permitted) ,
  • complete 5 laps around a track within 12 minutes (one attempt)
Any candidate who does not meet these minimum scoring requirements or scores zero points in any one event will be eliminated from further consideration.
Can I retake the test?
If you score less than 70% in any one event, except the Endurance Run, you will be given another opportunity to test in that event. You may test in each event a maximum of (3) times on the day of the exam.
What kind of physical condition should I be in?
We recommend that you have a solid base of cardio and strength training to successfully complete the test. The test requires you to put forth great physical effort. You should not attempt this exam unless you are in good physical condition. You will be required to sign a waiver before taking the physical agility test.
Should I practice for the test?
It is recommended that all candidates make a special effort to practice and get themselves into the proper condition for the test. Instructions may be given upon request. We recommend searching online for tutorials related to the wall scale and dummy drag tests.
What if the test is rained out?
This test will be cancelled only in the event that weather conditions prohibit safe administering of the agility test. (Rescheduling of the agility test will be announced.)
When will I find out if I passed?
Candidates will be notified two weeks following the test. Successful candidates will immediately be scheduled for the next phase of the selection process.
I have a question that isn't answered in the FAQs
If you have any further questions regarding seeking employment at the Stanford University Department of Public Safety, please email SUDPS Recruiting at police-recruitment@lists.stanford.edu