I worked for a sheriff's department for 2 years in Florida and just left there in January. I'm now in California going through the testing process again. Each agency is a little different but typically you submit your application and then they invite you to take their version of the written test. In FL it was done by computer. In CA it was a multiple choice test with a fill in the blank at the end. In 2-4 weeks they come back with your test scores and invite you to take the PAT. After that you'll usually undergo the background investigation and then take the psychological exam, polygraph, and medical examination. In FL it took me about 8-10 weeks total from date of app to appointment. I applied to 2 agencies here in CA in February and I'm in the middle of processing with both. Takes a lot longer here because of the amount of competition. I think I'm looking at an academy offer in October or so if everything keeps going smoothly. But yea pay and benefits are great. A lot of people don't like officers/deputies but its because of the ones they've encountered or they're looking for someone to blame for their fuck ups. I always treat the person I'm dealing with with respect and I usually get it back. You always get the occasional asshole but thats the way it is. If you have any other questions feel free to ask