The Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) proudly recruits and supports military veterans, their spouses, and active-duty service members. Recognized for its commitment, OCSO was ranked #2 by Military Times Best for Vets in 2022 among America’s top 200 companies for veteran hiring and support of National Guard and Reserve personnel. That same year, OCSO received the Pro Patria Award for its outstanding support to the Guard and Reserve. In 2023, the office earned the prestigious 5 Star Employer designation from VETS Indexes. Most recently, in 2024, OCSO was honored with the Freedom Award—the highest U.S. government recognition for employer support of military employees.
Military veterans sponsored to go to our law enforcement academy get paid ($24.50/hour) while attending the academy and receive OCSO benefits. This is in addition to receiving their veteran Military Housing Allowance, if they have the GI Bill®.
*Veterans must have an active GI Bill to receive the Military Housing Allowance from their GI Bill.
After attending the 20 week academy, graduates then undergo 4 weeks of Deputy Orientation Program (DO). Once completed, all deputy trainees enter Field Training Officer (FTO) training for 14 weeks. Once FTO begins, veterans that were active duty or coming from the National Guard or Military Reserves are again eligible to receive their Military Housing Allowance every month, for one year! This is because OCSO is recognized by the Veterans’ Administration as an On the Job Training (OJT) Site! *Veterans must have an active GI Bill to receive the Military Housing Allowance from their GI Bill.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Financial Compensation
- Deputies start out making $62,566 a year working only 15 days a month.
- $64,771 with 4 years of experience.
- Off duty assignments are currently paying $45 (min) to $70 an hour.
Additional Benefits
If you are National Guardsman or Military Reservist, we have many benefits to help you serve our nation, including but not limited to:
- 240 hours of paid training time while you drill.
- OCSO effectively works around your National Guard or Military Reserve Training schedule.
Our recruiters are available to assist you with the hiring process. Contact a recruiter at [email protected]