San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office opens free training sessions to adults interested in law enforcement careers

San Mateo, California – A career in law enforcement can begin with an application, but the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office is offering prospective recruits a more active way to explore the profession. Instead of only talking about the job, interested residents can now exercise alongside deputies and experience a small part of its physical demands.

And there is no need to arrive in peak physical condition. The department’s newest recruitment initiative welcomes people of all fitness levels, giving participants an opportunity to learn about the profession while getting moving.

The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office has introduced its new Work Out With a Recruiter Program, a series of free, 90-minute workout sessions designed for adults considering a career with the agency.

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Participants will exercise with Sheriff’s Office personnel, meet deputies and recruiters, and have an opportunity to ask questions about joining the department. The program combines physical activity with direct conversations about law enforcement careers.

Four sessions are scheduled during the final months of 2026. The first will take place on October 15, followed by additional workouts on October 29, November 12 and December 3.

Each session will run from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Sheriff’s Office Firearms Range, located at 1601 Coyote Point Drive in San Mateo.

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The department has emphasized that participants do not need to meet a particular fitness level to attend. The program is open to individuals with different levels of exercise experience, provided they are at least 18 years old.

Those planning to participate should bring water, comfortable workout clothing and athletic shoes.

However, there is one important requirement before anyone can join the activities.

Every participant must complete and sign a waiver before exercising. The form must be printed and brought to the participant’s first session. Anyone arriving without a signed waiver will not be permitted to take part.

The required document is available through the Sheriff’s Office’s Work Out With a Recruiter waiver form.

The department also advises prospective participants that workouts depend on weather conditions, meaning scheduled activities may be affected by unfavorable weather.

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For individuals who have considered joining the Sheriff’s Office but want to better understand the physical side of the profession, the sessions provide an opportunity to interact directly with deputies before making a career decision.

Interested adults can find additional information and register through the official Work Out With a Recruiter registration page.

Questions about the program can also be directed to the Sheriff’s Office Recruitment Team at [email protected].