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Reserve Deputy Program

Reserve Deputy Program

Volunteering as a Reserve Deputy is a unique way for you to contribute to our community as a sworn law enforcement deputy. Fully commissioned Reserve Deputies may act as a Deputy Sheriff while on duty and in their assigned capacity. Therefore, volunteers in the Reserve Deputy Program must meet the exacting selection, training, and assessment qualifications that regular Deputies must meet.

Interested in applying to the program? Check out our Reserve Deputy Recruitment page with additional information and links to the Benton County application. Read more.

Duties

Reserve Deputies participate in a wide variety of law enforcement activities based on their qualifications and the needs of the Sheriff’s Office. Some examples include:

  • Enforce state and local laws
  • Control traffic
  • Provide crime scene security
  • Transport prisoners
  • Serve civil papers
  • Provide search and rescue support
  • Help with community outreach and education

Qualifications

In order to qualify as a Reserve Deputy you…

  • Must be 21-years-old or older,
  • Must be a U.S. citizen,
  • Must have, at a minimum, a High School Diploma or GED,
  • Must have a valid driver’s license, and
  • Must successfully complete all steps in the selection process.

Selection Process

Once your application is received and reviewed, you will be contacted for additional information and must pass the following steps:

  • Initial Criminal History (CCH) and Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Screening
  • Written Exam (NCJOSI)
  • Physical Abilities Test (ORPAT)
  • Personal History Questionnaire
  • Oral Board
  • Background Investigation
  • Psychological Examination
  • Medical Examination

This process typically takes 6 – 12 months to complete and only highly qualified individuals will be selected.

Training

Once selected, you will begin your training.

Level 1:

This is the starting point for all Reserve Deputies. At this level you will not be in uniform and are not allowed to carry a firearm. During this first six months as a new Reserve you will participate in approximately 130 hours of in-house training and perform at least 70 hours of patrol ride along time with a regular Deputy.

Level 2:

Once you successfully advance from Level 1 to Level 2, you will be sworn in by the Sheriff and will be in uniform and armed. While not yet qualified for solo patrol, you will take a more active role in patrol duties while working alongside regular Deputies. In addition to regularly scheduled training, you’ll also have the opportunity to attend the State’s certified Reserve Academy. Completion of the Reserve Academy is one of the qualifications required to advance to Level 3 status.

Level 3:

This is the highest level in the Reserve Program. After successfully completing a certified Reserve Academy, documenting at least 600 hours of patrol, and satisfactorily demonstrating a thorough knowledge and understanding of patrol procedures, you can apply for Level 3 solo patrol status. If selected, you’ll be authorized to perform solo patrol duties with the same level of responsibility as a regular Deputy.

Time Commitment

Reserve Deputies must volunteer a minimum of 20 hours per month. Attendance at a monthly meeting is required, but other volunteer hours can be arranged by each individual to fit his or her personal schedule.

Costs

There are no annual dues to participate as a Reserve Deputy. When applying, there is a $25.00 fee for the written exam and a $200 background investigation deposit. This $200 deposit is returned to you once you successfully advance to Level 2. The Reserve Deputy Program is self-sustaining. Funds raised through contracting with public and private groups to provide security go toward paying for the operation and maintenance of the program. As such, you’ll be required to volunteer a minimum amount of time toward these activities.

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