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Reserve Deputy Program

Reserve Deputy Program

A Benton County deputy in uniform with sunglasses and a smile

Volunteering as a Reserve Deputy is a unique way to serve your community. As a fully commissioned Reserve Deputy, you act as a Deputy Sheriff while on duty and in your assigned capacity. Because of this responsibility, all volunteers must meet the same rigorous selection, training, and assessment standards as regular Deputies.

Ready to get started? Visit our Reserve Deputy Recruitment page to apply.

Duties

Reserve Deputies take part in a wide variety of law enforcement activities. Your role depends on your qualifications and the current needs of the Sheriff’s Office. Common duties include:

  • Enforcing state and local laws
  • Controlling traffic
  • Providing crime scene security
  • Transporting prisoners
  • Serving civil papers
  • Supporting search and rescue operations
  • Assisting with community outreach and education

Qualifications

To qualify as a Reserve Deputy, you must meet all of the following requirements:

  • Be 21 years of age or older
  • Be a U.S. citizen
  • Hold a High School Diploma or GED at minimum
  • Possess a valid driver’s license
  • Successfully complete all steps in the selection process

Selection Process

After we receive and review your application, we will contact you for additional information. Next, you must pass each of the following steps in order:

  1. Initial Criminal History (CCH) and Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Screening
  2. Written Exam (NCJOSI)
  3. Physical Abilities Test (ORPAT)
  4. Personal History Questionnaire
  5. Oral Board
  6. Background Investigation
  7. Psychological Examination
  8. Medical Examination

Plan ahead — this process typically takes 6 to 12 months. Only highly qualified candidates advance.

Training

Once selected, you begin a structured, three-level training program. Each level builds on the last.

Level 1 — Getting Started:

All Reserve Deputies start at Level 1. During this phase, you do not wear a uniform and you do not carry a firearm. Over your first six months, you complete approximately 130 hours of in-house training and at least 70 hours of patrol ride-along time with a regular Deputy.

Level 2 — Active Patrol Support:

After you advance from Level 1, the Sheriff swears you in as a uniformed, armed Reserve Deputy. At this stage, you are not yet qualified for solo patrol. However, you take a more active role in patrol duties alongside regular Deputies. You also have the opportunity to attend the State’s certified Reserve Academy, which is a required step toward reaching Level 3.

Level 3 — Solo Patrol:

Level 3 is the highest rank in the Reserve Program. To reach this level, you must complete a certified Reserve Academy, document at least 600 hours of patrol, and demonstrate thorough knowledge of patrol procedures. Once the Sheriff’s Office selects you for Level 3, you perform solo patrol duties with the same level of responsibility as a regular Deputy.

Time Commitment

Reserve Deputies volunteer a minimum of 20 hours each month. You must attend a monthly meeting. Beyond that, you arrange your remaining volunteer hours around your personal schedule.

Costs

There are no annual dues to participate in the program. However, when you apply, you pay a $25.00 fee for the written exam and a $200.00 background investigation deposit. Once you advance to Level 2, the Sheriff’s Office returns that $200.00 deposit to you.

The Reserve Deputy Program is self-sustaining. The program raises funds by contracting with public and private groups to provide security services. As a result, you must volunteer a minimum amount of time toward those contracted activities to help keep the program running.

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