Our Reserve Deputy Program is comprised of volunteers who serve at the discretion of the Sheriff and receive no monetary compensation for their services.
Do Reserve Deputies have to go through a full law enforcement academy?
Reserve deputies go through an abridged academy that lasts approximately 6 months. Classes are held every other Wednesday evening and every other Saturday with additional classes as needed.
In Reserve Deputy Academy, candidates are taught applicable law enforcement subjects and other relevant topics. These topics include:
Firearms
Search and seizure
Use of force
Officer safety
Defensive tactics
Defensive driving
Reserve deputies are also required to attend additional training throughout the year that mirrors the training full-time certified deputies receive.
Do Reserve Deputies have to pay for their own gear?
Each Reserve Deputy is issued uniforms and is well-equipped with similar law enforcement equipment that full-time certified deputies carry. These costs are covered by the San Juan County Sheriff's Office Foundation with no additional cost to taxpayers in San Juan County.
What Do Reserve Deputies Do?
Reserve Deputies play a crucial role of supporting our full-time deputies and take on a wide range of duties and responsibilities including but not limited to:
Patrol with a full-time certified deputy
Call response
Traffic stops
Traffic investigations
Mental health calls
Scene management
Crowd control
Large functions and community events
Civil process service and prisoner transport
Prolonged incidents and investigations
Perimeter security
Command post
Rural crimes initiatives
Report writing
Courtroom testimony
What Does It Take to Be a Reserve Deputy?
An applicant for the Reserve Deputy Program must possess the following qualifications:
Is a citizen or permanent resident of the United States and has reached the age of 21
Holds a high school diploma or GED
Holds a valid driver’s license
Prior convictions will be looked at on a case-by-case basis. Felony convictions will result in rejection from the Reserve Deputy Program
Has not been released or discharged under dishonorable conditions from any of the armed forces of the United States.
Is of good moral character.
What does the time commitment look like for a Reserve Deputy?
Our Reserve Deputies are responsible for a wide range of obligations and time commitments that ensure they are ready and effective when supporting the Sheriff’s Office.
Attend monthly meetings (at minimum, reserves must attend 75% or more meetings throughout a calendar year)
Work a minimum of 10 hours each month (120 hours each year) engaging in various duties such as
Patrol
Transporting prisoners
Court security
Crime scenes
Attend at least 4 special events within each calendar year such as
