Thurston County Sheriff's Office

Reserve Deputy Program

Updated April 20, 2009

This program allows citizens to be trained to ride with and sometimes work solo to assist duty deputies.

VOLUNTEER POSITION DESCRIPTION JOB TITLE: Reserve Deputy 

JOB SITE: Unincorporated Thurston County

JOB SUMMARY: Assist regular Deputies in enforcing the laws of Thurston County and the United States of America. Ride-a-longs with a deputy eventually possible solo enforcement.

JOB DUTIES: Ride-a-long with deputies and assist deputies on calls of all kinds, civil and criminal. Perform crime scene security for homicide or a methamphetamine lab. Cover vehicle prowls and bike patrol duties. Assist the marine unit, civil and warrant division. Conduct follow up investigations for detectives and give community talks on safety for the crime prevention deputy.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS: Possess a valid Washington State Drivers License. Ability to handle stressful situations and deal with the public in sometimes hostile circumstances. Ability to speak and write clearly. Must be able to demonstrate good judgment and problem solving abilities. Must be willing and able to successfully pass a background investigation, polygraph and behavioral assessment with the same standards as a deputy. Must be at least 21 years of age, US citizen, speak English and have a high school diploma or equivalent.

TRAINING REQUIRED: The Reserve Academy is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from January to June with a few Saturdays. The Academy is 220 hours of training in all areas of law enforcement including laws, driving, defensive tactics and weapons handling. After graduating in June Reserves also observe in dispatch, the jail and the civil and warrants division. Through hard work and dedication a Reserve can progress from level one to level three where they can solo on certain calls.

UNIFORM: Issued a complete uniform, badge and commission card from the Sheriff.

TIME COMMITMENT: Monthly training meetings and 16 hours per month with at least a two-year commitment.