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                                         To all Reserve applicants        

                                               April  8, 2013

THE RAVALLI COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE WILL BE ACCEPTING RESERVE APPLICATIONS STARTING MAY 15, 2013.  APPLICATIONS NEED TO BE PICKED UP AND RETURNED IN PERSON TO THE RAVALLI COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE.  WE WILL NOTIFY ALL APPLICANTS OF TESTING DATES IN THE FUTURE.

Have you wanted to serve your community while learning the duties of a sworn Deputy Sheriff? Have you ever been interested in law enforcement but found other opportunities in your career? You can continue working in your career while joining the Ravalli County Sheriffs Reserve Deputy Association and learning all aspects of law enforcement duties within our community.

The Ravalli County Reserve Deputy Association was established in 1988 and consists of up to thirty volunteers who assist the Ravalli County Sheriffs Office in serving our community. All Reserve Deputies volunteer at least ten hours per month with the Sheriffs Office, and Reserves work at the direction of our Sheriff. All Reserve Deputies complete approximately 200 hours of training prior to being sworn in by the Sheriff. Our training program involves all aspects of law enforcement, including: report writing, interview & interrogation, search & seizure, evidence preservation and collection, firearms training, use of force, defensive tactics, first aid/CPR, patrol procedures, and criminal/civil law.

After being sworn in and completing 500 hours of volunteer time, Reserve Deputies may apply for the Sheriffs Office Field Training Program. This is the same Field Training Program that all full time Deputies complete, which consists of approximately 560 hours of training time with a Field Training Deputy.

Reserve Deputies' primary function is to assist full time Deputies in serving our community. Duties include shift work with full time Deputies, guard duties, campground patrols, transport duties, and special community functions. The Reserve Deputy Association sponsors an annual magic show, which is put on by Owenhouse productions. The funds from the magic show are kept within the Reserve Deputy Association, and are used for training, uniform items, and Reserve equipment.

Reserve Deputies provide their own equipment and firearm. Cost of the Reserve equipment is approximately $1,500. The primary function of the Reserve Association is volunteer work for our community, although some duties are paid.

All Reserve candidates must have a clean criminal record, be 21 years old, be a resident of Montana, and reside in Ravalli County. All applicants must pass a written and physical test, interview, physical exam, and thorough background investigation.

If you are interested in the Reserve Deputy Association, please contact Lt. Zae Hudson at 406-375-4020 (zhudson@rc.mt.gov).

RESERVE DEPUTY SHERIFF FACT SHEET

1.          Who are we? Our official name is the Ravalli County Sheriffs Reserve Deputy Association, more commonly called the Reserves. We are members of this community, who volunteer our spare time to assist the Ravalli County Sheriffs Office in the efforts of maintaining our quality of life in the Bitterroot Valley.

2.    How do I become a Reserve Deputy Sheriff? Applications are accepted when there are openings in the organization. Applications are reviewed by the Reserve Board of Directors and applicants meeting all standards are invited to take a written test, physical fitness test, and oral interview. Applicants must pass a criminal history and thorough background check. Successful candidates will receive a recommendation to the Sheriff. Upon approval of the Sheriff, applicants are appointed as a trainee.

3.    What kind of training will I receive? State law requires that Reserves complete

at least 88 hours of training in subjects such as firearms, patrol procedures, criminal law, laws of arrest, defensive tactics, first aid, communications, report writing, and other related subjects. Typically, Ravalli County's Reserves receive over 200 hours of initial training in the first six months. After appointment, training is conducted on a monthly basis at Reserve meetings and functions.

4. How many hours must I participate each month? Initial training will require

several weekends in the first six months. After that, Reserves are required to meet a minimum of 10 hours each month.

5.   What will it cost me? Reserve Deputies purchase their own uniforms and

weapons. Some uniforms and equipment are issued and available for loan. Persons wishing to be a Reserve should anticipate costs of approximately $1,500 during the first year.

6.   Will I be paid for being a Reserve Deputy Sheriff? The Reserve organization is
first and foremost a volunteer organization. There are, however, multiple
opportunities for a Reserve to get paid duty. Paid duty is only available after the
applicant has completed the initial basic training.

7.              What benefits do I get from being a Reserve Deputy? Participation in the Reserve organization allows a person to get involved in their community. Reserves work with a variety of other organizations and emergency personnel. Each Reserve gets a first hand look into law enforcement situations. Ravalli County Reserves get some of the best training available. Reserves get a continuing education with monthly training meetings and actual patrol experience. This may be the way to give back to a community or it could be a doorway into a full time law enforcement career.

8.              For further information or questions contact:

Reserve Coordinator, Lt. Zae Hudson (375-4020) or Reserve Captain Mike Koeppen

      Physical Requirements 2012 Reserve Recruit Testing:

The Ravalli County Sheriff's Reserve Deputy Association is a non-profit organization of approximately 30 trained and dedicated volunteers, whose purpose is to supplement and assist the RCSO in its endeavors to protect and serve the citizens of Ravalli County

Before being sworn, each Reserve Deputy receives 170 hours of training. Some of the topics are as follows: Criminal Investigations, Report Writing, Interview and Interrogation, Search and Seizure, Evidence Collection and Handling, Crisis Intervention, Defensive Tactics, Use of Force, Handcuffing Techniques, First Aid and CPR Certification, Firearms Training, Patrol Procedures, and Dangerous Drug Investigations

Members supply most of their own uniforms and equipment, including firearm. Cost to become a Reserve Deputy is approximately $1500.00.

Monthly training meetings are scheduled, and Reserve Deputies are encouraged to attend the Sheriff's regular staff and training meetings.

Each Reserve Deputy volunteers a minimum of 10 hours per month.

The Association sponsors an annual Magic Show for a fund raiser, produced by Owenhouse Productions.

The Association contracts with the U.S. Forest Service for summer campground and recreation area patrols.

To become a reserve deputy you must have a clean criminal record, be 21 years of age and reside in Ravalli County. Written and physical testing as well as a thorough background investigation are part of the hiring process.

The Reserves funds are kept within the Association, and are used for training, some uniform items for members and equipment.

Physical Fitness Performance Standards - 30th Percentile - Male

Physical Fitness Performance Standards - 30th Percentile - Female

Contact

Reserve Coordinator
Lt. Zae Hudson
ZHudson@rc.mt.gov
Ph: (406) 375-4020 
 

Last updated 5/13/2013 11:17:34 AM by Scribner, Renee