In addition to a personal sense of satisfaction and accomplishment, serving as a Reserve Deputy allows you to be a vital part of an organization recognized as one of the finest law enforcement agencies in Colorado. You will have a chance to serve and train alongside full-time, professional peace officers of the highest caliber. The feelings of belonging to a special group and the friendships you make are great.
The Reserve Unit is eager to welcome new members and has programs designed to quickly help you feel at home. To assist you in getting started, there is a mentoring program that begins while you are in the Reserve Academy. Upon graduation, all Reserves are assigned to squads which partner you with senior Reserves and allow members to get to know one another.
Having fun is also a part of being a Reserve. Throughout the year, there are opportunities to build friendships through agency-sponsored get-togethers such as the annual summer camping trip and Christmas party.
Applications are accepted throughout the year and hiring occurs annually in the winter/summer period. The hiring process takes approximately four months. Applicants are required to pass a written test as the first step in the hiring process. If successful, Reserve Deputy candidates are required to complete a Physical Fitness Test, Oral Board Interview, Background Investigation, Polygraph Examination, and written Psychological Test.
Successful candidates attend the POST Reserve Academy sponsored by the Sheriff's Office. The Academy is a 257-hour program that provides classroom instruction and basic skills training in firearms, driving, and arrest control techniques. Classes are held in-person at the Sheriff’s Office Administration Building during evenings and on weekends for approximately three months. Reserve Deputy candidates must attend all classes.
The POST Reserve Academy is not a substitute for a full-time Peace Officer POST Academy. If individuals are interested in pursuing a full-time career in law enforcement, they must graduate from a full-time POST Academy. The Larimer County Reserve Academy generally begins in August each year.
This program is designed to comply with Colorado Revised Statute 16.2.5-110 which describes the requirements and authorization of a Reserve Deputy Sheriff in the State of Colorado.
The time commitment of an LCSO Reserve Deputy can have an impact on your life and family. The program requires volunteers to participate in a minimum of 20 hours per month of patrol ride-along (two 10-hour shifts); a minimum of three hours of monthly meetings and training, and completion of various administrative tasks such as reading email messages and completing monthly timesheets. Reserves are also expected to be available by pager for emergency callouts and special assignments.
In addition to regular patrol functions, the Reserve Unit provides traffic and security support to the following types of events: wildland fire callouts, crime scene investigations, CSU football games, Larimer County Fair, Fourth of July events in Red Feather, Estes Park, and Wellington, and many other community events.
The Reserves also participate in 40 hours of annual recertification training, which includes Firearms, Defensive Tactics and Arrest Control, Emergency Vehicle Operations, and First Aid.
