Reserve Unit

History

The Garland County Sheriff Reserve Unit was organized in the mid '70's and continues to serve the residents of Garland County as a voluntary organization. Presently, the unit is comprised of 15 members and continues to accept applications for qualified individuals. The unit has members from several walks of life, including self employed, health care, government employees, clergy and retired persons.

Overview

Reserve members work in all aspects of the Sheriff's Department, such as; Detention Center, Dispatch, Patrol and on the Tactical Response Team. Each member is required to work a minimum of 24 hours per month in any of these divisions. Required house are easily worked into the volunteers schedules. The unit meets once a month for discussion and training, which is all conducted at the Sheriff's Department.

Requirements

Members start out by submitting an application. The applicants then go through a thorough criminal and background investigation, including reference and employment interviews, Upon acceptance of the application, a physical and psychological examination is conducted, which must be paid for by the applicant. Upon a completion of all background, physical and psychological checks, the member is required to attend 75 hours of training in each of the Detention and Dispatch divisions, formal classroom instruction of 112 hours and 20 hours of Street Survival techniques. This readies the member for patrol duties where, after further instruction and knowledge is gained, they may participate in five (5), eight (8) hour check rides with a Patrol Supervisor. Upon successful completion of the check rides, the member may begin patrolling by themselves.

Reserve Officers must furnish their own uniforms and weapons. The unit supplies each certified  member  with a badge, I.D. card, body armor and portable radio.

The Reserve Unit is self-supportive and donates its time to the citizens of Garland County.

Applying

Anyone interested in volunteering their time for the citizens of Garland County and wishing to apply for the Reserve Unit, can pick up an application at the Sheriff's Department. Return this application marked "Attn. Reserves" to the Sheriff's Department. Capt. Solsby will contact you with additional information.