Services - Reserves

At a glance, a Sheriff's Reserve Deputy can't be distinguished from a regular Deputy Sheriff. Both wear uniforms with the same badges and insignia, and drive the same distinctive black and white patrol cars. However, Reserve Deputies are unpaid volunteers that donate their time. Reserve Deputies respond to many of the same type of incidents as their full time counterparts and are required to meet stringent entry level and on-going training requirements. They are also required to undergo background checks as established by the State of California, Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.). Reserve Deputies have full peace officer powers while on duty.

Reserve Deputies work regular shifts in the Patrol Division, many devoting 30 to 40 hours a month or more supporting department operations. Some have been serving 30 years and more, having logged thousands of hours of community service, at no cost to taxpayers. The Reserve Deputies assigned to the Imperial Beach Station provide a valuable service to the community through their selfless dedication to duty. They are often utilized during special events such as the annual U,S. Open Sandcastle Event, and Imperial Beach Surfing Competitions. Reserve Deputies sometimes patrol the beach areas on all-terrain vehicles known as "Quads."

If you are interested in joining the Sheriff's Reserve Unit, please call the Sheriff's Reserve Coordinator at (619) 956-4900.