Training requirements

The San Diego County Sheriff's Reserve Support Detail has four types of volunteers -- three levels of sworn reserve deputies and non-sworn citizen volunteers. The duties of sworn reserves are determined by their POST level of training.

Level I -- Full law enforcement responsibilities while on duty. May work solo patrols. Requires graduation from Full POST Basic academy and successful completion of 400 hours field training.

Level II -- Full law enforcement responsibilities while on duty and working directly with a law enforcement officer who has a Full POST Basic certificate.. May not work solo. Requires graduation from POST Level II academy.

Level III -- Limited law enforcement responsibilities. Requires completion of PC 832, a 66-hour course on basic law enforcement.

Citizen volunteers -- required to take no POST courses, but dependent upon duties, may be required to complete specialized training.

Academies

Palomar College
(760) 745-1150 Ext. 2288

Grossmont College
(619) 644-7321

Miramar College
(858) 635-3223

Southwestern College
(619) 421-6700 Ext. 5698

Law Enforcement (Sworn)

• Submit written application for review and initial records check
• Written test: math, spelling, reading comprehension, fact recollection, judgment and ability to understand and follow instructions
• Oral interview: personal characteristics, judgment,decision making
• Physical capabilities test: 99-yard obstacle course, dummy drag (165 pounds), chain-link fence climb, solid fence climb and 500-yard run.
• Psychological suitability test
• Medical examination
• Polygraph
• Complete background investigation

Search and Rescue (sworn/non-sworn)

• Submit written application for review and initial records check
• Reserve deputies must pass written test: math, spelling, reading comprehension, fact recollection, judgment and ability to understand and follow instructions. Citizen volunteers may be required similar testing.
• Oral interview: personal characteristics, judgment,decision making
• Reserve deputies must pass a physical capabilities test: 99-yard obstacle course, dummy drag (165 pounds), chain-link fence climb, solid fence climb and 500-yard run. Civilian volunteers who plan to work in the field on search and rescue missions, must also pass the physical agility testing.
• Medical examination
• Polygraph
• Complete background investigation and polygraph for reserve deputies. Citizen volunteers will have a less extensive background check.