SELECTION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants will first be screened for acceptance as Citizen Volunteers which is a short process. From that point, the applicant will choose to either remain in the citizen volunteer category, or advance to becoming an academy candidate to graduate as a reserve or rescue volunteer. Except as noted below, the selection process for citizen volunteers and reserves are nearly the same. The following selection requirements have been established:

1. 18 years of age (Citizen Volunteer) or 21 years of age or older for Reserves at the time of
academy graduation.

2. Must be a United States citizen or a legal alien who has applied for citizenship.

3. Must possess a high school diploma or GED certificate.

4. Must possess a valid California Driver's License and current vehicle insurance or bond, at the time of appointment.

5. Must have medical insurance or proof of ability to pay for medical care separate from any
other coverage provided through volunteer or reserve membership.

6. RESERVES - will successfully pass a written test and a qualification appraisal interview. The
Bureau may require these steps also of Citizen Volunteers.

7. Military personnel on active duty, who apply for Reserve, must be assigned to the San Diego
area for a period of not less than two years.

8. Must be in good physical condition with weigbt in proper proportion to height. Completion of
a physical examination will be required. Citizen Volunteers who are physically handicapped may
be considered for specific assignment on a case by case basis. Reserve applicants will be
subjected to a physical agility test which must be successfully passed. Citizen Volunteers who
plan to become fully qualified to work on actual SAR missions will also be required to pass a
physical agility evaluation.

9. Vision must be 20/100 or better, correctable to 20/30 or better in each eye.

10. Good moral character, conviction of a felony is disqualifying. Reserve applicants will be
required to have an extensive background investigation conducted as well as passing a polygraph
test. To a lesser extent, Citizen Volunteers will have a background check conducted on their
status as non-sworn employee.

11. SAR members must provide their own transportation to and from all SAR activities.

12. SAR members must have a permanently installed residence telephone.

13. SAR members must have an individual pager compatible with the paging system currently
utilized by the Bureau. Pagers can be obtained through the Bureau at a group discount price.