Reserves & Volunteers
The Vigo County Sheriff’s Office Reserve Unit was founded in 1979. All members of this unit, with the exception of the Reserve Coordinators, are volunteers. The members of the unit have full police powers which are granted through the State of Indiana and the Sheriff. We currently have 11 reserve deputies who have a wide variety of different responsibilities and roles. The Reserve Unit is truly the backbone of the Sheriff’s Office which assists our Merit Deputies with their primary functions of patrol and criminal investigations.
Who can be a Reserve Deputy?
The initial requirements are as follows:
• Must be 21 years old or older
• Must have a valid driver’s license
• No domestic battery or felony convictions
• Must be a resident of Vigo County or surrounding counties
• Must be able to pass a background check
Reserve Deputy Training
Before a Reserve Deputy will ever be released for solo patrol, they will receive nearly 600 hours of training. This training will consist of several different areas including: emergency driving, firearms, traffic stops, de-escalation training, handcuffing techniques, defensive tactics, and much more.
During this time our new Reserve Deputies will also receive hands on training in our jail, dispatch center, community corrections, court house, juvenile center and more.
The final step of training will be pairing with a Field Training Officer (FTO) to ensure the Reserve Deputy is ready for solo patrol.
Reserve Deputy Opportunities
We believe that our reserve deputies should have most of the same opportunities that our Merit Deputies have. These opportunities include:
• Criminal Investigation Detective
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Team (UAV)
• Fatal Accident Reconstruction Team (FACT Team)
• VCCAT (Vigo County Criminal Activity Task Force)
Commitment Requirements
Each month a reserve deputy must work a minimum of 24 hours per month. They must also attend bi-monthly trainings throughout the year. During the first year, a Reserve Deputy must also complete a nearly two-week Reserve Academy which will give a good foundation with training moving forward. Lastly, a Reserve Deputy must also complete all required Sheriff’s Office Training as directed.
FAQs
What equipment will I be issued?
The Vigo County Sheriff’s Office will provide you with your initial uniform, firearm, badge, body armor, and some other items. There is the possibility of a take home vehicle, but this is strictly based on availability, Sheriff Office needs, and seniority.
How do I apply?
Reserve Deputy Hiring Process is Underway until 9/20/23 Apply Here !.
If you would like more information about how join our volunteer reserve deputy program, please email us at reserveprogram@vigosheriff.in.gov