Our Mission: To work in partnership with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Community with focus on quality public safety services.

Our Vision: To create and enhance safety practices leading to a crime free community.

Background: The Washington County Sheriff’s Reserve was founded in 1997 and is currently authorized 50 members. Reserve Deputies assist the Sheriff’s Office by promoting safety by way of patrolling approximately 52 miles of the St Croix and Mississippi Rivers; over 50 County Lakes; Seven County Parks comprising 4300 acres; and the County Trail Systems.
 

Reserve Deputy Accountabilities include but are not limited to:

• Lake and River Boat Law Enforcement Patrols

• ATV and Snowmobile Patrols in Parks and on Trails

• Ordinance Enforcement in County Parks

• Assist in Inspection and Weighing of Commercial Vehicles

• Property Checks for County Residents who are Out of Town

• Natural Disaster, Emergency Response, Traffic and Crowd Control

• Search for Lost or Missing Persons

• Crime Scene Security

Qualifications for Reserve Deputies:

Minimum Eligibility Standards:

• 18 years of age

• HS Diploma or equivalent

• Valid drivers license

• Reliable transportation and vehicle insurance

• Response Capability for call out situations

• Pass a criminal history and background check

• Good physical condition

• Participate in an oral interview process

• Satisfactory completion of the Reserve Deputy Academy
   

The Reserve Academy:

Recruitment for the annual Academy is ongoing. Formal applications are accepted from September 1 to October 15 each year. Interviews and background checks are completed by January 1st and the Academy will typically begin in January and complete by mid-May. Weekly classes are held beginning at 6:00 PM at the Law Enforcement Center in Stillwater, MN. Hands on classes on boating safety, all terrain vehicle safety, and snowmobile safety will be scheduled on an individual basis.

Academy Curriculum:

Weekly training sessions are held from mid January to mid May. Subjects are varied and include:

• Boating Regulations and Safety

• Criminal Law, Police Ethics and related topics

• CPR Training and County Park Ordinances

• ATV Training and Firearms Familiarization

• Hands on Defensive Tactics

• Report Writing and Computer Procedures
  
  Attendance for all of the training will be monitored and special training will be augmented where necessary. A final written exam of 100 true/false and multiple choice questions will be administered and a passing grade of 75% is necessary to graduate.

After graduation, ongoing training will be on the job with an annual refresher in defensive tactics.  Periodic training meetings may be scheduled as needed.

 

Equipment Provided:
(Shirts and Jackets include appropriate patches and emblems)

• Brown BDU Pants (2)

• Winter Brown Long Sleeved BDU Shirt

• Summer Tan Collared Polo Shirts (2)

• Baseball Cap

• Cold Weather Jacket

• Wind Breaker Jacket

• Handcuffs

• Chemical Agent

• Alphanumeric Pager

• Traffic Safety Vest

• Latex Gloves

Patrol assignments, depending on need, may utilize:

• Motorized Equipment

• Patrol Vehicles

• Portable Police Radios

• Cold Weather Snowmobile gear (except boots)

 

Duty Commitments

This is a team effort. When you are not available, someone else must step up. It is important that we meet the expectations regarding duty assignments as follows:

• The busy period is from Memorial Day to Labor Day where a minimum of 3 scheduled patrol shifts are needed.

• Occasional patrols are needed in the other months and will be scheduled when necessary.

• Periodic training sessions as required (normally 1 per quarter)

• To be able to respond to call outs and special needs in cases of natural disasters and emergencies within a reasonable period of time.

Evaluation

Members will be evaluated to ensure proper performance and mentors will be available to ensure successful team results.

Who Joins?

Highly motivated individuals from all adult age groups and all backgrounds. Students, retired individuals, and those that want to give back by spending meaningful time in an activity dedicated to community welfare and safety.

Why Join?

To help deter crime by increasing sheriff presence in the parks, trails, on water, and on the street. Valuable experience is gained through continuous training and learning through the interaction with the Office of the Sheriff and related community activity. Team players are welcomed.

Applications

Applications are accepted from September 1st to October 15th each year.

To apply, print, complete, and submit an application packet by October 15th to:

Sergeant of Water, Parks, and Trails
Washington County Sheriff’s Office
15015 62nd Street North
Post Office Box 3801
Stillwater, MN 55082-3801
 

For more information on the Washington County Sheriff's Reserve, or any other volunteer unit, please contact: