Reserve Unit

Trained Volunteer Professionals

A Reserve Deputy Sheriff is a volunteer who is a trained, professional, sworn law enforcement officer.

"As Sheriff, I believe some of our greatest strengths come from the citizens who choose to serve alongside us as Reserve Deputies. These men and women volunteer their time, skills, and dedication to support their community. Becoming a Reserve Deputy is more than wearing a badge — it’s about making a difference. It’s about standing up for your community and representing the values that define who we are. If you have a desire to serve, there’s a place for you at JCSO!"


Sheriff David James

Reserve Deputy Sheriff duties

Reserves are the "Back up" for our full-time paid deputies. They work many details throughout the year, including Charitable events, Derby Festival events, and our "Thumbody" Child I.D. program. They serve Warrants, Emergency Protection Orders, Civil Process, work Court Security, direct traffic and much more. They also serve with the Motorcycle Unit, River Unit, ATV Unit, Bike Patrol and Honor Guard.

Interested in becoming a Reserve Deputy Sheriff?

If you're ready to apply for a new, exciting adventure as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff, You can start the application process here or call (502) 574-5412.

Monday through Friday
7:00am - 3:00pm

For requirements to apply for a Reserve Deputy position visit our Employment page.

What’s provided?

  • Ballistic Vest
  • Radio
  • Badge
  • 240 hours Basic Training Academy
  • Medical Exam
  • Background Review
  • Continuous Annual Training:
    • Firearms
    • In-Service
    • Use of Force
    • Legal updates
    • Specialized Unit Training

What are the Training Requirements?

What are the training requirements?:
  • 200 hours of recruitment training.
  • 40 hours annual in-service training.
  • Firearms Qualifications - three times a year.
  • Minimum of 100 hours of annual volunteer time.
A description of the types of training given to Reserve Deputy Sheriffs:

In addition to gaining valuable law enforcement experience, Reserve Deputies are trained on Cultural Diversity, Sexual Harassment, Radio Procedures, Blood Bourne Pathogens, Laws of Arrest, use of Force, Juvenile Procedures, Elements of Arrest, Crowd Control, Traffic Control, Defensive Tactics, Off Duty Tactics, Citation and Arrest Reports, Traffic Stops(Classroom and Practicals), Defensive Driving Tactics(Classroom and Practicals), CPR Certification, Law Enforcement Ethics, Media Relations, Magnetometer Operations, Homeland Security, O . C . Spray, Firearms(Classroom & Range Qualification), Verbal JUDO, PPCT(Pressure Point Control Tactics), Firearms Mechanics, Waterway Survival and Rescue, Traffic Stops - Low / high risk / DUI, Domestic Violence and more.

While providing a service to the community, Reserve Deputies build valuable skills to prepare them for a career in law enforcement and gain the tools to handle many emergency and day - to - day situations.

Can a Reserve Deputy work in security?

Reserve Deputies cannot work any paid or volunteer security other than the security details assigned by the Sheriff's Office.