EPSO Reserve Section fluctuates between 25 and 30 members.  This number changes often as people’s lives affect their availability for volunteer service.  We would like to double this number.

Reserve Deputy Sheriff’s serve without compensation along side our paid counterparts in every aspect of the duties of this Office.  Reserve Deputies serve in Patrol, Detentions, Special Operations, disaster response and community events.  Reserve Deputy Sheriff’s are sworn law enforcement officers and have arrest powers while on duty.

The Reserves must meet the same standards for appointment as full-time deputies and must complete the same level of testing and background checks. Applicants will complete a written test, an oral board, a thorough background investigation and CVSA (Computer Voice Stress Analysis). Additionally, Reserve applicants must pass a physical exam and a mental evaluation.

Once accepted, you will complete a demanding training academy of approximately 300 hours. This training is conducted evenings and weekends. This consists of classroom, firearms training, law enforcement drivers training, and arrest control tactics and procedures.

Reserve certification allows you to act as a reserve officer ONLY.  Reserve positions are voluntary and unpaid.  There is NO bridge academy to obtain full Basic Certification from a Reserve Certification. Completion of a full Basic academy is required to become a paid, certified officer.

The Reserve Academy is approximately 23 weeks.  Calendar days are dependent on working around holidays and venues for specific training; however, the class is typically held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings 1800-2200 hours, and Saturday 0800 to 1700 hours.  Reserve Academy start dates are determined each year based on scheduling training resources and number of applicants.

All applicants must apply against an open job position and successfully complete the vetting process (application, test, backgrounds, CVSA, etc) before any prior POST certifications can be considered.    Applicants with an active POST certification from EPSO that are within one year of the day of resignation (or retirement) may opt out of attending a Reserve Academy.  Active Colorado POST certifications may be recognized at the discretion of the Sheriff.  Out of state or out of date POST certifications will not be considered.

The Office provides most of the required equipment. Firearms, ammunition, body armor, Tasers, radios, leather gear, and two uniforms are provided by the Office.  With supervisor approval, replacement uniform items may be issued as needed in subsequent years through the quartermaster program.  Additionally, many volunteer related costs are tax deductible.

The Reserve Section minimum requirement is 16 hours/ month averaged annually. Additionally, you must qualify with your assigned weapons and meet annual training requirements. Members of this Section are expected to man a number of community events during the year and serve on an on call basis for the needs of the Office.

Reserve Deputy Sheriff’s are protected by Colorado State Statute under Workmen’s Compensation Laws.