Reserve Deputy - Peace Officer

The HCSO Reserve Command is the largest sheriff's reserve organization in Texas and second-largest in the nation. Other departments throughout the nation have emulated the HCSO Reserve program as an effective way to increase available personnel without capital expenditures. The monetary savings of the HCSO Reserve Command to Harris County totals more than $100 million over the last 40 years.

HCSO Reserve deputies have the same training, legal authority and responsibilities as full-time HCSO deputies. The primary difference is they volunteer their services without monetary compensation.

Reserve deputies work in all areas of the HCSO, such as Patrol, Criminal Warrants, Criminal Investigations, Fugitive Transports, Tactical Medicine, Marine Patrol and more. The Harris County Sheriff's Office Reserve Command has approximately 200 volunteers with diverse skills, knowledge, and experience. They include engineers, mechanics, doctors, corporate managers, and attorneys. Some reservists have previously been full-time law enforcement officers and many full-time deputies began their career as a reserve deputy.

The Reserve Deputy reports to and receives assignments, instructions, and directions from Reserve Command. 

Note

• State law requires all reserve candidates to go through the same stringent background check and training as someone seeking regular, full-time employment with any Texas law enforcement agency
• Candidates must also pass the same state exam for licensing as a regular officer. An extensive background investigation and drug testing help ensure only applicants of good moral character and reputation enter the reserve organization
• Once you become a Reserve Deputy you cannot work as a Truck Driver, Security Officer( give away your license),  or Criminal Lawyer

• Must currently hold an active Texas Peace Officer license in good standing ready to be commissioned
• Valid Texas' driver's license and auto liability insurance
• Have good credit
• If a military veteran, the applicant must have an honorable discharge
• Pass a physical examination
• Eyesight must be correctable to 20/20
• Hearing must be normal
• Show no trace of illegal drug use
• Successfully pass a psychological evaluation
• Successfully complete all phases of required testing
• Applicants will be interviewed and given a polygraph examination
• Cost for the medical examination is to be paid by the applicant 
• Pass Firearms qualifications
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs

Previous Experience as a Full Time Peace OfficerBy Departmental regulation, a Reserve Deputy must perform a minimum of 20 hours of duty assignment each month and attend a reserve meeting. Most reservists volunteer much more than the required minimum time. Reserves can be called for special assignments and emergencies.

Reserve deputies are prohibited by State law from working extra jobs as a peace officer for compensation. 


TO APPLY:

COPIES OF THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED WITH YOUR APPLICATION:

• Birth Certificate (issued by government agency NOT hospital) or Certificate of Naturalization
• Social Security Card
• Driver's License (front and back)
• Proof of Education: High School Diploma or Transcript, GED Certificate or College Transcript (If transcripts, a sealed original will be required at background investigation stage)
• DD-214 Military Discharge form [if applicable] (copy of original Member -4 Form)
• TCOLE Peace Officer license

Documents must be uploaded (attached) to the application before submitting it. 
Original documents will be required at the background investigation interview along with three (3) letters of recommendation (must have the recent date, original signature, and undersigned Phone number)