POSTING TYPE: Volunteer Posting
DEPARTMENT: Sheriff's Office
HOURS: Various
SALARY RANGE: Unpaid, volunteer
LOCATION: Law Enforcement Center, Hastings
UNION: None
CLOSE DATE: 4:30 p.m. on 5/3/2024

The primary responsibility of the Reserve Unit is to assist deputies with specific tasks and duties in order to create efficiency for the Office and improve services to the community. In doing so, a Reservist may be asked, but not limited only to: directing traffic at an accident or fire scene; assisting deputies on a boat while conducting water patrol; provide staffing or security for special assignments or events (such as sporting events, Dakota County Fair, school functions, water patrol, and other public events). Reservists at the direction of the Office may also assist those members assigned to Crime Prevention, School Liaison, and Neighborhood Watch Programs.

Applicants must meet the criteria outlined in the job description and have a sincere interest in serving the community. A volunteer Reserve Deputy must be willing to perform a service for the Sheriff's Office without promise, expectation or receipt of compensation for services rendered. Although there is no residency requirement, applicants that reside in Dakota County will be given preference over those that live outside the community.

Applicants must meet the minimum requirements to apply and continue to participate as a Dakota County Sheriff's Office Reserve Deputy. The Sheriff may apply exceptions for eligibility based on organizational needs and the qualification of the individual.

Minimum Requirements Include:
* Must be at least 18 years of age.
* Must possess a valid driver's license.
* Must pass a thorough background investigation conducted by the Dakota County Sheriff's Office. Applicants must meet standards regarding acceptable driving and conviction records, employment history, and honesty.

Eligibility:
In addition to meeting the position's minimum qualifications, all Reserve Deputies must successfully complete an oral interview. Additionally, they must agree to maintain an acceptable level of involvement in order to be selected and remain active in the Reserve position. An acceptable level of involvement is 120 hours annually and includes:
* Volunteer a minimum of 10 hours per month on patrol or in County Parks. These shifts will typically occur on Friday or Saturday nights.
* Volunteer a minimum of sixteen (16) hours per year at non-meeting, non-patrol scheduled events such as the County Fair, school events, water patrol, and other public events. Included in those hours, reservists are required to work a minimum of four (4) hours at the Dakota County Fair booth.
* Attend monthly Reserve Unit meetings.

Candidates for employment with Dakota County Sheriff's Office must be able to comply with Policy 1043.3 which states that non-offensive tattoos which are visible while working are generally allowed. All tattoos must be approved before being allowed to be visible. Tattoos may require covering if they are determined to be unsightly, offensive or a job assignment requires it. Visible tattoos on the ears, head, face, neck or any portion of the hand area are prohibited.

Position Function:
It is the policy of this office to use qualified volunteer Reserve Deputies for specified tasks and duties in order to create efficiencies for the Sheriff's Office and improve services to the community. Reserve Deputies are intended to supplement and support, rather than replace, licensed deputies and civilian personnel. Reserve Deputies can be an important part of any organization and have proven to be a valuable asset to law enforcement agencies. Reserve Deputies help to increase office responsiveness, delivery of services, information input, and provide new program opportunities. In addition, Reserve Deputies bring new skills and expertise to the Office and prompt new enthusiasm. Reserve Deputies are not Peace Officers by statute and do not share the same authority as Peace Officers.

Reporting Relationship:
Reserve Deputies will primarily report to the individual designated by the Sheriff to administer the program. As members of the Sheriff's Office, Reserve Deputies are subject to the chain of command. Within the Reserve Program, there may be a separate chain of command, similar to that of the Sheriff's Office that reservists are subject to.

* Reservists must have the physical and mental ability to serve in potentially dangerous, adverse or stressful situations.
* Reservists must have the ability to understand and follow directions.