Reserve Deputy Program

The Cascade County Sheriff Reserve Deputy Unit consists of individuals who volunteer their time and energy to serve Cascade County. Reserves supplement the force of Deputies by performing routine patrol duties, as well as providing additional manpower for special events and extraordinary incidents. Candidates undergo a rigorous selection process and are required to complete state-mandated training prior to being sworn in as Reserve Deputies. They wear the same uniform and have the same arrest power as Deputy Sheriffs while on-duty.

All Reserve Deputies must adhere to and are subject to CCSO Sheriff’s Office Policies and Procedures.  The Reserve Deputy Policy Manual provides additional guidance and direction for Reserve Deputies.  The Sheriff or Undersheriff may at any time change, alter, delete or revise this policy at their discretion.  Any changes made shall be provided to the Reserve Unit without delay. 

Purpose:

The Sheriff has the authority to establish a Sheriff’s Reserve Deputy Unit.  The Cascade County Sheriff's Office offers qualified men and women an interesting and challenging experience as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff. This volunteer position does not require a law enforcement background, but more importantly, the willingness and ability to serve our community in a unique way.

Reserve Deputies volunteer their services to the Cascade County Sheriff's Office, however, they are sworn Deputies entrusted with the same power and authority to perform law enforcement functions as regular full-time Deputies, once training requirements are met.

Reserve Deputies are trained to assist full-time Deputies with routine patrol assignments and to perform various functions during situations such as disaster, civil defense, and weather-related emergencies. In addition, Reserves are often asked to provide security for special community events including fairs, parades, athletic events, concerts, rodeos, etc.

The Sheriff’s Reserve Deputy Unit will assist the Sheriff in supplementing manpower but not replacing full-time sworn Deputies.

a.         7-32-212. Prohibition on reduction of full-time officers. A local government may not reduce the authorized number of full-time law enforcement officers through the appointment or utilization of reserve officers.

Reserve Deputies are commissioned only by the Sheriff and they are directly responsible to the Sheriff.  Reserve Deputies serve at the pleasure of the Sheriff and may be terminated at any time by the Sheriff without any cause. The Patrol Division Lieutenants, in conjunction with the Training Division Supervisor, will act as the Sheriff’s Reserve Deputy Unit Coordinators.

MCA Reserve Authority:

7-32-216. Limitations on activities of reserve officers. (1) A reserve officer may serve as a peace officer only on the orders and at the direction of the chief law enforcement administrator of the local government.

(2) A reserve officer may act only in a supplementary capacity to the law enforcement agency.

(3) Reserve officers:

(a) are subordinate to full-time law enforcement officers; and

(b) may not serve unless supervised by a full-time law enforcement officer whose span of control would be considered within reasonable limits.

7-32-218. Status of reserve officer upon activation. A reserve officer is vested with the same powers, rights, privileges, obligations, and duties as any other peace officer of this state upon being activated by the chief law enforcement administrator of the local government and while on assigned duty only.

Law Enforcement Authority:

Reserve Deputies may carry their CCSO issued identification card and/or badge with them when off-duty.  The display or use of these items for non-law enforcement purposes is strictly prohibited.  Reserve Deputies will not issue notices to appear (NTA’s) or make arrests as a peace officer while off-duty.

Qualification for Appointment:

7-32-213. Qualifications for appointment as reserve officer. To be appointed a reserve officer, a person:

(1) must have resided in the state continuously for at least 1 year prior to the appointment and in the county where the appointment is made for a period of at least 6 months prior to the date of the appointment;

(2) must be a citizen of the United States;

(3) must be at least 18 years of age;

(4) must be fingerprinted, and a search must be made of local, state, and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal record;

(5) may not have been convicted of a crime for which the person could have been imprisoned in a federal penitentiary or state prison;

(6) must be of good moral character as determined by a thorough background investigation;

(7) must be a graduate of an accredited high school or the equivalent;

(8) must be examined by a licensed physician within 30 days immediately preceding the date of appointment and pronounced in good physical condition; and

(9) must possess a valid Montana driver's license.

Reserve Officer Residency:

7-32-222. Reserve officer change in residency. A reserve officer may change permanent residency to another county and remain a member of the reserve officer unit to which the reserve officer was appointed provided that:

(1) the statutory basic training requirements have been met;

(2) the probationary period established by the law enforcement agency is completed; and

(3) approval for continuing membership is granted by the chief law enforcement administrator controlling the reserve unit.