Volunteer: Special Deputy - Sheriff's Office

Join the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office as a Volunteer Special Deputy! You will have the opportunity to expand your public safety experience and make a difference by providing quality professional services while building meaningful relationships that are sustainable within our communities. If you are a critical thinker and have great adaptability skills, then this position is for you. 

Location and hours:

Location will vary based on placement within Hennepin County. Based on current requirements hires must live in or relocate to Minnesota or Wisconsin.  

Volunteers will participate in duties for a minimum of 16 hours per month. The first 12 months of duty will be in classroom training and a field training program. Specific programs within the Sheriff's Office include Patrol Support (Water and Road), Mounted Patrol, and Communications and Radio Technology (CRT).

About the position type:

These positions are volunteer, non-benefit earning, non-licensed peace officer positions. These volunteer opportunities are subject to emergency call-outs and involve public contact with the possibility of physical confrontation.

The anticipated start date is October 2024. You must be at least 18 years of age by the start date to be considered.

In this position, you will:

• Provide specialized rescue and recovery operations.
• Respond to calls requiring use of specialized communications, personal injury accidents, medical emergencies, and natural disasters.
• Assist with dignitary details.
• Direct traffic.
• Patrol the lakes/rivers of Hennepin County.
• Perform search and rescue operations.
• Remove hazards to navigation on county waterways.
• Inspect watercraft for rent, lease, or hire.
• Assist with investigations of water accidents and drownings.
• Attend community events and parades.
• Present information to the general public on water/ice safety at open houses, safety camps, schools, and snowmobile classes.
• Assist public safety agencies with communications integration, knowledge of radio systems and protocols, dispatching for special events and details.

Need to have:

• Must be at least 18 years or older by March 21st, 2024.
• No felony convictions.
• A valid driver's license and the ability to obtain a Hennepin County driver's permit.
• Must attend the Reserve Academy and all core training classes. These classes take place one night per week for approximately 16-24 weeks, depending on each specific unit's training curriculum.
• Must attend all mandatory training sessions, yearly Basic Emergency Care/CPR/AED refresher classes and other training sessions as directed.
• Successfully pass each of the following exam components:Verbal examination.
• Background investigation.
• Psychological evaluation.
• Drug screen.
• Comprehensive medical examination prior to appointment to ascertain applicant's ability to perform essential job functions. The general medical requirements include, but are not limited to (these general medical requirements are not intended to be an exhaustive or complete list of medical guidelines by the authorized examining physician):Uncorrected vision of at least 20/40 in each eye.
• Corrected vision of at least 20/20 in each eye.
• Must meet normal hearing standards.
• Must not have cardiovascular problems, including hypertension.
• Must be able to identify primary colors.
• Must not have any respiratory impairment.
• The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office Reserve School - this class takes place one night per week for seven consecutive weeks. Each will have tests that will need to be completed and passed to move on to the next stage of training.
• The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office Special Deputy core training.
• The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office unit specific core training.

Nice to have:

• For Communication and Radio Technology area placement:Basic knowledge of computer systems.
• Basic knowledge of radio systems.
• Hold a Federal Communications Commission amateur Radio license, or be able to obtain one within the 12 month probationary period and successfully receive a Technician class license issued by the Federal Communications Commission.
• For Mounted Patrol area placement:Own personal horse and present the following: current negative Coggins test and vaccination records for the horse; complete training programs requested by the Sheriff's Office; and satisfactorily complete an annual sensory evaluation course.
• For Patrol Support area (Water and Road) placement:Ability to swim and pass a swim test consisting of a 100-yard timed swim, 10 minute water tread, and a 10 foot dive to retrieve a 10 pound brick. All these tests will be completed while fully clothed including shoes.