Qualifications

• 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;
• must be a citizen of the United States;
• must be at least 21 years of age;
• must be fingerprinted, and a search must be made of local, state, and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal record;
• may not have been convicted of a crime for which the person could have been imprisoned in a federal penitentiary or state prison;
• must be of good moral character as determined by a thorough background investigation;
• must be a graduate of an accredited high school or the equivalent;
• must be examined by a licensed physician within 30 days immediately preceding the date of appointment and pronounced in good physical condition; and
• must possess a valid Montana driver's license.

once you meet the basic qualifications

• You must apply when we are recruiting for reserves
• There will be an application process
• There will be an interview conducted with a board
• There will be a background check

You're hired

• Get ready to dedicate one night a week to training during our (5) month academy
  • Classes rotate between Wednesday and Saturday each week
• Over time, you will be expect to purchase your own equipment
  • Bullet resistant vest
  • Duty gear (belt, holsters, flashlights)
  • A handgun, approved and qualified with 
• You will be provided
  • Radio
  • Ammo
  • Taser
  • OC Spray
  • Unifrom

Reserve academy and training

First, you will be expected to dedicate yourself to training twice a week for the first (5) months.  You must complete 119 hours of training, classroom style, to be sworn in as a reserve deputy sheriff.  All training will be held in Helena, mostly at the reserve building, no exceptions.   

lateral From full time sworn

Individuals who have a POST certificate but are not full time sworn may apply to be a reserve with our office.  The decision to waive the (5) month academy will be on a case by case basis.  It depends on how long you've been away from the job, where you are coming from, and years of experience.  

Hit the road

Literally, the next step after getting sworn in, is to hop in a car with a full time deputy and start your Field Training phase.  Just like the full time sworn deputies have to do once they start, you will be expected to drive a patrol vehicle and field calls.  You will be given everything you need to get started during the academy and expected to be able to demonstrate what you learned in the field.  

Promotion

Once you complete 200 hours of Field Training, you may request a promotion to Senior Deputy.  Once you request a promotion, you will have (2) ride checks with a senior officer and you must get the final approval from the Sheriff.  Promoting to Senior Deputy means you now can drive a patrol vehicle on your own.  Years of service and experience earn you promotions during your Reserve Career.  

How to apply 

• To apply for our reserve unit, you must come back when we are hiring.  We usually only hire once a year due to the Academy and training needed to become a reserve.