Cullman County Reserve Deputy Program

Fact Sheet

1. Members of the Reserve Deputy Program are “volunteers” who are donating their time to the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office without pay.
2. All members of the Reserve Deputy Program must attend monthly meetings established by the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office.
3. All members of the Reserve Deputy Program must work at least one (1) 8-hour shift per week according to a published, monthly schedule.
4. Members of the Reserve Deputy Program will have no arrest powers other than those prescribed under Alabama law for a “citizen’s arrest”.
5. All members of the Reserve Deputy Program will work under the direct supervision of a full-time law enforcement officer when “on duty”.
6. All members of the Reserve Deputy Program will be evaluated quarterly.
7. All members of the Reserve Deputy Program will participate in training programs established by the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office for their benefit.
8. All members of the Reserve Deputy Program must successfully complete a yearly handgun qualification course conducted by the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office.
9. Members of the Reserve Deputy Program must obtain a Pistol Permit from the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office.
10. All uniform and equipment items issued to a member of the Reserve Deputy Program are the property of the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office and must be returned when the member leaves the program.
11. All uniform and equipment items additionally purchased by members of the Reserve Deputy Program must first be approved by the Sheriff, or his designee.
12. Members of the Reserve Deputy Program will not wear any part of the uniform outside of their assigned duty hours.
13. All members of the Reserve Deputy Program will adhere to an oath of confidentiality involving criminal cases, warrants, searches, arrests made, hearsay or actions witnessed involving law enforcement personnel outside their duty hours.
14. All members of the Reserve Deputy Program must adhere to the policies and procedures established by the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office.
15. The Cullman County Sheriff’s Office will issue each member of the Reserve Deputy Program the following items of uniforms and equipment:

• Reserve Deputy Badge
• One (1) summer uniform shirt
• One (1) winter uniform shirt
• One (1) pair uniform trousers
• One (1) winter coat
• One (1) raincoat
• One (1) ANSI Traffic Safety Vest
• One (1) pair of boots (will reimburse $80.00 of purchase price)
• One (1) duty belt
• Four (4) duty belt “keepers”
• One (1) set of handcuffs & case
• One (1) holster
• One (1) double-magazine pouch
• One (1) flashlight & holder
• One (1) box of ammo
• One (1) bulletproof vest
• One (1) Policy and Procedure Manual
• One (1) Photo I.D. Card

All members of the Reserve Deputy Program must adhere to the policies and procedures established by the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office.

Minimum Standards & Requirements

• Be a U.S. Citizen.Be at least 21 years of age at the date of appointment.
• Have uncorrected vision not worse than 20/200 in either eye.
• Successful long-term (at least 6 months) wearing of soft contact lenses will not be subjected to any uncorrected vision standard. Vision must be corrected to 20/20 in both eyes.
• Possess either a high school diploma or a valid G.E.D. certificate recognized by the State of Alabama.
• Possess or can acquire a valid Alabama driver’s license.
• Have never committed, been involved in, or convicted of a felony crime or a serious misdemeanor crime involving moral turpitude.
• Be of good character and reputation.
• Possess the ability to perform essential job functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.
• Have a stable work record.
• Successfully complete the following applicant selection steps:

1. Submit for review a complete application for inclusion in the Reserve Deputy Program as a volunteer.
2. Background investigation of the applicant (Criminal, Education, Work, Military, etc.).
3. Written examination consisting of basic math, reading comprehension, grammar and punctuation, and report writing skills.
4. Physical abilities test consisting of timed push-ups, timed sit-ups, and timed 1.5-mile run.*
5. Polygraph test.**
6. Employment evaluation instrument.**
7. Review Board interview.
8. Sheriff’s interview.
9. Physical exam/drug screening by a licensed physician.*

*These steps must be successfully completed if the applicant is selected to be a part of the Reserve Deputy Program and wishes to attend the Alabama Peace Officers’ Standards and Training Commission Reserve Academy.

**These steps may be included in the selection process at the discretion of the Sheriff.