In an effort to enhance the Reserve Deputy Program of the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Department, Sheriff Bill Rasco announced that applications will be accepted during the entire month of October. Currently, there is a core group of Reserve Deputies, who are commissioned by Sheriff Rasco, providing invaluable assistance on a daily basis in support of full-time Deputies in the performance of their duties. Assignments include, but are not limited to the handling of emergency calls, rendering aid, making arrests and providing security at special events, thus, increasing the security and protection provided to the citizens of DeSoto County, as well as to our visitors, with little or no cost to the taxpayer. Reserve Deputies volunteer their time and service without remuneration.
Reserve Deputies will work under the command of a Reserve Coordinator, who will be a full-time Deputy appointed by Sheriff Rasco to supervise and coordinate the activities of the Reserve Deputy Program.
The Reserve Deputy Program consists of men and women volunteers from all walks of life, who offer their personal time and talents with one goal in mind, to make DeSoto County a safer place to live. Following graduation from the Reserve Academy, the Reserve Deputy will be assigned to a Division of the Sheriff’s Department. With their help, the Sheriff’s Department will be in a better position “To Protect and Serve” the citizens of DeSoto County.
Sheriff Rasco and the Command Staff will fully review all applications and determine the fitness of all persons to serve in the Reserve Deputy Program. All Reserve Deputies will be governed by departmental policies and procedures.
Requirements and selection process:
- Must be at least 21 years of age.
- Must be a citizen of the United States.
- Must have a high school diploma or GED.
- Must not have been convicted of or pleaded guilty to or entered a plea of nolo contrendere to any felony charge or to any violation of any federal, state or local ordinance relating to force, violence, theft, dishonesty, gambling, liquor or controlled substances.
- Must not have been released or discharged under other than honorable conditions from any of the military branches of the United States.
- Must complete the application process.
- Must pass a physical examination for medical clearance.
- Must pass a physical agility test.
- Must pass a written examination.
- Must pass a background investigation.
- Must pass a drug screen.
- Must be selected and notified of acceptance.
- Must enroll and successfully complete the part-time Reserve Deputy Academy (200 hours). The starting date for the Reserve Deputy Academy is January 2012.
Applications may be obtained by clicking on the "Resources" tab on the left side of this page. Then click on "Employment Information" and there you will find a link at the bottom of the page that will allow you to download and print a copy of the application. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Applications should be submitted to the DeSoto County Sheriff;s Department, Attn: Richard Chambers, 311 W. South Street, Hernando, MS 38632. For further information or questions, please contact Mr. Richard Chambers at 662-429-1470, or you can contact him by email rchambers@desotocountyms.gov.