Volunteer Special Deputy

The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) is seeking to fill multiple Special Deputy vacancies. Special Deputies are volunteer, non-benefit, non-licensed peace officer positions. These volunteer opportunities are subject to emergency call-outs and involve public contact with the possibility of physical confrontation.

• 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.

• For Communication and Radio Technology area placement:
  • Have basic knowledge of computer systems.
  • Have basic knowledge of radio systems.
  • Hold an FCC 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 FCC.
• For Mounted Patrol area placement:
  • Own his/her own 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:
  • Have the 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.
• For minimum consideration of all areas:
  • Be at least 18 years of age by the start date.
  • Have no felony convictions.
  • A valid driver's license and the ability to obtain a Hennepin County driver's permit.
  • Be able to attend the HCSO 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.
  • Be able to attend all mandatory training sessions, yearly Basic Emergency Care/CPR/AED refresher classes and other training sessions as directed.
  • Be able to abide by the Sheriff's Office Personal Appearance Standards Policy. You must read the entire policy and be able and willing to meet the requirements.

• 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.
• HCSO 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.
• HCSO Special Deputy core training.
• HCSO unit specific core training.