WCSO looking for individuals wishing to join our Reserve Unit

WCSO is currently looking for Citizens who wish to volunteer and serve their community with the Wakulla County Sheriff's Office.  We are actively looking for individuals both sworn and nonsworn who would like to serve as members of our Reserve Unit.  The Reserve Unit is an all volunteer group who assist WCSO with a variety of duties and events within the community. 

Below is the job description and application process for both Reserve Deputy and an Sheriff Safety Officer.  

For further Information contact us  at 850-962-1239 and ask for Captain John Delgado, Reserve & Sheriff Service Officer Captain, or comby the main office at 15 Oak Street to pick up an application.     

Wakulla County Sheriff’s Department Reserve Deputy

Reserve Deputies: are State of Florida Certified Law Enforcement Officers who have retired from a Law Enforcement Agency in good standing and wish to maintain their LEO certification OR Current certified recent graduates with a State of Florida LEO certification who want POLICE EXPIERENCE, with a reputable Law Enforcement Agency. Reserve Deputies are volunteer members that fall under the direct supervision of the Reserve Deputy Chain of Command.

1)  There are four classes of Reserve Deputy Sheriffs, Class IV, Class III, Class II, Class I.  

a)   Reserve Deputy Sheriff Class IV, Class III, Class II and Class I each require a 16-hour minimum number of mandatory service hours per calendar month. The hours include attending monthly meetings, working community events and assisting patrol as a partner deputy or ridding alone patrol deputy after completing a Field Training Officer Program. 

b)   Reserve Deputies shall be required to purchase an approved firearm, in order to be able to participate in the Reserve Program. The brand and caliber must meet the requirements of WCSO General Order 1.6, Authorized Firearms. Calibers – 9mm, 40 Cal., 45 Cal., the Reserve Deputy is required to purchase an agency approved holster/ammunition pouch for the firearm.

2)  Requesting Approval for Additional-Approved Firearms: 

a) Reserve Deputies may request approval under a cover letter via chain of command to carry an additional On Duty Firearm. The Reserve Deputy is required to purchase an agency approved holster/ammunition pouch for the firearm. The brand and caliber must meet the requirements of WCSO General Order 1.6, Authorized Firearms. If the request is approved, the Reserve Deputy is required to purchase an agency approved holster/ammunition pouch for the firearm.

3)   SELECTION PROCESS AND CRITERIA:

a   The selection process for Reserve Deputies shall be identical to the selection process for full time deputies, INCLUDING ORAL BOARD. Per F.S. 943.13, members shall: [CFA 5.02] 

1)  Be at least 19 years of age. 

2)  Be a citizen of the United States. 

3)  Be a high school graduate or equivalent. 

4)  Not have been convicted of any felony or misdemeanor involving perjury, a false statement, or received a dishonorable discharge from any of the Armed Forces. 

5)  Fingerprints on file with the employing agency. 

6)  Passed a physical examination by a licensed physician. 

7)  Have a good moral character. 

8)  Affidavit of application on file with the employing agency. 

9)  Complete a commissioned approved basic recruit training program. 

10). Achieve an acceptable score on the officer certification examination. 

11) Comply with the continuing training or education requirements. 

12) Parties interested in becoming a Reserve Deputy shall submit a completed WCSO application and be subjected to a full background investigation, to include drug testing. 

b.   Persons in the following occupations will not be eligible for appointment to avoid any conflict of interest: 

1)  Anyone currently employed as certified law enforcement with another agency. 

2)  Persons involved in the sale or distribution of alcoholic beverages. 

3)  Bail bondsmen, criminal attorneys, and employees or investigators of the Office of the State Attorney.

Wakulla County Sheriff’s Department Sheriff Service Officer

The SSO Unit is an element within the Reserves Deputy Sheriff’s program. The SSO performs in a non-sworn support capacity under the direct supervision of an administratively designated Reserve Deputy Sergeant. [CFA 24.06 A] 

1) DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: [CFA 6.02] 

a.   SSO’s may be involved in a variety of duties. [CFA 6.01] [CFA 24.06 A] 

1)  All SSO’s may be required to participate in the appropriate Check-On briefing prior to beginning their tour of duty. 

2)  Patrol the community, as appropriate, on foot, or by vehicle. 

3)  Identify, report, and investigate suspicious activities. 

4)  Notify the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center and Patrol Supervisor of emergency and non-emergency situations. 

5)  Assist in educating local citizens, businesses and community organizations. 

6)  Keep and maintain proper records. 

7)  Follow SSO Program policy and procedures and General Orders of the office. 

8)  Maintain a positive respectful presence and attitude in the community. 

9)  Treat all people whom you contact, with the courtesy and respect you expect for yourself. 

10)  Maintain confidentiality at all times. 

11) Recognize and follow the Chain of Command. 

12) Comply with all orders received from superior officers. 

13) Investigate minor traffic crashes, criminal mischief complaints, conduct residential and commercial security checks, conduct well-being checks, conduct other task as assigned by law enforcement. 

14) SSO are required a 16 hour minimum number of mandatory service hours per calendar month. The hours include attending monthly meetings, working community events and assisting patrol. 

b)  SSO’s must have the ability to write and type law enforcement reports. 

c)  SSO’s shall not carry firearms while on duty, even if they possess a concealed firearms permit. 

2) OBSERVATION: 

a.    SSO’s shall observe and report suspicious activity to the Communications Center and act as additional eyes and ears of the Sheriff’s Office. 

3)  TRAFFIC CONTROL: 

a.   SSOs specifically trained in traffic control may assist or initiate traffic control measures when the need arises.  

b.   Documentation of traffic control training must be turned in and recorded with Human Resource and with the Reserve Deputy Sheriff Specialist / Administrator. 

4) OTHER ASSIGNMENTS: [CFA 6.02] 

a.   SSO’s who have received training for specific services may be called out for searches for children, to assist in disasters, and other support functions as needed. Other assignments shall be given at the discretion of command staff.

 5)   QUALIFICATIONS: 

a.   All SSO must meet the following minimum qualifications for the SSO program. 

1)  Must be twenty-one (21) years of age or older. 

2)  Must be of outstanding moral character. 

3)  Must be a United States citizen and must not have been dishonorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces. 

4)  Must not have been convicted, or have pled no contest, to any offense committed in the past 5 years or less for any felony, or any misdemeanor involving drugs or issues of moral turpitude, or any other offense as determined by the Sheriff. 

5)  Must have a valid Florida driver’s license with no suspension of driving privileges in the previous five years. 

6)  Must pass a background check. 

7)  Must pass a physical examination administered by a medical doctor. 

8)  Must be able to maintain a physical condition that will enable the member to consistently execute the duties and responsibilities which are required. 

9)  Be a high school graduate or equivalent. 

10) Must have fingerprints on file with the WCSO.

11) Must have an e-mail address and a personal cellular telephone for communications regarding callouts. 

12) Pass a drug testing. 

13) Pass oral board.