SD Sheriff - Reserve SAR Questions

[SOcal]

I am in the process of completing my application to join the reserve SAR unit. However, I have been hard pressed to contact anyone yet who can really give me any details about this? I am interested in a possible LEO career and want to do this while still working my current job to get the experience and make sure it is what I want to do.

LEO's, anyone have any info for me as far as training involved, time, requirements, tasks ( I have been to the Sheriff's dept web site and read the whole thing a few times, looking for more in depth info and/or personal experiences)

Also, I believe after being accepted and completing the training, I would be a level III reserve, sworn peace officer. Would I need to purchase a seperate duty weapon, and other gear?

Thanks in advance.

[franco802]

If you are interested highly in an LEO career I would highly advise you to go all the way and obtain your level I CA POST, Or at least a Level II. So you can work patrol and alot of other duties.

[SOcal]

I agree, but I am going to start with my level III and see how it goes.

[sgtbuck]

While level III has it's place it will not show you what a beat Officer is and that type of experience. Most Departments do not even arm their level IIIs and are very restrictive on what they can and cannot do. Go through the basic academy and get it over with. You will be happy you did and very proud the day you graduate. Good luck...

Sgtbuck
Retired Level I Reserve Police Sergeant.

[Untamed1972]

You dont have to be a reserve deputy to be on the SAR, but you can become one if you want. If you want to become a reserve then you'd hafta go thru the standard selection/screening process to become a reserve deputy. I'm not aware of any level 3 academies available in SD. Grossmont used ot have a level 2 academy, but not sure if they still do or not, Southwestern, Miramar and Palomar all offer level 1 academies. Miramar is a full time academy though, where the other 2 are night/weekend classes.

http://www.sdsheriff.net/sar/joinsar.html

MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS

The application requires that you select the type of membership program that you feel would be your current goal. Our program is set up to allow you to change to another option along your career path, so do not be too concerned about making a "wrong" choice. Choose the career path that you would be ready to commit to at this time. We currently have three (3) membership options:

RESERVE: Those persons who wish to apply to become a sworn reserve deputy sheriff to perform search and rescue functions. Besides SAR work, these reserves perform a limited number of law enforcement duties. Of course, processing, screening and training is more lengthy but worthwhile.

RESCUE VOLUNTEER: Those persons who wish to apply as a citizen volunteer to become fully field trained for full SAR service. These persons will work alongside their reserve counterparts and receive equal training. They are not permitted to engage in law enforcement activities except under a few (very limited) conditions in support roles.

CITIZEN VOLUNTEER: Those persons who wish to apply as a citizen volunteer to provide support types of services only. These persons would not be allowed to enter the field to work with field teams as they would not have the appropriate training. However, there are many support roles that need to be filled in and around the field command post, with the field kitchen service, logistical areas and administrative functions. Even though limited in what they are allowed to do, we consider this category of member to be extremely valuable.

[Buck'emDown78]

Level III Reserves in CA don't really do much other than adminstrative work and sitting at a desk helping other officers with paperwork and filing. My cousin is a Level III in LASD and all they have him doing is IT and computer work. He is never armed at work nor was he ever approved for a ccw permit off-duty.

In LASD, Level III Reserves are not automatically issued CCW permits. Level I and II have police powers even not on duty and do not need a CCW permit but for Level III, its not that easy and straightforward. It has to go thru the Reserve Coordinator, CCW Coordinator, and Undersheriff.

You may want to check with SD. I have a relative in LAPD who says he's never ever seen an armed Level III reserve on duty ever in his station. He said there are special exceptions for certain Level III reserves that work in the armory, range, or range instructor. So you should really check if you are going to be armed on-duty and the likeliness of off-duty carry.

[SOcal]

THanks for the replies, I plan on stopping by tomorrow to sit down and talk to someone.

[CaliTheKid]

Level III Reserves in CA don't really do much other than adminstrative work and sitting at a desk helping other officers with paperwork and filing. My cousin is a Level III in LASD and all they have him doing is IT and computer work. He is never armed at work nor was he ever approved for a ccw permit off-duty.

In LASD, Level III Reserves are not automatically issued CCW permits. Level I and II have police powers even not on duty and do not need a CCW permit but for Level III, its not that easy and straightforward. It has to go thru the Reserve Coordinator, CCW Coordinator, and Undersheriff.

You may want to check with SD. I have a relative in LAPD who says he's never ever seen an armed Level III reserve on duty ever in his station. He said there are special exceptions for certain Level III reserves that work in the armory, range, or range instructor. So you should really check if you are going to be armed on-duty and the likeliness of off-duty carry.

Level III's at LASD are issued a firearm upon graduation and are required to wear them when in uniform in public. They may apply for a CCW via their reserve coordinator to the station Captain who will approve them up to the Undersherifff. Like level III's, Level II's only have police power for the duration of their assignment and need to apply for a CCW as well. Level I's are the same. Only Level 1D (Designated) are granted 24 hour police powers and do not need a CCW. Designated = having completed the 400 hour patrol training program.

[SOcal]

CaliTheKid -
Thanks much for that response, that cleared a few of those issues up. Do you know anything about the training? Do yo ugo through the standard basic academy for this or no?

[Tallship]

SOcal, here's the scoop. You join SAR as a civilian volunteer, and apply through the website. Once you have completed the background check, you become a SAR "volunteer" which means you can only do support and administrative details. SAR then has their own academy, which I believe runs January through May. Once you have completed the SAR academy you can then go on actual SAR missions. Level III designation is completely different, and is done through Grossmont College September through December. There are presently 10 SAR people going through the Grossmont level III academy. If you want any further info, send me a pm.

[CaliTheKid]

CaliTheKid -
Thanks much for that response, that cleared a few of those issues up. Do you know anything about the training? Do yo ugo through the standard basic academy for this or no?

LASD SAR are sent through the LASD 3-2 academy and then EMT school and SAR training. It seem SDSO is a different deal and Tallship has the handle on it. If you have any LASD specific questions though I'd be happy to answer them.