Dallas, OR – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is looking for community members to join its reserve deputy program, with applications due by Sept. 30.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, reserve deputies volunteer alongside full-time deputies on patrol, during emergencies, and at community events. The program also provides support in corrections, crime prevention, and the Marine Patrol Unit on the Willamette River. Volunteers receive training that mirrors much of what full-time deputies complete, including academy coursework and annual field training.
The department said over half of its current full-time patrol staff began their careers as reserve deputies, making the program a common entry point into law enforcement. The Sheriff’s Office noted that many reserves, however, maintain their regular careers while volunteering in their free time, which allows them to serve their communities without committing to full-time employment.
Reserve deputies undergo more than 340 hours of training through the Mid Valley Reserve Training Academy, which takes place over six months on evenings and weekends. Once certified, they assist with patrols, warrant sweeps, and public safety details. While the work is unpaid, deputies may receive limited pay for certain duties.
Interested applicants can find more details and the volunteer application on the Polk County website or contact Corporal Levi Higgins at higgins.levi@co.polk.or.us.
The deadline to submit applications is Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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