Reserves - Jail

The Jail Reserve Deputy Program

Washington County Jail Reserve Deputies are sworn law enforcement officers who assist regular deputies in the performance of their duties at the Washington County Jail. Duties include processing new inmates, managing inmates in the living areas, assisting with court security operations, rendering aid, making arrests, and testifying in court. Jail Reserve Deputies wear the same uniforms and use the same equipment as their full-time counterparts.

Superior Training

Our mission is to promote public safety by providing secure custody and program services for all persons confined in the Washington County Jail. Jail Reserve Deputies are trained to support this mission by meeting the same demanding standards as regular full-time jail deputies. The Washington County Sheriff's Office offers each Jail Reserve Deputy first rate training and hands-on experience. Training includes:

• Washington County Jail Reserve Academy

• Interagency Firearms Skills Training (IFAST)

• Direct Supervision Training

• Interpersonal Communication Skills

• Crisis intervention and Tactics

• Defensive Tactics

• Field Training with Regular Jail Deputies

Following the application phase and completion of the Jail Reserve Academy, Jail Reserves are required to work a minimum of 16 hours per month. This time can be volunteered in a variety of ways.

While the majority of time is spent with a full-time deputy in the jail, Jail Reserves also assist with court security, the Work-in-Lieu of Jail Program, and with transports.

Join Us in Serving Your Community

Public Safety is important to the community and Washington County Jail Reserve Deputies are part of a great team. For more information about the Jail Reserve Deputy Program, please send an e-mail or call (503) 846-2525.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Be a United States citizen

• Attain the age of 21 years by graduation from the reserve academy

• Have a high school diploma or equivalent

• Have and maintain a valid driver's license

• Successfully pass reading, writing and physical fitness tests

• Successfully pass a background investigation

• Free of felony convictions

• Successfully complete a 140-hour classroom academy, 48 hours of firearms training, plus about 112 hours of field training - a total of 300 hours

• Successfully complete a medical and psychological evaluation

• Successfully pass a video test after academy training

• Be able to volunteer a minimum 16 hours per month, including community service projects

The First Step -- Apply Online When a Recruitment is Open

You can apply for the Jail Reserve Program during the recruitment period. If you fill out the form below, we will remind you when it is time to apply. We will also invite you to our annual open house event where you can learn more about the Jail Reserve Program. 

The Selection Process

If you meet the minimum qualifications, we will invite you to take reading, writing, and physical fitness tests. Jail Reserve tests are offered at least once each year, normally in the spring. We invite applicants who pass these tests to return for interviews and to begin a rigorous background investigation process.

The background investigation includes checking your employment and personal references, a credit check, criminal history check, and even talking with your past and current neighbors or other associates. The goal is to get a complete and well-rounded picture of the your personal, academic, and professional life.

Candidates who successfully pass initial tests and the background investigation will begin training and finally take a video test before beginning work as a Jail Reserve.

So what are you waiting for? Apply now!