Be the Difference.
Are your ready to make a difference as a
Reserve Deputy?
Serving others. It’s what you do. Whether it’s to give back to the people of your community or to reach for a better future, it’s in your blood. You have what it takes to become a Reserve Deputy. Read on to find out how you can join this amazing family of volunteers.
Click Here to fill out your application today.

Who We Are
The Reserve Division is currently comprised of nearly 100 sworn deputies, supported by a team of dedicated career staff. Reserve Deputies are fully-sworn police officers, who are state-certifiable peace officers by TN POST (Peace Officers Standards and Training). Reserve Deputies independently perform the same sheriff duties as full-time career Sheriff Deputies, on a volunteer basis.
Reserve Deputies work alongside the 700 career Deputies of the Sheriff’s Office, and they serve the 1 million citizens of Shelby County. Reserve Deputies donate tens of thousands of hours each year, which have a value of several millions of dollars. They save the citizens of Shelby County millions of tax dollars every year.
Our Reserve Deputies come from many professional backgrounds, and they include business owners, bankers, commercial pilots, firefighters, attorneys, stockbrokers, salespersons, real estate brokers, members of the military, and many other professions.
Click Here to fill out your application today.
What We Do
The Sheriff’s Office offers two levels of Reserve Deputy. Both Levels 1 and 2 attend the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office training academy and work in Uniform Patrol upon graduation. Level 2 Reserve Deputies may remain in Uniform Patrol or transfer to Special Events. Level 1 officers work independently, as a solo-capable Deputy, in Uniform Patrol, Special Events, or other specialized units. All Reserve Deputies wear the same uniform as a full-time officer and drive the same Sheriff’s Office vehicles. For more information about Reserve Deputy levels, click here.
Qualifications
Because Reserve Deputies perform the same duties as career officers, Reserve recruits must meet the same standards.
- Be at least 21 years of age prior to completion of the Training Academy.
- Be a United States citizen.
- Be in sound physical and mental health.
- Must meet TN P.O.S.T. and Shelby County drug standards.
- No history of criminal or improper conduct.
- No commission or conviction of a felony. Misdemeanor arrests are discretionary.
- Must have good moral character and personal integrity.
- No poor employment or irresponsible financial history.
- Must have a high school diploma or GED equivalency.
Click Here to fill out your application today.
For more information, e-mail ReserveOffice@shelby-sheriff.org or call 901.222.5875.
RESERVE OFFICER EVENT SIGN-UP
* For reserves only * Click here.