Reserves Unit FAQ
How long is the uniform division training?
It requires 5 months of dedication every Thursday night starting the first Thursday in January, during the hours of 7:00 PM until 10:00 PM. at the North Park Police Academy (except for the last Thursday of the month is our general reserve meeting). Also, during the month of May, Saturdays and Sundays for approximately 10 to 12 hours a day, you will be out on the Firearms range practicing qualification techniques. With the last Sunday of May being firearms qualifications.
Joining the uniform division, will this help me obtain a job with the Sheriff's department or any other police municipality?
It does not help you attain gainful employment with any police municipalities or the Sheriff’s Office.
How old do I have to be to join the Allegheny County Sheriff Reserve?
21 years of age, an Allegheny County resident and have an Allegheny County concealed carry permit.
What prerequisites do I need to have to join the uniform division?
Be able to pass an NCIC background check, have a current Pennsylvania driver’s license, you must live in Allegheny County, have a current concealed carry permit issued by Allegheny County, and you must be Act 235 certified.
Who pays for our equipment and & training?
All training is provided to you for free. However, it is the responsibility of the individual to purchase all the necessities to perform your duties as a uniform Allegheny County Sheriff reservist. A radio, traffic vest, OC, and a taser will be provided for you.
How much is the out-of-pocket expense to join the Allegheny County Sheriff Reserve uniform division?
Anywhere between $1,500.00 to $2,000.00, depending upon the equipment you would like to carry while covering a sanctioned detail.
If I do not want to go into the uniform division what other types of activities can one do as a non-uniform reserve deputy?
You can join the fingerprinting team and help with child ID’s, become a member of one of the Committees of the board. After two years as a general Reserve deputy, you can run for one of the board positions.
When and where do most details take place?
Details take place throughout Allegheny County. Usually but not always, between the hours of 7:00 PM and 11:00 PM. they can happen any day during the week Sunday through Saturday. The majority of our details are scheduled between May and October.
Is there a required number of hours of service that members must complete?
Non-uniform members must attend 4 Sheriff Reserve meetings or function per year.
Uniform members must complete 100 hours of service to stay active in the uniform division.
When I finished the uniform training will I receive some type of diploma or degree?
You do receive a certificate of completion of the Allegheny County Sheriff Reserve uniform training. This is not an accredited course that can be used towards college credits or Officer school training. You will also receive a certificate of completion for Taser, OC, and collapsible baton usage.
For further questions regarding the Reserves Division, please contact Colonel Brian V. Heil at bheil@sheriffalleghenycounty.com.