Reserve Deputies

Background Checks & In-House Training

The Otero County Sheriff’s Reserves are a group of highly trained volunteers from the community that help support the department. Each person involved goes through a hiring process with complete background check. In the spring every year we have a training academy consisting of 240 plus hours of both classroom and hands on training. This training generally starts in January and the class graduates in late June. 

On-the-Job Training

Upon completion of the training the new reserves are put through approximately 175 hours of on the job training to include spending time in dispatch, evidence, court house and in the different areas of the county (the Alamogordo area, Chaparral, and the mountains).

Reserve Officer Handcuff Training

Working Security

During and after field training reserves help provide security at the Otero County Fair, Cottonwood, and a few other public events. Reserves were designed to back up deputies when shifts are low manned, and often called upon to help with large emergencies, and often times on large crime scenes, and many other last minute call-out situations. The reserves that have graduated meet once a month to discuss upcoming events that we are asked to help with like escorts, and the fair. Often we try to get reserves out on big holiday weekends to help the deputies with calls of service especially the 4th of July and New Years.

Uniform

The reserves are provided the training from the Sheriff’s Office; however each member is responsible for his or her entire uniform, including:

  • Belt
  • Collapsible baton
  • Firearm and magazines
  • Handcuffs

Apply

Applications are accepted year round at the Sheriff’s Office and will be held until the next class. Applicants must be 19 years of age, a U.S. citizen, have a valid driver’s license, no felony convictions and able to carry a firearm.

Gun Range Training

Thank You, Volunteers

We at the Sheriff’s Office are very thankful for the ongoing hard work and dedication from our volunteers who serve the community with nothing in return except the self satisfaction that you are helping the community.