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Uniform Patrol Reserve Unit

Uniform Patrol Reserve Unit (UPRU) members are sworn peace officers. They are required to be proficient and knowledgeable of the California Penal Code, Laws of Arrest and the Orange County Sheriff's Department Standard Operations Procedure (S.O.P.) Manual.

The Uniform Patrol Reserve Unit provides support to the Orange County Sheriff's Department patrol operations.

Unit members are called upon to act as second officers in a patrol car, perform crowd/riot control, maintain crime scene security, perform foot patrol and/or traffic control at special functions such as the Orange County Fair and the San Juan Capistrano Swallow's Day Parade.

UPRU members are assigned to various law enforcement duties, depending on the individual member's training and qualifications. Training is offered through the Sheriff's Department and its affiliation with Rancho Santiago Community College. All reserve deputies are expected to continue their training beyond the basic knowledge and skills required for initial Level III and II Academies. The reserve deputy, like the regular full time deputy is required to maintain arrest and control proficiency in non-lethal force techniques, including pepper spray and baton training. They are required to maintain a high level of physical fitness, as it is not unusual for a deputy to become involved in a foot pursuit or to be required to make a forcible arrest. Before being sworn as a reserve deputy, the applicant is required to successfully complete the P.C. 832 course laws of arrest and firearm training, Level III and Level II Academy, which will require a minimum of 362 hours on a part time basis.

Qualifications:

• Must be 20 years of age at time of application.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or become a naturalized citizen within 3 years of appointment.
• Be a high school graduate, pass the General Education Development Test indicating high school graduation level, or have attained a two-year or four-year degree from a college or university accredited by the Western Association of Colleges and Universities.
• Must have no felony convictions as a juvenile or adult and cannot currently be on probation.
• Must have no domestic violence convictions and cannot currently be the subject of a domestic violence restraining order.
• Must pass an extensive background investigation to the satisfaction of the Sheriff-Coroner.
• Must pass polygraph examination.
• Must pass a medical examination.
• Must be financially self-sufficient or a full-time student and have a good credit record.
• Must pass P.C. 832 course consisting of 64 hours of training.

For more information on joining the Reserves, see our How to Join page, or call the Reserve Office: 714-566-2711.