Some local professionals and students have taken the opportunity to volunteer in their community, and also explore their interest in law enforcement as reserve deputies for the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office.
Reserve deputies must participate in a six-month Reserve Academy, where they are trained and learn the skills necessary to become a deputy, said Capt. Don Strickland, commander of the reserve division.
Strickland said the program offers valuable instruction, which allows participants to gain the same authority as full-time deputies.
Reserve deputies may be found in all facets of law enforcement. Some reserve deputies work in traffic, others patrol, and some work in communications, Strickland said.
Lt. Darrell O’Neal, EBRSO public information officer, said reserve officers work alongside full-time deputies and assist in various aspects of law enforcement.
Uniformed reserve officers have the power to arrest and patrol, just as fellow full-time deputies, O’Neal said.
Strickland said participants receive firearms training, defensive tactics and driving instruction, as well as additional useful skills.
Participants take classes every Tuesday and Thursday night, along with rotating Saturday and Sunday courses.
Strickland said offering the academy at night allows students and people with other full-time jobs elsewhere to attend.
Both O’Neal and Strickland agree that the program attracts a spectrum of individuals who all share a common interest in law enforcement and desire to aid their community.
“The program attracts people from all different walks of life,” Strickland said. “Doctors, lawyers, businessmen, and college students all participate in the academy.”
The program is volunteer and allows reserve deputies to gain beneficial experience, which may be utilized in any career, O’Neal said.
Mike Mouret, owner of Louisiana Gold and Gems and resident of Baton Rouge, has been a member of the reserves for nearly 15 years and is now a lieutenant in the Reserve division.
“The Reserve Program allows me to give back to the community, and I enjoy it,” Mouret said. “I get a chance to help people in need while being exposed to various aspects of society, good and bad.”
Mouret also commented on how far the program has come from when he started out as a reserve officer.
“Today, law enforcement officers have many more tools, to work better than ever before,” Mouret said. “The training that the new deputies receive is fantastic. It prepares you well, and you learn a lot in the process.”
Graduates of the program are required to work 20 hours a month in the department in which they are assigned.
According to O’Neal, deputies go through what are called “retrainers” periodically. Retrainer sessions update deputies on the latest technology and new laws.
The Reserve Academy currently is accepting applications for the upcoming program, which will begin in June.
Strickland said the academy will accept anywhere from 20 to 50 participants.
Applicants must have no criminal record, good credit, be at least 18 years old and be a Louisiana resident.