JACKSON Tenn (April 14, 2015) – Recent shootings involving law enforcement have some talking about the use of deadly force.  When a reserve deputy in Tulsa shot a man with his service weapon and thought it was his TASER the discussion quickly turned to the use and training of these reserve deputies.

A reserve deputy sheriff has peace officer powers while on duty, in accordance with the laws of the State of Tennessee.

Since reserve deputy sheriffs have the same powers of arrest as regular full-time deputies, they are required by law to meet the same hiring standards as full-time deputies.

Locally, the Madison County Sheriffs Office has approximately 45 reserve deputies.

According to Sheriff John Mehr, these volunteers receive the same training as full-time deputies.

Mehr says the candidates must complete at least 80 of training including, firearms certification, classes with TASERS, crime scene training and the same requirements of a deputy.

Mehr says the difference is that reserve deputies work 8 hours a month and are volunteer.

Reserve deputies allow a greater presence on the streets and will many times move from reserve to full time, said Mehr. Reserve deputies usually are assigned with a full-time deputy however there are no restrictions, they have all the authority of a full-time deputy.

There is a 16-page application and an extensive background check, just like a regular employee, and they go through the same psychological
and health evaluation said Mehr

According to the State of Tennessee; any person employed/utilized as part-time/temporary/reserve/auxiliary law enforcement officer or as a special deputy shall:
(a) Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;
(b) Be a citizen of the United States;
(c) Be a high school graduate or possess equivalence. No waivers will be granted for minimum
education requirements;
(d) Not have been convicted of or pleaded guilty to or entered a plea of nolo contendere to any
felony charge or to any violation of any federal or state laws or city ordinances relating to force,
violence, theft, dishonesty, gambling, liquor or controlled substances;