Volunteer : Special Deputy - Sheriff's Office

Volunteer Special Deputy

Join the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office as a Volunteer Special Deputy! You will have the opportunity to expand your public safety experience and make a difference by providing quality professional services while building meaningful relationships that are sustainable within our communities. If you are a critical thinker and have great adaptability skills, then this position is for you. Find us here at upcoming career fairs! Location and hours : Location will vary based on placement within Hennepin County. Volunteers will participate in duties for a minimum of 16 hours per month. The first 12 months of duty will be in classroom training and a field training program. Specific programs within the Sheriff's Office include Patrol Support (Water and Road), Mounted Patrol, and Communications and Radio Technology (CRT).

About these position types : These positions are volunteer, non-benefit earning, non-licensed peace officer positions. These volunteer opportunities are subject to emergency callouts and involve public contact with the possibility of physical confrontation. Interviews will be conducted in May and October each year. The anticipated start dates are February 2026 and September 2026. You must be at least 18 years of age by the start date to be considered. In these positions, you will :

• Provide specialized rescue and recovery operations.
• Respond to calls requiring use of specialized communications, personal injury accidents, medical emergencies, and natural disasters.
• Assist with dignitary details.
• Direct traffic.
• Patrol the lakes / rivers of Hennepin County.
• Perform search and rescue operations.
• Remove hazards to navigation on county waterways.
• Inspect watercraft for rent, lease, or hire.
• Assist with investigations of water accidents and drownings.
• Attend community events and parades.
• Present information to the general public on water / ice safety at open houses, safety camps, schools, and snowmobile classes.
• Assist public safety agencies with communications integration, knowledge of radio systems and protocols, dispatching for special events and details.