Reserve Deputy Question

[CelticPilot]

I am interested in applying for a reserve deputy position, serving the GA county in which I live. I have some general questions regarding the position, and how it relates to the LE community. If there are any Georgia Officers or Deputies that could shine some light in my direction, I would greatly appreciate it.

1. How difficult is it for a person, without prior LE experience to get accepted and succeed as a Reserve Deputy ? I understand the obvious advantages to an Agency when someone with prior certification/training volunteers, but I would still like to contribute (and am willing to put the time in for the required training).

2. Do policies regarding Reserve Deputies vary a great deal depending upon the Department, or is the implementation of the program generally uniform throughout Georgia...?

3. If selected, and able to make the time to attend, does the candidate pay for the cost of attending the Academy...? (Would I be able to utilize the HOPE scholarship as a Reserve Deputy)

4. What about the cost of your equipment, sidearm, tools of the trade... Is it up to the Reserve Deputy...?

5. I'm a pilot (airline). Is there any need for that kind of skill set with most County SO's...? (surveillance, prisoner transport) I am guessing not so much, but I thought it was worth asking.

6. What function do most Reserve Deputies fulfill in the Departments that utilize them. Is it more like a "Auxiliary" with a limited role, or something like volunteer firemen that serve a fairly active role...?

7. This is not really a "question", so much as a general request for any suggestions/opinions/info dealing with Reserve Deputies that you can think of... Anything you could pass along would be great.



Thanks.

:D