(A) Establishment. The Howard County Sheriff’s Reserve Deputy Program is established to operate in accordance with I.C. 36-8-3-20 and this section.
(B) Number. The maximum number of reserve deputies is fixed at 20.
(C) Qualifications. To be eligible for appointment as a reserve deputy, a person must:
(1) Be at least 21 years of age;
(2) Not be an employee of the county;
(3) Successfully complete a pre-basic training course under I.C. 5-2-1-9(f) and any other training required by rules established under division (F) of this section; and
(4) Meet any other qualifications required by rules established under division (F) of this section.
(D) Appointment and dismissal. Subject to division (C) of this section, a reserve deputy shall be appointed by the County Sheriff and shall serve at the pleasure of the Sheriff. A reserve deputy appointment may be terminated by the County Sheriff at any time for any reason or for no reason at all.
(E) Status. A reserve deputy shall:
(1) Serve strictly as a volunteer without any compensation;
(2) Not be considered or construed as an employee of the County Sheriff’s Department or the county for any reason or purpose;
(3) Not be eligible to participate in any pension program or be entitled to any county benefits provided for regular members of the County Sheriff’s Department except as provided in division (D)(4) of this section;
(4) As a volunteer, be entitled to medical benefits under the county’s workers comprehensive coverage together with any extended accidental death or disability coverage the county, in its sole discretion, may choose to provide;
(5) Have the same police powers as the regular deputies of the County Sheriff’s Department except as modified or limited by rules or regulations established pursuant to division (F) of this section.
(6) At the same time of appointment, execute a written form acknowledging that he or she has read, understands and agrees to the provisions of this section, and, in particular, divisions (D) and (E).
(F) Rules. The County Sheriff may from time to time adopt such rules and regulations as he deems necessary and appropriate for the operation of the Reserve Deputy Program, so long as such rules and regulations are not contrary to or inconsistent with I.C. 36-8-3-20 or this section.
(G) Reserve Deputy Fund. Subject to the approval of the County Council, there is hereby established as a line item in the Sheriff’s budget a Reserve Deputy Fund. The purpose of this fund will be to receive and disburse monies to operate and sustain the Reserve Deputy Program. Any payment received for services rendered by a Reserve Deputy shall be deposited into this Fund. Disbursements shall be made at the sole discretion of the Sheriff.
(Ord. BCC 2003-34, passed 8-4-03)