The Investigative Reserve Unit was formed in 1988. The Investigations Bureau commander is Captain John Hensley, and the Unit Leader is Lieutenant Steve Radus. We presently have two Sergeants and twelve Investigators assigned to the Unit. Our qualification level rages from Designated Level I to Level IV. We assist regular Investigators, but our Level I Investigators can, and do, work cases on their own. We have Investigators working with the Sex Crimes Unit, Fraud Unit, and General Investigations Unit (both north and south). Training classes are available through the Sheriff's Department and outside organizations. Plans are being made to include working with other specialized Units and broadening the scope of the Reserve Investigation Unit's responsibilities.

Our original members are now being combined with other law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, LAPD, and San Bernardino Police Department. The minimum requirement for joining the Investigative Reserve Unit is five years law enforcement experience as a sworn reserve officer and a real desire to become an Investigator. Even though we do not actively recruit members into our Unit, we are always willing to accept applications from anyone interested in joining us.

Qualifications

• Must be 20 years of age at time of application.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or become a naturalized citizen within 3 years of appointment.
• Be a high school graduate, pass the General Education Development Test indicating high school graduation level, or have attained a two-year or four-year degree from a college or university accredited by the Western Association of Colleges and Universities.
• Must have no felony convictions as a juvenile or adult and cannot currently be on probation.
• Must have no domestic violence convictions and cannot currently be the subject of a domestic violence restraining order.
• Must pass an extensive background investigation to the satisfaction of the Sheriff-Coroner.
• Must pass polygraph examination.
• Must pass a medical examination.
• Must be financially self-sufficient or a full-time student and have a good credit record.
• Must pass P.C. 832 course consisting of 64 hours of training.

For more information on joining the Reserves, see our Join Our Reserve Team page, or call the Reserve Office: 714-566-2711.