Serving Our Community Together
The Imperial County Sheriff’s Office Volunteer Services Program is made up of dedicated men and women who generously donate their time, skills, and experience in support of public safety and community service throughout Imperial County.
Our volunteers play a vital role in assisting the Sheriff’s Office by supporting community events, emergency response, youth development, search and rescue operations, public outreach, and a variety of specialized services. Through their commitment and professionalism, they help strengthen our mission of providing exceptional service and protection to the residents and visitors of Imperial County.
Whether serving on horseback, in the air, in the courtroom, at public events, mentoring future law enforcement professionals, searching for missing persons, or supporting deputies during community activities, our volunteers make a meaningful difference every day.
The Imperial County Sheriff’s Office is proud to offer six specialized volunteer opportunities, each with its own unique mission and responsibilities. Click any program below to learn more.
Serve Your Community — Make a Difference
Reserve Deputies
The Sheriff’s Reserve Deputy Program gives dedicated men and women the opportunity to serve as volunteer peace officers alongside full-time deputies. Reserve Deputies support patrol operations, community events, emergency incidents, and specialized assignments throughout Imperial County.
About the Program
Reserve Deputies perform duties consistent with their POST certification level and assist with patrol operations, community events, the California Mid-Winter Fair, parades, traffic and crowd management, investigations, the Off-Road Enforcement Unit, and emergency response.
Minimum Qualifications
- Minimum age: 20½
- U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident eligible for citizenship
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Meet California POST standards
- Successfully complete Sheriff’s Office hiring requirements
Application Process
- Submit Application
- Written Examination
- Physical Agility Test
- Background Packet
- Background Investigation
- Polygraph
- Psychological Evaluation
- Medical Examination and Drug Screening
Current Eligibility
Applicants should possess a California POST Reserve Level I, II, or III Certificate (Level III applicants should provide proof of enrollment in a Level II Academy). Certificates should remain valid for at least six months after application.
Physical Agility Test
- 99-Yard Obstacle Course
- 1.5-Mile Run — In under 14 minutes
- 165-Pound Body Drag
- 6-Foot Chain Link Fence
- 6-Foot Solid Wall
- 500-Yard Run
Reserve Deputy Coordinator
Lieutenant Michael Mistriel
328 Applestill Road
El Centro, CA 92243
Email: mmistriel@icso.org
Building Tomorrow’s Public Safety Leaders
Cadet Post 4500
The Imperial County Sheriff’s Cadet Post 4500 is a volunteer leadership program for youth ages 14 to 20 interested in careers in law enforcement, public safety, and the criminal justice system. As the oldest law enforcement Explorer/Cadet Post in Imperial County, Post 4500 develops leadership, responsibility, teamwork, and professional skills through hands-on experience.
About the Program
Cadets work alongside Sheriff’s Office personnel, participate in community events, and receive mentorship from sworn deputies and Post Advisors. The program develops leadership, self-confidence, teamwork, communication, civic responsibility, professionalism, and workplace readiness.
Training & Experience
Cadets receive instruction in:
- Law enforcement procedures
- Officer safety
- Emergency preparedness
- Community policing
- Radio communications
- Drill and ceremony
- Physical fitness
- Leadership
- Ethics and professionalism
Career Exploration
Participants explore careers in:
- Law Enforcement
- Corrections
- Dispatch
- Investigations
- Crime Prevention
- Public Safety Communications
- Emergency Management
- Other criminal justice professions
Eligibility
Applicants should be 14 – 20 years old, demonstrate good character, have an interest in public service, and successfully complete the application process.
Become a Cadet
The Cadet Program is an excellent opportunity to develop leadership skills, serve the community, and prepare for a future career in public safety. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Office for additional information.
Follow the Cadets on Social Media
- Instagram: @icsocadets
- Facebook: Imperial County Sheriff’s Cadets
Cadet Program Contacts
Email: icsocadets@icso.org
Sheriff’s Cadet Coordinator
Senior Deputy Daniel Veliz
Phone: (442) 283-0104
Sheriff’s Cadet Sergeant Coordinator
Sergeant Damian Martinez
Phone: (760) 356-5960
Serving Imperial County Since 1969
De Anza Rescue Unit
Our mission is to provide professional volunteer search and rescue services in support of the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office and allied agencies. Through continuous training, teamwork, and community service, we are committed to protecting lives, assisting those in need, and serving our community with honor and integrity.
Our History
Founded in May 1969 following the tragic disappearance of Keith Riley at Mount Signal, DARU was created to provide trained volunteer support during search and rescue missions and emergency incidents. The organization was established to ensure families would always have the support of a prepared and organized search and rescue team.
Continuing the Mission
DARU continues to serve through volunteerism, professionalism, training, and compassion. Members regularly assist with search and rescue missions, disaster response, evidence searches, community events, and emergency operations alongside the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office and partner agencies.
Become a Volunteer
DARU welcomes dedicated volunteers interested in serving their community. Members receive specialized training and work alongside Sheriff’s Office personnel during emergency incidents and community events.
Specialized Skills and Capabilities
De Anza Rescue Unit members are highly trained volunteers who respond to a wide variety of emergencies and support missions:
- Ground Search and Rescue Operations
- Missing Person Searches
- Evidence and Crime Scene Searches
- Urban Search Operations
- Desert Rescue
- Disaster Response and Emergency Support
- Incident Command System (ICS) Operations
- Search Planning and Search Management
- Navigation using GPS, Compass, and Mapping
- Public Safety Event Support
- Community Emergency Preparedness
- Mutual Aid Operations with local, state, and federal agencies
Specialized Equipment
To effectively carry out our mission, the De Anza Rescue Unit utilizes specialized equipment:
- 4×4 Search and Rescue Vehicles
- Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTVs) and All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)
- Rescue Quads
- Search Trailers
- Portable Incident Command Equipment
- GPS Navigation and Digital Mapping Systems
- Search Radios and Emergency Communications Equipment
- Medical First Aid and Trauma Kits
- Portable Lighting Systems
- Drone/UAS Search Support (when available)
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Specialized Search Packs and Field Gear
Contact DARU
De Anza Rescue Unit, Inc.
Emergency: Call 9-1-1
Email: admin@deanzarescueunit.org
Facebook: De Anza Rescue Unit
“Serving Imperial County with professionalism, compassion, and dedication since 1969.”
Serving Imperial County from Above
Aero Squadron
The Imperial County Sheriff’s Aero Squadron is a dedicated team of volunteer pilots and observers who combine their passion for aviation with a commitment to public service. Working in partnership with the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office, the Aero Squadron provides aerial support during search and rescue operations, public safety missions, and emergency incidents throughout Imperial County.
By donating their time, aircraft, and expertise, Squadron members play an important role in protecting the community and supporting Sheriff’s Office operations.
About the Aero Squadron
The Aero Squadron assists the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office by providing aerial resources that enhance situational awareness and improve response capabilities during a variety of law enforcement and emergency operations.
Volunteer pilots and observers support missions across Imperial County’s diverse landscape — including remote desert areas, waterways, agricultural regions, and recreational destinations.
Mission Support
The Aero Squadron provides aerial assistance for:
- Search and Rescue Operations
- Missing and At-Risk Person Searches
- Aerial Surveillance
- Public Safety Operations
- Disaster Response
- Emergency Incident Support
- Aerial Photography and Documentation
- Reconnaissance and Situational Awareness
- Support for Sheriff’s Office Special Operations
Regular Patrol Areas
- Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area (Glamis)
- Lower Colorado River
- Imperial Irrigation District (IID) Canal System
- Other remote desert and recreational areas throughout Imperial County
Volunteer Opportunities — Pilots
Pilots should:
- Hold a valid Private Pilot Certificate or higher
- Own or have access to an aircraft
- Meet Aero Squadron qualification standards
- Demonstrate safe flight operations and sound judgment
- Be committed to volunteer public service
Volunteer Opportunities — Observers
Observers do not need previous aviation experience. Responsibilities include:
- Assisting pilots during missions
- Communicating with ground personnel
- Directing search resources
- Taking aerial photographs
- Utilizing GPS and digital mapping software
- Assisting with Crew Resource Management (CRM)
- Maintaining situational awareness during flight operations
Training
Aero Squadron volunteers participate in ongoing training to ensure they are prepared to safely support Sheriff’s Office operations:
- Crew Resource Management (CRM)
- Search and Rescue Operations
- Emergency Communications
- Aerial Search Techniques
- GPS Navigation
- Digital Mapping
- Aviation Safety
- Mission Planning
- Coordination with Incident Command
Become a Volunteer
The Aero Squadron is always looking for dedicated individuals who have a passion for aviation and a desire to serve their community. Whether you’re an experienced pilot or interested in serving as an observer, volunteering with the Aero Squadron provides a unique opportunity to support public safety while making a meaningful difference throughout Imperial County.
Aero Squadron Contact
Richard Davey
Vice Commander, Sheriff’s Aero Squadron
Email: richarddavey@co.imperial.ca.us
Serving Imperial County Since 1938
Mounted Posse
The Imperial County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse was established in 1938 under the leadership of Sheriff Robert W. Ware. For more than 85 years, the Mounted Posse has proudly supported the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office by providing volunteer assistance at community events, public safety functions, and Sheriff’s Office activities throughout Imperial County.
About the Mounted Posse
Originally formed to provide mounted support during large public gatherings, the Mounted Posse has evolved into a respected volunteer organization dedicated to community service while preserving the tradition and heritage of mounted service. Today, members support the California Mid-Winter Fair, parades, rodeos, public celebrations, and other special events.
Mission Today
Mounted Posse members are committed to professionalism, horsemanship, community service, and representing the Sheriff’s Office with pride. Volunteers receive ongoing training in horsemanship, safety, crowd management, and event support.
Building Strong Youth Through Positive Community Partnerships
Activities League (SAL)
The Imperial County Sheriff’s Activities League (S.A.L.) is committed to providing positive recreational, educational, and leadership opportunities for the youth of Imperial County. Through mentorship, teamwork, and community engagement, S.A.L. helps young people develop confidence, responsibility, discipline, and respect while fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and the communities we serve.
Our goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment where youth can build character, develop healthy lifestyles, and make positive choices that contribute to their future success.
About S.A.L.
The Sheriff’s Activities League brings together Sheriff’s Office personnel, volunteers, coaches, and community partners to provide quality programs that encourage personal growth, physical fitness, leadership, and community involvement. By connecting young people with positive role models, S.A.L. strives to reduce juvenile crime and delinquency while strengthening trust and mutual respect between youth and law enforcement.
Programs & Activities
Throughout the year, S.A.L. offers:
- Boxing
- Judo
- Soccer
- Flag Football
- Youth Leadership Program
Programs may vary based on seasonal schedules, community interest, and volunteer availability.
Why Participate?
Participants have opportunities to:
- Build self-confidence
- Develop leadership skills
- Learn teamwork and sportsmanship
- Improve physical fitness
- Strengthen communication skills
- Build positive relationships with law enforcement
- Participate in safe and structured activities
- Develop lifelong friendships
Get Involved
For information about current activities, registration, or upcoming events, please contact:
Tina Garcia
Phone: (442) 265-6105