Qualifications
State law requires all reserve candidates to go through the same stringent background checks and training as someone seeking regular, full-time employment with any Texas law enforcement agency. They also must pass the same state exams for licensing as a regular officer. An extensive background investigation and drug testing help assure only applicants of good moral character and reputation enter the reserve organization. Other requirements during background include medical exams, polygraph, and psychological exams.

Community contributions by reserve deputies include time volunteered for humanitarian organizations that vary from the Leukemia Society, March of Dimes, Muscular Dystrophy Association and many others. In 1999, the Reserves worked with 39 different charity organizations.

Training
Reserve cadets must complete 560 hours of law enforcement academy training, just as any full-time peace officer before certification and commissioning. After certification and commissioning, an in-service training program becomes mandatory for reserve deputies. Reserve and regular deputies teach together at the Academy. Deputies must pass the state peace officer certification exam for certified Reserve Law Enforcement Officer status by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCLEOSE).