Carter County sheriff relaunching reserve officer program

ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Carter County Sheriff’s Office is relaunching its reserve officer program and is now accepting applications.

The sheriff’s office said the program’s revival will allow residents to give back to their communities and assist deputies.

“Years ago, the Carter County Sheriff’s Office was blessed to have a very active Reserve Officer Program,” Sheriff Mike Fraley said in a release. “However, over the years the program fell to the wayside and eventually ceased to exist. We are currently working to reinstate the program because we believe it will provide a benefit to our community and the department.”

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Under the program, volunteers undergo training and work alongside certified officers in multiple ways, according to the sheriff’s office.

“This is a perfect opportunity for someone passionate about their community who may not want a full-time career in law enforcement, but they are interested in serving others,” Fraley said.

Fraley is hoping to debut the revived program early this year.

To serve as a reserve officer, volunteers must be at least 21 years old, pass a physical and psychological assessment, pass a criminal background check, and pass the civil service exam.

Those interested can pick up an application from the sheriff’s office’s dispatch office in the lobby of the Carter County Detention Center.

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