Metts Lauds Reserve Deputies

Lexington County Sheriff’s Department reserve deputies worked a total of 3,834 hours in the first quarter of 2012, saving Lexington County taxpayers more than $80,000, said Sheriff James Metts.

Reserve deputies volunteer their time to provide professional law enforcement services to the citizens of Lexington County. Metts said 30 reserve deputies currently volunteer their time to work with the department.

“Reserve deputies are a significant asset for the Sheriff’s Department,” Metts said. “They sacrifice time away from their families in order to supplement the number of full-time, sworn officers who are assigned to road patrol duties with our agency.”

In the first quarter of 2012, reserve deputies worked 293 patrol shifts and answered 1,845 calls for help from citizens in Lexington County, Metts said. The reserve officers also worked 105 shifts at special events, such as festivals, holiday events and parades.

In the first quarter of 2012, reserve deputies wrote 289 incident reports, served 20 warrants and arrested 59 persons, Metts said. The reserve officers also issued 284 citations and warnings for traffic law violations and other offenses.

In the first quarter of 2012, reserve deputies worked a combined total of 3,834 hours, Metts said. That saved Lexington County taxpayers $88,642, based on an hourly rate of $23.12 for a full-time deputy’s annual salary and fringe benefits.

Metts led efforts to persuade the South Carolina General Assembly to permit citizens to serve as reserve law enforcement officers. The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department was the first law enforcement agency in South Carolina to start a reserve officer program.

Citizens who want to serve as a reserve deputy can call the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department at (803) 785-8230, Metts said. You should ask to speak with someone in personnel.

Applications for a reserve deputy position are available at the Lexington County James R. Metts Law Enforcement Complex, 521 Gibson Road, Lexington, Metts said. Citizens also can download an application for a deputy position online at: www.lexingtonsheriff.com.