Reserve Deputies generally assist full-time sworn personnel in the day-to-day delivery of law enforcement services and for emergencies. Reserve Deputies of the Sampson County Sheriffs Office have the authority to exercise the same law enforcement powers as full-time sworn personnel, whenever assigned to duties by supervisory or command officers of the Sampson County Sheriff's Office. Official duties of such Reserve Deputies include, but are not limited to:

• Any day-to-day delivery of law enforcement services
• Emergencies
• Special details
• Providing coverage for funerals
• Assisting with parades
• Assisting with community events, etc.

All Reserve Deputies must complete a state certified basic law enforcement training course prior to assuming any law enforcement activity. Reserve Deputies assigned to the detention center must complete a detention officer certification course prior to assuming the responsibilities of a detention officer.

Reserve Deputies are required to perform a minimum of twelve hours of duty per month or one hundred and forty-four hours a year in order to maintain their status as a Reserve Deputy.