Sheriff’s Mounted Volunteer
The Sheriff’s Mounted Volunteer program is made up of dedicated individuals who volunteer a substantial amount of time to the Sheriff’s Office along with their equine partners. Sheriff Mounted Volunteers (SMV) dedicate their time to training, public events, trail and neighborhood patrols, and search and rescue missions. The SMV may ride alongside our Sheriff’s Mounted Enforcement unit or provide ground support to the sworn members as needed.
The mounted volunteers and their equine partners must train and pass the same qualification testing as the sworn mounted officers. This type of partnership with a horse takes time, dedication, and patience.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Own or have access to a healthy, good-minded, brave horse.
- Own or have access to a safe, reliable horse trailer and tow vehicle.
- Complete and pass the Sheriff’s Office background investigation.
- Complete and pass the CLETS less than full access test.
- Complete and pass FEMA ICS online courses.
- Attend Sheriff’s radio training course.
- Complete and pass trailer certification.
- Complete and maintain a First Aid/CPR Card (VCSO will provide)
- Maintain a valid Disaster Service Worker Card (VCSO will provide)
- Horse and rider must complete and pass the mounted skills qualification test annually.
- Attend a minimum of 6 SMV training sessions annually on horseback.
- Be available for call outs for SAR missions and/or law enforcement support.
For more information regarding the Sheriff’s Mounted Volunteer program please contact Rayen Richmond @ Rayen.Richmond@Ventura.Org
