S.A.V. MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION AND REQUIREMENTS

GENERAL

The Green Valley Sheriff's Auxiliary Volunteers (S.A.V.) is an internationally recognized, professional volunteer organization, which assists the Pima County Sheriff's Department (PCSD). SAV duties include patrolling in marked SAV patrol cars, staffing both the SAV front desk and the PCSD Green Valley District office front desk. We provide bailiffs for District 7 Court and provide personnel for an Emergency Response Team and Mobile Command Post that may be used anywhere in Pima County. SAV has a group established in support of citizen care, for residents that may be memory impaired. We serve in our community with foot patrols in the Green Valley Malls and at the White Elephant. Our volunteers also provide many administrative duties including data input. Therefore, volunteers are expected to meet certain basic requirements in order to qualify, such as a service commitment. Volunteers must recognize that they represent the Pima County Sheriff's Department and the public expects them to be perfect drivers, courteous under difficult conditions and able to handle their assignments quickly and competently.

Admission to full S.A.V. membership occurs through a process of screening, formal training, patrol or specialty training and formal acceptance. After formal acceptance into full membership, a specified level of competence and commitment must be maintained to retain this status.

SCREENING

A Selection Board for admission into the S.A.V. Training Academy first screens volunteers. Trainees are expected to be of good moral character, exhibit sound judgment, and be even-tempered and physically fit to perform the prescribed duties. Specific admission requirements include the following:

A. Reside in our recruiting area, as prescribed by the S.A.V. Policies.

B. Possess a valid driver's license and vehicle liability insurance.

C. Submit to a background check by the Pima County Sheriff's Department.

D. The commitment to faithfully attend the S.A.V. Training Academy.

E. Upon graduation from the Academy as a Track I, the commitment to be available for service on a priority basis at least 100 hours per year. Track II Academy Graduates are required to be available for 200 hours per year.

F. The willingness and ability to perform patrol duties under adverse weather conditions. Patrol duties are not performed by Track I Academy Graduates.

PHYSICAL APPROPRIATENESS

Each volunteer must be in good physical and mental health and have no known disabilities that might place the volunteer, co-worker or public in a hazardous and unsafe condition. Volunteers must be able to communicate in a clear concise manner and have legible handwriting. Individuals' physical disabilities may limit which functions in SAV that an individual may be able to perform.

Additionally the patrol function will include the following situations:

A. Getting into and out of a patrol vehicle many times during a six-hour patrol session.

B. Walking on foot patrol or standing and directing traffic for several hours in possibly hot and /or inclement weather.

C. Reading street signs and house numbers from a moving vehicle in both day light

and darkness, i.e. acceptable day and night vision.

D. Hearing and understanding all forms of communication. Give traffic directions using hand signals with and without flashlights. Use vehicle computers, microphones and hand held radios.

PHYSICAL APPEARANCE

All S.A.V. members are expected to report to work dressed in the approved uniform that is neat, clean and in good repair. Physical appearance and dress requirements are directed by the PCSD regulations.

A. Hair Styles

1. Hair shall be neat, clean, properly trimmed, and well groomed.

2. In no case shall the bulk or length of the hair interfere with the correct wearing of authorized headgear.

3. Hair may be worn in contemporary styles but no lower than the top of the shirt collar at the back of the neck for men, bottom of the shirt collar at the back of the neck for women, and the mid-point of the ear at the sides when the man or woman is standing with his/her head in a normal position. Hair shall not extend below the eyebrow line on the forehead. Hair shall not extend more than three inches outward from the surface of the head. If female personnel wish to wear longer hair, it must be pinned up to conform to the foregoing standards. Sideburns shall extend no lower than the bottom of the ear.

B. Facial Hair

1. Mustaches are permissible and must be neatly trimmed and shall not extend more than 1/2 inch beyond or 1/2 inch below the corners of the mouth, nor shall they extend below the top of the upper lip.

2. Personnel shall be clean shaven, except for sideburns and mustaches.

FORMAL TRAINING

The S.A.V. conducts at least one Training Academy each year. The formal training consists primarily of class work for three mornings every week. S.A.V. staff members, Pima County Sheriff’s Department Deputies, a Tucson Police Department Detective and Green Valley Fire District provide instruction. Before graduation, trainees purchase their uniforms. After graduation, trainees become badged. Graduation requirements include the following:

Patrol and Non Patrol

A. Being well-versed in the P.C.S.D. communications codes.

B. The ability to communicate using the P.C.S.D. radio communications system.

C. Passing written examinations with a grade average of at least 75%.

D. The demonstrated ability to adequately perform required functions.

E. A valid driver’s license and vehicle liability insurance.

F. Ability to follow uniform requirements of the P.C.S.D. General Order 94-008, Appearance, Uniforms and Equipment and S.A.V. Uniform Policy No. 1.00.

Additional Training

Track 1 graduates are trained for specific non patrol functions during the first 52 hours of the Academy and must satisfy the unit(s) requirements as to proficiency in a period determined by the Deputy Commander in charge of the function. Upon successful completion of 75 hours of duty as described in the S.A.V. Policies, the volunteer will be reimbursed for their uniforms up to the maximum permitted by the S.A.V. Policies.

Track II graduates who satisfactorily complete the Training Academy will begin a probationary period of 72 hours patrolling with experienced personnel from the Field Operations Division with Field Training Officers. Upon successful completion of 150 hours of duty as described in the S.A.V. Policies, the volunteer will be reimbursed for their uniforms up to the maximum permitted by the S.A.V. Policies.