Posse Training
The Sun Lakes Sheriff’s Posse is always looking for dedicated men and women to join our team of volunteers. In order to join the Posse program, a person must be at least 21 years old, a US citizen, have a valid Arizona driver's license and be in good health. A person cannot have been convicted of any felonies or have any misdemeanor convictions in the last 12 months or record of improper personal conduct – which will be discovered during the background check – that may affect their suitability for law enforcement work. Applicants must complete and have notarized a written application to start the process.
Once accepted, applicants for the Sun Lakes Sheriff’s Posse are required to complete the Basic Posse Training course curriculum as defined by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. Successful completion of the mandatory twenty-eight (28) hours of classroom training results in classification as a “Basic Posse Member.” Most courses are held at the Sheriff’s Training Center located in Phoenix and in many cases we can help arrange transportation if needed. Classes are subject to change as required per MCSO policy.
There are currently three (3) progressive qualification levels available for Posse members:
Once accepted, applicants for the Sun Lakes Sheriff’s Posse are required to complete the Basic Posse Training course curriculum as defined by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. Successful completion of the mandatory twenty-eight (28) hours of classroom training results in classification as a “Basic Posse Member.” Most courses are held at the Sheriff’s Training Center located in Phoenix and in many cases we can help arrange transportation if needed. Classes are subject to change as required per MCSO policy.
There are currently three (3) progressive qualification levels available for Posse members:
- Basic Training Level
- Intermediate (INT) Level
- Qualified Armed Posse (QAP)
Mandatory Basic Training
BASIC POSSE FUNDAMENTALS: This classroom course covers topics that relate to new Posse members and their role within the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. Topics include: Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office policy and procedures, mission and authority, liability, use of force, uniforms, ethics, radio and patrol procedures, and officer safety. A written examination is administered. Eight (8) hours.
BIAS-FREE POLICING: 4th AND 14th AMENDMENT: This classroom course covers topics including Bias-Free Policing, 4th Amendment and 14th Amendment rights. A written examination is administered. Twenty (20) hours over two days.
ELECTRONIC LEARNING: All posse members will also be required to complete several online electronic learning courses which they can complete at home. Details will be provided once the above courses are completed.
TRAFFIC CONTROL: This course includes both classroom and hands-on training and covers techniques and equipment used by uniformed Posse members for traffic control. Written and proficiency examinations are administered. Eight (8) hours.
Once the Posse member has completed all the Basic Posse courses they may move on to the next progressive qualification level.
BIAS-FREE POLICING: 4th AND 14th AMENDMENT: This classroom course covers topics including Bias-Free Policing, 4th Amendment and 14th Amendment rights. A written examination is administered. Twenty (20) hours over two days.
ELECTRONIC LEARNING: All posse members will also be required to complete several online electronic learning courses which they can complete at home. Details will be provided once the above courses are completed.
TRAFFIC CONTROL: This course includes both classroom and hands-on training and covers techniques and equipment used by uniformed Posse members for traffic control. Written and proficiency examinations are administered. Eight (8) hours.
Once the Posse member has completed all the Basic Posse courses they may move on to the next progressive qualification level.
Intermediate (INT) Posse Qualification
This optional qualification level includes classroom training on topics as shown below. Written and hands-on proficiency exams are administered. Successful completion of all courses in this curriculum results in classification as an “Intermediate Posse Member.”
PRISONER BOOKING: This course familiarizes Posse members with correct procedures for using the computerized system. Four (4) hours.
PRISONER TRANSPORT & SEARCH: This course covers proper methods of searching and transporting prisoners to various locations and identifying contraband. Four (4) hours.
RADIO: This course familiarizes Posse members with log on/off procedures, radio codes and operation, and emergency radio procedures. Four (4) hours.
USE OF FORCE: This classroom course covers the Arizona Revised Status regarding non-lethal use of force and how it applies to the Posse member. Four (4) hours.
DEFENSIVE TACTICS: Posse members enrolled in this course will learn strikes, control holds, ground defense, kicks, pressure points and takedowns that are authorized for uniformed Posse personnel. Twelve (12) hours over three days.
MECHANICAL RESTRAINTS: Successful completion of this course will certify the Posse member in the proper use of handcuffs. Topics include policy and liability issues, maintenance, application and removal techniques and takedowns authorized for uniformed Posse personnel. Eight (8) hours over two days.
CHEMICAL AGENTS/OC PEPPER SPRAY: This course will cover use, effects and decontamination of the defensive spray authorized by the MCSO. A written and practical exam will be administered. You will be exposed to OC Pepper spray. Four (4) hours. After completion of all Intermediate courses the Posse member may take the following optional certification classes.
TASER: Successful completion of this course will certify the Posse member in the proper use of the Taser device authorized by the MCSO for the uniformed Posse. Topics covered include policy, liability issues, proper use, care and application techniques for this defensive weapon. A written and practical exam will be administered. You will not be “tased”. Four (4) hours.
Once the Posse member has completed all the Intermediate courses they may move on to the next progressive qualification level.
PRISONER BOOKING: This course familiarizes Posse members with correct procedures for using the computerized system. Four (4) hours.
PRISONER TRANSPORT & SEARCH: This course covers proper methods of searching and transporting prisoners to various locations and identifying contraband. Four (4) hours.
RADIO: This course familiarizes Posse members with log on/off procedures, radio codes and operation, and emergency radio procedures. Four (4) hours.
USE OF FORCE: This classroom course covers the Arizona Revised Status regarding non-lethal use of force and how it applies to the Posse member. Four (4) hours.
DEFENSIVE TACTICS: Posse members enrolled in this course will learn strikes, control holds, ground defense, kicks, pressure points and takedowns that are authorized for uniformed Posse personnel. Twelve (12) hours over three days.
MECHANICAL RESTRAINTS: Successful completion of this course will certify the Posse member in the proper use of handcuffs. Topics include policy and liability issues, maintenance, application and removal techniques and takedowns authorized for uniformed Posse personnel. Eight (8) hours over two days.
CHEMICAL AGENTS/OC PEPPER SPRAY: This course will cover use, effects and decontamination of the defensive spray authorized by the MCSO. A written and practical exam will be administered. You will be exposed to OC Pepper spray. Four (4) hours. After completion of all Intermediate courses the Posse member may take the following optional certification classes.
TASER: Successful completion of this course will certify the Posse member in the proper use of the Taser device authorized by the MCSO for the uniformed Posse. Topics covered include policy, liability issues, proper use, care and application techniques for this defensive weapon. A written and practical exam will be administered. You will not be “tased”. Four (4) hours.
Once the Posse member has completed all the Intermediate courses they may move on to the next progressive qualification level.
Qualified Armed Posse (QAP)
The final optional progressive qualification level is the Qualified Armed Posse (QAP) curriculum. Attendance requires acceptance into the QAP Academy. Completion of all Basic and Intermediate Posse courses is required before applying to the QAP Academy.
USE OF FORCE: This course will cover the Arizona Revised Statues regarding the use of lethal and non-lethal force and how it applies to the Posse member. Four (4) hours.
WEAPONS RETENTION: Students in this course will learn various handgun retention and disarming techniques authorized for use by uniformed Posse members. Use of force, liability and officer safety will also be discussed. Four (4) hours.
FIREARMS: Topics covered in this course include manipulation, use, and care of a duty handgun. Students will learn and practice marksmanship, night shooting techniques, reloads, malfunctions and various shooting positions. The judicial use of deadly force, liability issues, mental conditioning and tactics will also be covered. Written, Marksmanship, and Judgmental Use of Force proficiency exams will be administered. The firearms training is held on a Saturday and Sunday over 3 weekends and runs approximately forty-eight to sixty hours (48-60). QAP firearms training is usually available 4-5 times throughout the year.
BATON: This course covers policy and liability issues regarding carry and use of the MCSO approved expandable baton. Students will learn proper techniques for use of this defensive weapon. A written and practical exam will be administered. Four (4) hours. After completion of QAP the Posse member may enroll in additional courses including rifle skills, and building clearing/patrol assistance training.
Though TASER is optional for Intermediate Posse members, both TASER and Baton are required for QAP trained Posse members. QAP Posse members are required to complete annual qualifications and written testing where applicable, on the following:
USE OF FORCE: This course will cover the Arizona Revised Statues regarding the use of lethal and non-lethal force and how it applies to the Posse member. Four (4) hours.
WEAPONS RETENTION: Students in this course will learn various handgun retention and disarming techniques authorized for use by uniformed Posse members. Use of force, liability and officer safety will also be discussed. Four (4) hours.
FIREARMS: Topics covered in this course include manipulation, use, and care of a duty handgun. Students will learn and practice marksmanship, night shooting techniques, reloads, malfunctions and various shooting positions. The judicial use of deadly force, liability issues, mental conditioning and tactics will also be covered. Written, Marksmanship, and Judgmental Use of Force proficiency exams will be administered. The firearms training is held on a Saturday and Sunday over 3 weekends and runs approximately forty-eight to sixty hours (48-60). QAP firearms training is usually available 4-5 times throughout the year.
BATON: This course covers policy and liability issues regarding carry and use of the MCSO approved expandable baton. Students will learn proper techniques for use of this defensive weapon. A written and practical exam will be administered. Four (4) hours. After completion of QAP the Posse member may enroll in additional courses including rifle skills, and building clearing/patrol assistance training.
Though TASER is optional for Intermediate Posse members, both TASER and Baton are required for QAP trained Posse members. QAP Posse members are required to complete annual qualifications and written testing where applicable, on the following:
- Firearms, including personal rifle if they have completed the required training,
- Judgmental use of force, and;
- TASER
Field Training Officer (FTO) Program
In addition to the above courses each Posse member receives extensive on-the-job training under direction from the Training Officer of the Sun Lakes Sheriff’s Posse. The Posse member learns and applies proper radio techniques and codes, care and use of specialized equipment, map reading, scene protocol, and the command structure within the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office and Sun Lakes Sheriff’s Posse. The Posse member will learn how to properly interact with members of the public and law enforcement agencies, conduct day-time and night-time patrols. On-the-job training typically lasts for several months. Successful completion of a mandatory ride-along evaluation with the Training Officer or delegate authorizes Posse members to conduct patrols alone.
Additional Optional Training
The following training courses are available for Posse members who have completed the mandatory Basic Training classes. CPR/1st Aid: This course involves completion of the CPR/First Aid course. All training and recertification requirements will be fully discussed with the Posse member by the Training Officer of the Sun Lakes Sheriff’s Posse. Each training course is designed to ensure that our Posse members achieve the skill levels necessary to effectively serve the Sun Lakes community and to keep our volunteers safe while doing so.
For additional information on how to become a Posse member, click HERE to open a PowerPoint presentation in PDF format.
For additional information on how to become a Posse member, click HERE to open a PowerPoint presentation in PDF format.
