Volunteer Posse members Phyllis Arispe, left and Ralph McKie, right, cruise around the Mohave County Fairgrounds during the county fair. Photo courtesy of Mohave County Sheriff’s Office
MOHAVE COUNTY – They’re the backup for regular the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office deputies out in the field and in the communities.
However, they need help.
The MCSO Volunteer Posse is at 30 percent in capacity and capability in the Lake Havasu City, Fort Mohave, Mohave Valley, Topock/Golden Shores, Dolan Springs and Meadview districts. Recruiting is underway in those districts and the posse is accepting applications for interested candidates.
The posse’s mission is to assist MCSO in any way possible.
“This could be anything as simple as routine patrols, towing vehicles, directing traffic or transporting arrestees to the Adult Detention Facility in Kingman,” said Mike Bryant, Current Supervisor for the District One Posse Unit.
Mohave County is broken up into four districts.
District 1 is Kingman, Golden Valley, Peach Springs and Wikieup. District 2 is Fort Mohave, Mohave Valley, and Topock/Golden Shores. District 3 is Lake Havasu City. District 4 is Dolan Springs and Meadview.
District 1 is currently at capacity at 100 percent.
Districts 2, 3 and 4 need a helping hand.
There are a few requirements.
“We are looking for individuals with strong morals, integrity and a solid work ethic,” Bryant said. “This is a team atmosphere, and we rely on each other for a lot of the tasks that we are involved in, so a team player is essential too.”
It’s helpful for an applicant to have a law enforcement background, but not required.
“Before you are assigned tasks as a Sheriff’s Posse member, you are required to attend an academy that will supply you with general knowledge,” Bryant said. “Upon successfully completing the academy, you’re assigned a field training officer. This is to apply what you learned at the academy to on-the-job training in the field.”
A criminal history may play a factor.
“Because this is a law enforcement-type position, any criminal history will most likely disqualify you from a position within the organization,” Bryant said. “Every candidate reviewed on a case-by-case situation.”
All posse members are unpaid volunteers.
Bryant himself graduated from the Corrections Officer Training Academy in Tucson. I became a correctional officer at the Arizona State Prison Complex in Winslow. He moved up in rank quickly, landing as a Tactical Support Unit and Designated Arms Response Team officer, consisting of a six-member team.
“After my time at the Winslow facility, I went back to the academy and was a Maricopa Reserve Deputy for a short period before joining the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office,” he said
The posse has a visible presence with the public on a regular basis at events such as The Mohave County Fair, Andy Devine Days Rodeo and Parade, Walk Against Drugs, the annual MCSO Candy Crawl and the occasional street fair downtown where you can see their mobile van and officers mingling amongst the crowd.
“These events give us an opportunity to interact with the public,” Bryant said. “There is usually an outpouring of appreciation for what we do at these events.”
That’s just in the eye of the major crowds.
“Part of our normal routine is extra patrol,” Bryant said. “Being in neighborhoods gives us a chance to talk with residents, give stickers to the kids and it gives the residents peace of mind that someone is around”
Not all officers are tasked with the same job. Some are back-up law enforcement. Others handle the public relations part.
They work on a tier system (levels 1 through 3) based on the skill and expertise of the members.
“Our Level 3 members are allowed to assist with special details such as raids and search warrants where the lieutenants and sergeants request our assistance,” Bryant said.
There are currently 29 volunteers across all districts of the posse. They’re a very intertwined team and resources can be pulled from different districts if needed.
“We have always come together as a team and truly a brother and sisterhood,” Bryant said. “We are actively recruiting in districts 2, 3 and 4. Approximately four more members are needed in all three of these districts.”
More information is available.
Potential volunteers can pick up a flyer at the reception desk at all MCSO offices and substations. The flyer has a breakdown of the tiers mentioned and general information regarding the Volunteer Posse.
“We are always just a phone call away,” said Bryant. “Call the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office and we will be more than happy to help you with anything you may need.”
MCSO can be reached at 928-753-0753.
Aaron Ricca
