Special Deputies and Cadets
Lieutenant Barry Riley

There are two important groups within the Warren County Sheriff's Office that do not get a lot of recognition. They are the Special Deputies and the Cadets. Presently, we have ten Special Deputies, or, as we call them, 'Specials' and four Cadets.

The Specials are men and women who are fully state-certified peace officers who have an interest in serving the citizens of the county. When they are in the uniform of the Sheriff's Office, they are Deputy Sheriffs. That is, they possess the same legal powers of any law enforcement officer. Specials donate a significant amount of their own time to the Sheriff's Office. Each Special must donate forty-eight hours every three months. Some of that time is spent working community events, such as the county fair. Specials also serve as partners with Deputies working on road patrol. Occasionally, there are opportunities for the Specials to work for pay on an off-duty detail.

The Specials are in charge of the Cadet program under Lieutenant Riley's tutelage. A Cadet must be eighteen years old and have no criminal history. Before acceptance, Cadets have to undergo a background investigation, drug screen, and an interview. The physical requirements are the same as those for new Deputy Sheriffs. Cadets must demonstrate an earnest desire to eventually become a state-certified law enforcement officer and become a Special or a full-time Deputy Sheriff.

Cadets are expected to volunteer the same amount of time as Specials. A Cadet may ride with Deputy Sheriffs in their patrol cars once they complete sixteen hours of training in the jail and four hours of training in the Communications Center.

If you are interested in becoming a Cadet or know someone who may be, get in touch with Lieutenant Riley at 513.695.1496.