Volunteer with the Malibu Search & Rescue

Thank you for your interest in being a part of the Malibu Search and Rescue Team (Malibu SAR). 

Malibu SAR is affiliated with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and is one of seven such teams in the county. Our base is at the Lost Hills Sheriff's Station in Calabasas.

Reserve Deputies

Most team members are sworn Reserve Sheriff Deputies with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. As a result, most of us are P.O.S.T. certified law enforcement officers while on duty with the Department.  Please note that this is a volunteer position with a $1 per year salary. This is not a career, it is a calling.  A calling to help your community and those you have never met before, and will likely never see again.

To become a Reserve Deputy, you must be at least 21 years of age, a U.S. Citizen, as well as:

  • submit a very detailed personal application and pass a thorough background check,
  • pass a battery of physical & fitness exams,
  • pass a psychological exam, and
  • successfully complete the law enforcement academy.

The law enforcement academy/training is offered through the L.A. Sheriff's Academy or another similar state P.O.S.T. (California Peace Officer Standard of Training) certified course, taught at some community colleges and other law enforcement agencies in California.  The lead time for entering an academy can be a year.  So, the sooner your apply, the better.

The academy training requires a significant time commitment with most reserve academies meeting evenings and weekends, for 6 to 9 months, and include class instructions, hands-on training, as well as lots of homework.

Civilian Volunteer Specialists

In addition to Reserve Sheriff Deputies, we also have Civilian Volunteer Specialists (CVS).  CVS personnel generally perform the same function on SAR operations, but have more limited authority and capabilities when there is a law enforcement connection to the SAR operation.

CVS do not attend the LASD Reserve Academy, and undertake a more abbreviated background process.  CVS do not have law enforcement powers, carry a duty weapon or possess a badge.  CVS serve in vital roles on Malibu SAR and many of them fill critical positions on the team.  Because CVS are not required to maintain law enforcement certifications, they are expected to work two rescue patrols per month in addition to trainings and rescues.

SAR Training

Search and Rescue (SAR) training is provided by our team upon successful completion of the reserve academy.  We find that it usually takes 12-18 months of SAR training and exposure to the Rescue Team before one can become trained sufficiently to be considered "operational."  Team training includes rescue rope systems, rappelling, climbing, snow and ice operations, swift water operations, helicopter operations, wild-land fire operations, search operations, interface with other emergency service providers, and navigation and area intelligence.

In addition, all team members must obtain and retain a minimum medical training of an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), and live within 20 minutes of our operational area.

What to Expect Once You Join the Team

Once you complete the LASD Reserve Academy or CVS backgrounds, each team member is required to dedicate a minimum of 20 hours per month of their time to team activities which generally include:

  • one full weekend day (8 hours) of team training when the entire team trains together,
  • one full weekend day (8 hours) of scheduled rescue patrol (two weekend day rescue patrols for CVS),
  • monthly team meeting (2-3 hours) - one evening a month when the team gets together to discuss items pertinent to the team and conduct trainings,
  • search & rescue call-outs and related operations (somewhere between 4 to 8 callouts per month).

Team members spend additional time as required:

  • reserve deputies staying current on their required law enforcement skills and knowledge (24 hours every two years),
  • reserve deputies and CVS keeping their EMT certification up to date, and
  • participating in the yearly MRA re-certification.

Joining Malibu SAR requires an extensive amount of time, effort, perseverance and hard work.  If you are seeking the opportunity to help out “here and there”, this is not the right opportunity.  But, if you are willing to devote a substantial amount of time and effort to a program that you will never regret, check us out.

When you are ready to apply for LASD Reserve Deputy position, click here and complete the application.  If you are seeking a CVS position, please email Recruiting@MalibuSAR.org and include your resume/background and contact information.