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Pottawattamie County Special Deputies Organization


It shall be the aim of the Pottawattamie County Special Deputies Organization to be of assistance to; and act as an official law enforcement agency; under the director and directly responsible to; the duly elected or appointed Sheriff of Pottawattamie County, Iowa. To act in such a manner that will reflect favorably upon the Sheriff and the Pottawattamie County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) as a whole.

History and Certification

The Pottawattamie County Special Deputies group was organized in 1961 by then Sheriff Roy O. Winchael with 15 members. The Pottawattamie County Special Deputies group was reorganized into an association in 1974, which is where it is today. All members must be approved and sworn in by the Sheriff of Pottawattamie County. Once sworn in, Special Deputies begin about 18-months of training which is comprised of classroom sessions, hands-on tactics and field training in order to achieve the mandatory requirements established by the Sheriff, as well as complete several levels of testing required by the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) to become a Certified Reserve Officer. Members may also further their training and become certified to take part in the motor unit and bicycle patrols.


The Specials Organization holds a monthly business meeting as a group and attendance is required. Members of the Organization must also be active members of the Iowa State Reserve Law Officers Association (ISRLOA).

Law Enforcement Presence and Activities

The members of the Specials Organization volunteer their personal time to serve the citizens of Pottawattamie County without pay or compensation. Special Deputies must fund their own uniforms, duty weapon, duty gear, bullet proof vest, inclement weather gear and other work-related accessories or equipment necessary to perform assigned tasks. The Special Deputies assist the Sheriff's Office with patrols, emergency situations, call-outs and natural disasters within the County. The Organization also provides law enforcement presence throughout Pottawattamie County for a variety of events which includes public concerts; high school games and other activities such as proms, holiday dances and graduations; community events such as the County Fair, local parades, rodeos and derby events; and other special community celebrations. Special Deputies are often called upon by organizations outside the city limits of Council Bluffs and the communities of Underwood, Carson, Avoca, Treynor, Neola, Crescent, Walnut, Minden and others.