The Burke County Sheriff's Office has twenty paid reserve officers. Each officer has received the same training as a full-time officer and is certified by the North Carolina Sheriff's Standards. Reserve officers are required to work a minimum of twenty hours per month. They assist in all aspects of the Sheriff's Office operations, including patrol, records, telecommunications, and assisting the criminal investigations division. Burke County Sheriff's Office Reserves have a wide array of law enforcement experience, ranging from rookies to deputies with over thirty years of experience.
Some reserves are former full-time employees that still assist in the position they previously held.
Reserves are also utilized for special assignments, such as guarding hospitalized prisoners, ballgame security, carnivals and fairs, and other events that require security and a presence of the Sheriff's Office.