Western law enforcement has used the assistance of volunteers since territorial days to track down bandits or to look for lost people.

These volunteers were usually formed into a group called a posse. In 1941, Maricopa County in Arizona began formally structuring these volunteers into different posses based upon their expertise.

Today the Sheriff’s Office has 47 different Posse’s of which have a combined membership of over 3,000 volunteers.

One of the earliest organized non-horse posses was the Maricopa County Sheriff's Jeep Posse, formed in 1956. The Jeep Posse carries on the tradition of the early posses and participates in all phases of law enforcement. The "Jeeps" provide valuable assistance to virtually every division within the Sheriff's Office.

This assistance includes emergencies of every nature; particularly Search & Rescue missions, maintaining law & order on the lakes and rivers, backing up patrol deputies on dangerous calls; providing traffic control for accidents, special events and other duties as called upon by the Sheriff's Office.

The Jeep Posse's main expertise is in the area of Search & Rescue.

Maricopa County comprises 9,226 square miles, which makes it the 9th largest county and the Sheriff's Office the 4th largest in the United States .

Much of the county is uninhabited desert and mountain terrain. As a result of the high use of these recreational areas by off-road enthusiasts, hikers, campers and boaters, (most of whom are untrained and unequipped for survival) all have become subjects of Search & Rescue operations.

Stranded motorists, downed aircraft, and train derailments have also occurred in these remote areas. In response to this situation, Maricopa County has developed one of the most efficient and successful Search & Rescue organizations in the entire nation.

The Jeep Posse is usually the first responders on the scene because of our training, quick response time, and off-road capability. The Jeep Posse motto is "We are there when you need us the most".

The Jeep Posse donates many hours of service each year, which saves the taxpayers of Maricopa County many thousands of dollars. Last year, over 10,000 hours and 100,000 miles were donated.

Current members come from all walks of life; business executives, salesmen, auto mechanics, retired military. Whatever their background, all our members share a sense of civic responsibility and camaraderie .

Being a member of the Jeep Posse provides a rewarding sense of belonging to an elite, well-trained, well-equipped organization which is always ready, willing, and able to assist the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office and the citizens of Maricopa County. One of the greatest rewards in Search & Rescue is the feeling that you are truly making a difference in someone's life and the thanks you receive when you reunite a person with their family and loved ones.

People who would like to become a volunteer with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Jeep Posse must be at least 21 years of age, be a resident of Maricopa County, possess a valid Arizona driver's license, and have no felony convictions. All applicants will undergo a background check, drug test and formal interview.

Once approved, the applicant will receive 125+ hours of training covering First Aid, CPR, law & legal education, traffic control, basic law enforcement, self-defense, and extensive firearms training. Jeep Posse members must also attend a Search & Rescue Academy and have a four-wheel drive vehicle in good mechanical condition. Training is provided free of charge by the Sheriff's Office and most classes are held evenings and weekends.

Donations are also welcome to help defray the expenses associated with operating this worthwhile, non-profit, charitable organization. All donations of equipment or financial aid are greatly appreciated.

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Jeep Posse is a

 Tax Deducitible 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization.