[CigarStix]

Any Police Reserves in this Forum?

Just curious about your experiences. Have you found it fulfilling?

I was unaware how many departments actually offer Reserve programs. What can you share?

Thanks!

 

[ArmyCop]

I did a little more than 10 years Police Reserves in the little city I live it. Very rewarding and an excellant learning experiance. Presently I'm a Federal Police Officer. Looking back at that time along with being a Combat MP in the National Guard (veteran OIF Iraq 2003) I think of those experiances along with others as "God's stepping stones" to get me from where I'd been in life to where I am now. I'd highly recommend for anyone wanting to help their local law enforcement.

 

[CigarStix]

Thanks ArmyCop. Guess there aren't too many in this Forum.

Stay safe!

 

[TSKnight]

Yep, been on the local Sheriff's Reserve for 18 years. Over all it has been a very rewarding experience.

If you are interested in more details, let me know. I'll tell you what I can.

 

[JAG45]

I got on with a small city department seven years ago. When I went through the cert class, I was in my mid 50's, one of the others in class going into the same department with me was in his early 60's. There was 16 people who started in the class, 2 quit and 2 started full time before the class finished. I was 2nd on the PT test, the poor old man finished mid pack. We were the highest two grades in the class and I was high shooter. After about three years the two of us are in charge of the reserve program for.

If you are good with people and want to put in the time and try, they will find a place for you no matter when you start and hang on to you even if you do not want to go full time ever.

In our reserve program you have two different types of people who get in, the young guys wanting to get started in LEO work, and the older guys who just want to help their coumminty and other officers. The department does hire full time about 75% from the reserve program. It has been good experence over all.

Run a search on "Reserves" and you will find several topics about the experences getting in and how the programs are handled

 

[CigarStix]

I'd be in the latter group. How are Reserve cops treated by the rest of the force?

Thanks!

 

[JAG45]

CS, treatment varies a great deal by department and how the reserve program is setup. Generally the smaller the more you are treated like full-time. Even in the small department I am with it will vary a little by the person’s feeling that is the head of the department. We try to carry 10 reserve officers for a 24 man department, but a lot of the time we are down to 4-5 officers. We are required to ride with a full time patrol officer 8 hours a month and work one event. We work all high school football and basketball games, and most big city events; like the county fair and summer festival and city parades.

Generally the Reserve Sgt. and Cpl’s can come in and get a car and patrol by themselves if a car is available. Most of the full-time officers really like us out there, and know that some of the time we may be their first and only back-up for awhile. As usual some think we are a pain and cause more problems than we are worth. I am a certified instructor and really enjoy working with the officers and public. Remember the public is who you are serving.

 

[CigarStix]

Down here, the Harris County Sheriff's Reserves act as police officers, complete with sidearm at all times. They are required to work a min of 20 hrs/month.

All the training and uniforms are apparently free. It might be worth it just for the added training!

 

[DocT65]

Our Department has a Reserve Program. Overall, I'd say it is highly successful; Administration likes it as it saves a lot of money in addition to being a valuable service. This is attributed to the fact that it is supervised by 3 highly competent and dedicated full time LEO's. Training and minimum levels of participation are both mandatory, and the degree of participation is commensurate with the amount of training the reservist has received and mastered. Reservists can attend a state-approved certification academy if they so desire; this opens up much more opportunity as far as responsibility and duties performed--including full sworn powers of arrest. Overall, the full time members appreciate the reserve members and the work that they do for the Department and community. It is and can be a very rewarding opportunity; laws vary greatly from state to state about who can serve, what duties can be done, whether or not carry of a firearm is legal, etc. The important thing to remember in a reserve program is to recognize and work within your boundaries as defined by your department's SOP's and your own state's laws.

 

[10thmtn]

I served as an Auxiliary Officer in my town for the last three years - recently had to reluctantly resign.

Due to budget issues, the department elected to prohibit our carrying of sidearms (which I bought on my own dime) because they could not pay for the mandatory annual training. I refuse to wear the uniform with nothing but OC spray to protect myself. Kinda stinks, because I also recently bought my own vest to wear while on duty. At least it's all tax deductible!

Other than that, it was a mostly rewarding experience. Set a good example for my son. Sure, there are some regulars who treat us like a joke (and some of the Auxiliaries are better than others). Most regulars were glad to have the help.

I know I made a difference in several situations - massive traffic jam after a parade due to a minor traffic accident I helped resolve; couple of kids who passed out due to the heat at a fireworks display who I helped and called in the EMTs for; etc.

I might return if the department reverses its decision...time will tell.

I'd say go for it - if it ends up not being for you, you can always resign. The experience will stay with you.

 

[joker1]

I just recently started as a police auxiliary with my local PD. We are a volunteer group who assists with traffic control, impounds, bond outs, crime scene security, etc. We are not allowed to carry sidearms:frown: but we are allowed to carry OC spray if we take the training and get sprayed. They do provide uniforms, duty belt, vest, cuffs, radio, whistle, and some training. I've only been out a few times but I've taken care of a couple wrecker calls that enabled the officers to get back on patrol. One night we all responded to a call where someone was walking down the street looking in cars. Couldn't find them, so while the officers resumed their patrols we parked nearby and waited. Sure enough 10 minutes later the subject reappeared and we called it in. After a small foot chase the officers caught the subject. I am enjoying it so far.

 

[JaxRolo]

My son Graduated from the Police Academy here in Jacksonville. Passed his state test and will be starting out as a Reserve Officer in a couple of weeks. Until he finds a permanent position.

If anyone here has Reserve experience here in Jax please let me know.

 

[CigarStix]

My son Graduated from the Police Academy here in Jacksonville. Passed his state test and will be starting out as a Reserve Officer in a couple of weeks. Until he finds a permanent position.

If anyone here has Reserve experience here in Jax please let me know.

Congrats to your son. Good luck to him!

 

[JaxRolo]

Congrats to your son. Good luck to him!

Thanks!

Update- He has been at it a few months and it's enjoying. It. Has had a lot of action.

 

[Chaplain Scott]

Just saw this thread--don't know how I missed it earlier when it was really fresh. Yes, it IS a very worthwhile experience. I went thru the Reserve Academy in Jan-May of this year (2 nights a week, 4 hours each night for 5 months, plus two jobs and a ranch--that might be why I missed it :image035 Our rural county (1800 sq miles) has only 5 deputies that perform regular patrol (this tally does not count the Sheriff, Under-Sheriff or Chief Deputy (Investigator). We have 13 Reserve Officers. We are all sworn, with full powers of arrest while on duty. All of the Reserves demonstrate the same level of professionalism as our full-timers. They know that they could really not adequately do their jobs without us due to budget constraints. I have not seen any of the full-timers treat us with contempt. Since being sworn-in in June, I have been trying to go out 1-2 times per week. This sudden cancer surgery has kind of thrown a crimp in that, but once I get medically cleared from the surgery, I should be back at it.

Now, gear-wise, it is a different matter. The full-timers get the best gear--but then, they are actually out there working FULL-Time, so its not a big deal. They each have their own patrol vehicle that they go to and from work in--but the dept. requires them to live in specified parts of the county to ensure adequate geographical coverage.

If you haven't done this yet, take the time to research your state laws on Reserve Officer status--this homework will help you out.

 

[Wunderneun]

I did five years with my county Sheriff's Department. Worked all of the garden spots of the St. Louis Metro East area.

 

[Secret Spuk]

Hey Fella's

I would love to work as a Reserve Officer, but in Florida I'd have to go through thr regular police academy with the 20 yr olds. My 60 yr old body probably wouldnt hold up. My experience officially counts for nothing.

My department has auxilliaries. They are not really reserve officers but non-sworn civillians wearing police uniforms with a five point star as a badge instead of the potsy shield all sworn officers wear. They are unarmed, and recieve no firearms training. They have no special power other than what the state allows any other citizen. They patrol their pct. in uniform, usually along high pedestrian traffic areas. This is almost always in low crime Pct's. They may also be assigned to work events. They are referred to as the eye's and ears of the department. When on patrol they patrol in teams of between two and six. One member of the team always has a department radio attuned to what ever patrol division the Pct they are working is. Members of the Aux. have been killed in the line of duty.

But mostly they are Buff's. (not that thats a bad thing)

 

[5lima30ret]

The agency I worked for had reserves who were fully trained (been through the FTO program) and would fill in for officers who were on vacation, sick, and work special events (Bike Week, Biketoberfest, Arts Festivals, parades, football games, races, etc.) Some of the neighboring jurisdictions that had reserves only used them for prisoner transport, courtroom security, or walk-in complaints. Our reserves would come in check out a vehicle, radio, long gun, and then be assigned a zone just like the full-time officers. But it does depend on the agencies needs.

 

[Secret Spuk]

The agency I worked for had reserves who were fully trained (been through the FTO program) and would fill in for officers who were on vacation, sick, and work special events (Bike Week, Biketoberfest, Arts Festivals, parades, football games, races, etc.) Some of the neighboring jurisdictions that had reserves only used them for prisoner transport, courtroom security, or walk-in complaints. Our reserves would come in check out a vehicle, radio, long gun, and then be assigned a zone just like the full-time officers. But it does depend on the agencies needs.

Would that be the Daytona Beach PD?

 

[5lima30ret]

No, I retired from DeLand which is in the same county. Daytona Beach PD reserves work traffic posts and prisoner transport during special events. Bike Week and Biktoberfest have morphed into huge events (400,000-500,000 people)that are spread all over the county throughout the various jurisdictions. DeLand hosts the motorcycle drag races, (2) of the larger Bike shows and the largest bike auction during these events. DeLand also hosts some of the top world skydiving championships with skydivers from all over the world..