Becoming "The Man"

[thesolidus]

My town has a thing called reserve police officers.

When you start it's small duty, then you get more training etc. You have to attend a P.O.S.T. course and that's 2 nights a week and Saturdays for one semester at a community college so not bad.

I've thought about it, have no record and am fit enough. In an era of both rising gun control and urban violence, when both the government and the people seem to want to leave safety and security to 'professionals." I'm wondering if it might not be a good idea to be on that team WTSHTF.

Anyone here ever serve as Reserve PD? Opinion's good/ bad?

Also, (and not the primary reason but a neat side effect,) with a lot of arguing over 2nd amendment and CCW the thought occured to me... why not get a badge? Not the solution for everyone, but the gun control wants firearms only in the hands of Law Enforcement so...

Just a thought.

 

[geronimo509]

I say you should do it. It doesnt seem like it can hurt. Also, hopefully you can become a real police officer sometime soon. Not to say there is anything wrong with being a reserve officer but I bet the pay is better and you can make a career out of it. BTW, I never heard of a reserve police officer.

 

[RobNDenver]

The first time you are in a scrap with a spithead resisting arrest, you'll be as "real" a police officer as any of the paid staff. Go ahead, it's a great way to volunteer. I've worked with Reserves and Posse members for most of my career and found them to be very effective force multipliers. Remember to wear your vest, and if the department doesn't furnish you one, make sure that you buy it yourself. . . even if you have to go into hock to do it. Good luck to you. . .

 

[geronimo509]

Just to clarify

Not to say there is anything wrong with being a reserve officer but I bet the pay is better and you can make a career out of it

I probably shouldn't have used the word "real" but I agree with you RobNDenver.

 

[Officers'Wife]

My Dad was a 'reserve' sheriff's deputy a few years ago. After six months he quit in disgust. There is an old saying that if you love the law and sausages you should never see either being made. His experience tells enforcement also falls into that venue.

Selena

 

[BullsEye10x]

I was an auxiliary (reserve) officer on a small town PD for about 3 years when I lived up north. Didn't get paid a dime but loved every minute of it. Most agencies give their reserves full arrest powers and allow them to do everything the regular guys do. The down side to that is you have to get all the same certifications (academy training, yearly updates, etc...) as a full time officer, and also furnish your own uniforms/equipment. Working a day job and going to the academy at the same time (nights/weekends) wasn't exactly fun, but I survived.

If the department treats their reserves well (most do, since they aren't getting any other benefits) and doesn't just use them for traffic cone duty, then it's a good thing to do. Great way to help people and give something back to the community while you're at it.

Speaking of which, I've been wanting to get on to a local PD/SD down here for awhile now. Unfortunately, my job is too demanding at the moment.

 

[skyflyer]

I can only speak for my state Iowa

I have been a reserve deputy for 15 years with no intention of going full time.
we are required to train right along side the full time officers and held to the same standards.

the testing process is the same as full time officers.
interview, background check, physical agility test, written test, mmpi and poly.

you are expected to attend yearly classes, first aid, CPR, blood pathogens, legal updates, juvi law updates self defense,pr-24, asp, handcuffing techniques, oc spray, tazer training, handgun qualifications, and shot gun qualifications just to name a few.

you will be required to purchase all leather gear needed inner belt outer belt, holster, cuff cases magazine case, belt keepers stream light flash lights.
you are required to purchase the same duty weapon as carried by the full timers. body armor is optional?
I would guess $1500 or so for everything.

You are representing your department all of the time.Everything you or your family does reflects on your department. Co-workers at your full time job will treat you differently.You will look at others differently and you will learn things about people you would rather not know.

I do think its worth it but its not something to do on a whim.Every once in a while you might feel like you made a difference in some ones life. Other time its simply on to the next call.

 

[TRGRHPY]

I was lucky enough to be an inmate a few weeks ago at the jail here (long story). I had been considering, by prodding from one of my professors who was in charge of the jail, to join the sheriff's reserve. During my processing, the deputies actions made me sick to my stomach and I'll be damned if I will put in my resume with that office when I graduate later this year, much less volunteer to help them out. The rights violations and abuse was frightening. The only way I would consider it would be if I was part of some type of oversight committe or IA team. The deputies were talking all kinds of crap about the reserves behind their back and it was clear that they thought the reserves were a joke.

 

[TRGRHPY]

I was lucky enough to be an inmate a few weeks ago at the jail here (long story). I had been considering, by prodding from one of my professors who was in charge of the jail, to join the sheriff's reserve. During my processing, the deputies actions made me sick to my stomach and I'll be damned if I will put in my resume with that office when I graduate later this year, much less volunteer to help them out. The rights violations and abuse was frightening. The only way I would consider it would be if I was part of some type of oversight committe or IA team. The deputies were talking all kinds of crap about the reserves behind their back and it was clear that they thought the reserves were a joke.