reserve officer

[Kimble]

I'm in the BI stages of application for a reserve deputy position with the largest sheriff's office in my state (AL). In a former life I was an intern with the department, and know the basic duties of LEOs. What I'm not exactly clear about is the difference between the duties of a full-time deputy/officer and a reserve. I'm speaking in general terms, as I know the individuals in the hiring division can speak more specifically to me about their department. But in general, what is the difference?

[retdetsgt]

In my dept., reserves don't perform most police functions. They work only special events, patrol parks during the summer etc. Our union is pretty good about saving jobs for paid police.

However in some depts., the only difference is you work for free.

[michiganstud]

I don't know how AL is. But most of your reserve positions are pretty equal to the full time LEO. Some are paid, some aren't.

[tpd_six]

Depends on the department and state. Here, most reserves are unpaid volunteers, although the department pays for their uniform and some equipment. Some departments do pay their reserves, however. Our reserves come out to work and supplement the full time officers. They have the same academy training, and are able to work by themselves after passing a probationary period. They are required to work a minimum # of hours each month, and pretty much make their own schedules except for a couple of mandatory events such as the county fair and parades, meetings and trainings. Our department policy doesn't give reserves off duty authority, which is one more difference. Could be totally different in your state, however.

[Toeknee112]

In CA we have three levels of Reserve - I, II, III. Level III you are just a citizen volunteer. Level II you have full police powers only when you are on duty...you must be partnered with a full-time officer. Level I reserve officers may work alone and perform the same duties as full-time regular officers.

[Kimble]

Depends on the department and state. Here, most reserves are unpaid volunteers, although the department pays for their uniform and some equipment. Some departments do pay their reserves, however. Our reserves come out to work and supplement the full time officers. They have the same academy training, and are able to work by themselves after passing a probationary period. They are required to work a minimum # of hours each month, and pretty much make their own schedules except for a couple of mandatory events such as the county fair and parades, meetings and trainings. Our department policy doesn't give reserves off duty authority, which is one more difference. Could be totally different in your state, however.

From what I've heard this seems to corroborate what I've heard from the department I'm applying out of. Unfortunately it's an unpaid position. Fortunately they're using my BI as an intern to supplement doing another one, all I have left to complete is the poly and psych. Thanks for all the posts

[Retired Trooper]

Our reserves like most others work special events. Mostly they do traffic control and prisoner transports.

[scott715us]

Even if unpaid, it can more than likely lead you into a paid position with the department. Once you have cleared the BI and everything else to become a reserve, I'm sure it saves your dept the headache of doing it again if you want to become a full-time paid LEO. ;)

[Kimble]

Even if unpaid, it can more than likely lead you into a paid position with the department. Once you have cleared the BI and everything else to become a reserve, I'm sure it saves your dept the headache of doing it again if you want to become a full-time paid LEO. ;)

Well, I have certainly considered applying with the feds, however most LEOs in my state are not compensated very well. I'm happy to work this reserve position unpaid, I will still make a difference in my community. I work in the private sector in a management position, so, while I'm no where near rich by any means, I'm not hurting. Being a reserve, at least right now in my life, is perfect as it will allow me to gain some experience in law enforcement, contribute positively in my community, and still work around my full-time work schedule. Being 24, I do still have a lot of time to reconsider my employment options and venture into fulltime law enforcement, but for right now, assuming I attain the position, the reserves is a perfect fit.

[Piggy]

I was a reserve in Michigan. I did all the same duties as a full time Officer. The only difference is that I always had to be with a full time Officer. In Indiana, the only difference in most departments is that Reserves don't get paychecks.