Working on getting into reserves, anyone care to comment on this?

[Chris-]

Recently i have stepped up my searching for a department that is looking for reservists (while i save money and wait to self sponsor to the academy). Im still not 100% certain i want to go into LE because i lack hands of experience and really enjoy my current job, but i wont let this career slip through my fingers (i always regret not going into the marines, i dont want to regret skipping this).

From what i have gathered here, most PD's use them to cut costs on the weekends and holidays by pairing them up with a sworn officer. They are also used in search and rescue and large public events.

Just wondering if anyone has any idea what reserves are used for or if you have had reserve experience before?

[Citicop]

Very few departments in my area use them at all. The ones that do have them use them as you described, but nearly all of them require the academy prior to commissioning as a reserve officer.

-Citicop.

[Chris-]

Thanks citi, appreciate it.

Yes there is a reserve academy that is run 2 nights a week here, for one semester at a local community college. Its $1800, but i think it would be well worth the experience it will add to my resume regardless if i go into LE. The only hang up is the academy requires that everyone come vetted from a PD which is why im on the hunt.

[RockemSockem]

There are as many answers as there are departments that use reserves. In some, the reserves go out by themselves on road patrol and function as officers; in others they are little more than unarmed, civilians support personnel. You would have to pose that question to any department that you are interested in working for.

[Chris-]

There are as many answers as there are departments that use reserves. In some, the reserves go out by themselves on road patrol and function as officers; in others they are little more than unarmed, civilians support personnel. You would have to pose that question to any department that you are interested in working for.

Thanks, ive been working on getting more info like you said. Most departments want to make sure you are 1) serious and 2) able to be brought on as a reserve before they will dole out much info. Its slow going, but there is progress. Ive been refining my resume, and working on a letter of interest.

EDIT: I am applying to a PD that only requests that i fill out an application (i have that) and sign & date a form that describes the dutys of the job. Should i include a cover letter/resume with this app?

[Kimble]

EDIT: I am applying to a PD that only requests that i fill out an application (i have that) and sign & date a form that describes the dutys of the job. Should i include a cover letter/resume with this app?

Remember that LE is not a private sector job. Some departments require a resume, others do not. Provide them what they ask for, every department I've applied to (over 30, at local, state and federal levels, over the span of several years) is detailed in precisely what they want you to provide.

[Adrenolize]

In NC, they use Reserves and Civilian Patrols. Reserves get the uniform and a marked car, but only go to the crap calls (barking dogs, street cruisers causing congestion...etc). They always are paired up (at least at the department i worked for) unless they were a full time officer in the past that is just maintaining their certification. Even though it was appreciated that we didn't have to go to those calls, most full time officers saw these guys as little more than weekend warriors and were not taken seriously.

My advice is this. If you regret not going to the Marines, or want to go do LE, then GO DO IT! The days of working until you are 50 then retiring are long, long gone. You only have one shot at life, so freakin take it before you are that sad individual that has nothing but regrets!

As far a Law Enforcement goes, experience isn't that big of a deal at first. You will still go through an academy and have to do FTO. They won't cut you loose without being competent. After that, there will be plenty of senior officers and supervisors that can get you through the day. Even the old guys still ask questions. Go do some ride-alongs at a department you are interested in. I would advise against doing a half measure like reserves. Do it or don't do it.

Just remember law enforcement is a mostly thankless, but honorable job. Very few pats on the back, but you make really tight friends and you will help people along the way.

Good luck!