What is a reserve?
A reserve is either a sworn person with a sheriff's office (reserve deputy) or with a
police department (reserve officer). They are like a regular full-time officer, sworn to
uphold and enforce the laws of Oregon.
A reserve's abilities to execute those responsibilites may vary by department as defined
by that particular department's policy and procedures.
What can reserves do?
This may vary significantly by department. Some departments will allow reserves, after
academy training and on the street training, to go solo, that is without having to ride
with a full-time officer. There are some small communities in which reserve officers are
no different than full-time other than pay. Some departments will never permit a reserve
to go out on their own (solo) or even with other reserves. Some departments only permit
reserves to patrol when paired with either another reserve or full-time officer. Some
departments restrict what kinds of calls reserves may take, other departments permit
reserves to answer any call. Typically there will be a big difference in programs offered
by departments in the heavy urban area compared with the rural areas.
Who has reserve programs?
Many police and sheriff departments have reserve programs. See listing. A mail list will
be developed for those interested in being notified when programs are accepting applications.
When can I apply?
Each department has their own application process. Often a department will only accept
applications within a certain time period, often tied with a point in which they will
be conducting a reserve academy.
How long does it take to become a reserve?
In short... a long time. The application process may take three months or more. Then there
is an academy, often six months, and then on the street training.
What is involved in the application process?
Typcially the application will involve the following: a written test, an interview, a medical
physical including eye and hearing, a drug test, a psychological test, a criminal history check,
an extensive background check, and a physical test (eg running, situps, etc.) The sequence
varies widely by department based upon the departments phylosophy on what is best for
screening. Some departments may charge a fee for conducting the tests.
How much does it cost?
With respect to time cost, A LOT. With respect to dollars, it may cost a little or a lot, and
will vary by each department. (Do you sense a common thread, "it varies by department.")
At one extreme, the department will not pay for anything. At the other extreme the department
will pay for everything (not common). Typically a department may supply some items, like
radio, uniform, body armor, some duty belt items, and the reserve must supply the remander, like
weapon, cuffs, duty belt, holster, boots, etc.
What are the qualifications?
Clean criminal background, passing all of the tests, making it past the interview, clean
background check.
How much time must I put in?
The academy is the biggest initial time commitment. Typically academies will be about 16 hours
per week (two 4-hour sessions during week and one weekend day) for six months. After you have
graduated, the department reserve program policy defines the number of hours they require
per month. Some departments have annual special events that the community wants to hold and
reserves are mandated to participate.
What kind of people apply for reserves?
Often people looking for entering law enforcement as a career use reserve programs as a
learning stepping stone for entry. However there is a great need for professionals in
other careers to participate in reserve programs. It is these people that are around for a
long time that offer stability to a reserve program. A good program looks for both kinds of
people to create a balance. Reserve programs needs all kinds of people: blue collar, white
collar, the 9-to-5, and shift workers - labors to PhDs are all part of various reserve
programs.
Do I have to be looking for employment in law enforcement to become a reserve?
No.
What training will I get?
Typically that will vary based upon the academy in which you participate. Many departments
join together to put on a multi-department reserve academy. Then there is post academy training,
a form of FTEP (field training and evalutation program) and in-service training.
Does being a reserve help me get a job in law enforcement full time?
Yes and no. Many departments will use the reserve program as a "try before you buy". This works
well both ways. You as a reserve can determine if you fit with the department, and the
department can determine if you are a fit with them. Every department has its own "culture."
It is also an opportunity for you to determine if you have what it takes to be a law
enforcement officer. It is not for everyone. It is good to determine if you have the skills
and temperment to be an officer. Some do not, its good to learn, and then go find something
that your well suited, if its not a fit.
Are reserve officers paid?
Yes and no. Typically no. Some departments may pay reserves, however this is typically more
in the rural parts of Oregon or may pay only for special details. Think along the lines
of volunteer firemen.
What are the liability issues of being a reserve officer?
If you step outside of the law or department policy, you may be personally liable for
your actions. Don't take this lightly - study well - know the law and your policies.
How does the number of reserves compare with full time?
There are 193 police agencies in Oregon and of those, 141 (73%) agencies
have reserve programs. There are 5,077 officers/deputies (sworn
personnel) in Oregon and 1,286 reserves, that is 20% of officers in
Oregon are reserves. For those agencies that have reserve programs,
reserves officers make up an average of 38% of the agency's officers
with the lowest percentage at 1% and the highest percentage at 86%.
There are 78 OARPO members and a total of 1,286 reserve
officers/deputies, 6% of reserves in Oregon are OARPO members. All
information provided by the Oregon Criminal Justice Directory and
updated by OARPO polling.
What should I look for in a department?
Talk to the reserve coordinator. Ask lots of questions. Talk to other reserves with that
department. Look at their reserve policy manual. Do you want and do they offer solo abilities?
What percentage of reserves do they or others hire? How long is training? Hours per month
requirements? What does the department provide, what must the reserve provide? How long is
the academy, hours, on which days? What are the academy passing requirements? How much firearms,
defensive tactics, and legal training do they provide? What is their policy (in writing) for
handling legal issues? (e.g. you are in a situation requiring legal counsel - when do they
cover you and when do they not.)
Any other suggestions?
Don't lie. You think there may be something that may disqualify you, don't try to cover it
up, don't lie, it will be discovered.
Keep copies of every application you submit. Some departments want to know all the other
departments to which you have applied. This is easy if you have the list. Also each department
has a different set of forms, asking mostly the same kinds of questions. This will simplify
filling out subsequent forms.
Hopefully this has provided some thoughts and some questions that you can take to the
departments in which you are considering particiating.
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