Reserves

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Hello,

I am in the computer industry and make decent money.  I ride often with the local Sheriff's Office on patrols.  I am thinking of taking the local police academy and becoming a reserve.  Since I will not be recieving pay for any of the work I will be doing, is the requirements for becoming a reserve officer as tough as a regular paid officer?  I mean are you just as likely to be axed for the same things?  I don't think I have anything to worry about but I don't want to spend months of training knowing I will not ever get paid for it and then someone say sorry but you wasted your time.  Any help on this would be appreciated.

[JimCMR]

Beja;

I'm sure each state has its own requirements for reserve officers.  Im some states the training is identical, in others it may be a lesser degree of training, usually a reserve officer has a longer period to complete the training.

Being a sworn (full time) officer as opposed to being a reserve, the job security is much different.  A full time officer is usually hired by a merit commission or a board of police commissioners, and can only be dismissed for cause, after a hearing.  A reserve officer can be dismissed because the chief doesn't like your hair color, or anything else they may dream up.  As a rule a reserve officer is subject to the same rules as a full time officer, and many times additional rules.

That said, I have known reserve officers who have served 20+ years, and never had a problem.  It is all in the department make up, and the individual.

I hope this helps.

Good luck.        JimCMR

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One more question, would me having diabetes affect whether I can become a reserve?  I wear an insulin pump so I do not have to take shots.  

Thanks

[JimCMR]

Beja;

The diabetes question is one for your department to answer, all I can tell you is that I spent the last 15 years of my fire service career with diabetes, 2 shots a day, I tried to get a medical disability and got turned down.  I would think with the pump, as long as you didn't have a history of blackouts there would not be a problem, but who knows.

Good luck.         JimCMR

[[e-mail]]

Just wanted to add an update.  I am finished with the medical exam, drug testing, psychological exam, and background/arrest record check and passed with flying colors.  I will be starting the academy next month.  I am very excited.  Wish me luck!

[JimCMR]

Hey Beja;

My best to you, and I think I can speak for all the Board members in wishing you good luck.

Keep us posted on your progress.

JimCMR

[[e-mail]]

Just wanted to add an update.  I made it through the first month in the academy!!  I am learning alot and enjoying myself very much (lots of studying and lots of PT!!).  It is a great pleasure getting to know the people in the academy.  I look forward to working with them as officers.  One of these people may save my life one day or I may even save theirs.

Also thanks to you guys for helping people interested in getting into Law Enforcement.

[sir112]

beja, what police academy are you going through? and its the reserve program right? i was thinking of the reserves with LAPD. i am going to the wednesday meeting today. and is the academy training along with the sworn officers recruits? or reserves have seperate academy training?

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Sir112,

I am going through an Academy in Texas which certifies through T.C.L.E.O.S.E.  (Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Education).  I don't know about California, but as of 2001 in Texas, there is no reserve course.  Anyone wanting to become a Peace Officer in Texas, whether they will work reserve or full time, has to go through the same academy.  In our county, anyone wanting to work for a dept. usually has to reserve for some period of time.  The duties, uniforms, and powers of reserve Peace Officers are exactly the same as paid Officers.  There are several Deputy Sheriffs and Deputy Constables that work for no pay because they have another job that pays much more than any dept does.  These guys do it just because they enjoy it and they are helping out the community.  If you have another job and can't afford to lose it if you end up not liking police work, then reserving for some dept. would be great for you.  Also, I've heard many people talk about how hard going through the Academy is, but if you really want to become a Police Officer, then you will love it.  It has been difficult but I have enjoyed every minute of it.  

Please let me know if you have any more questions and I wish you luck!

BeJa

[cpl_mike]

Good job,Beja!Some of the agencies in Texas tend to hire reserves first , then hire them as regulars later on(also it gives you the opportunity to work as a Deputy Constable in some areas, when there is an opening!)Here in California the only difference in in reserves and regular officers is their status- Reserve level I can patrol alone and sometimes are paid per diem( some agencies pay $16-20/hr whereas a regular officer would start at $22-30/hr).Level II officers here patrol with a regular or level I officer , and level III are uniformed but unarmed and work mostly admin. or station details-the training is mostly of an extended basis(9 or more months compared to daily course of 6-7 months for regular patrol officers).no matter what, you are on your way to being an officers so do your best....