RE: Your department's Reserve Police Officer process

In Texas, the law now requires that all reserve officers get the same training as regular police officers. Our certifying agency has done away with the "reserve" license, so you must have a basic peace officer's license. The good news was that the legislature also changed the law at the same time, so all reserve peace officers now have the exact same authority and duties as regular officers. Texas sees no difference between paid and unpaid officers now.

As for the agency, each one still gets to do their own thing. Most of the agencies are now processing the application the same for each position, but there are still some who do the minimum required by the state on reserve applications.

Legislative Change

Last edited @ 6/25/2007 4:59 PM

RE: Your department's Reserve Police Officer process

My old department had reserves. If they were over 21 yoa, had a valid CCW and good referrences, they were given a chance. They had to purchase all equipment (kept several away) and weren't issued a badge until they had completed a 6 month probationary period. Some of them were good and went on to enter LE full-time, others were good but only wanted to be reserves and the rest were anything between decent and horrible.

The chief would always ask our thoughts after a new reserve rode with one of us. I've seen some who were so bad I let them out at the station and refused to even let them complete a shift with me. None of them made it.

My current agency doesn't have a reserve program. Overall, I wish they did, but the powers on high have determined that reserves are too much liability.

RE: Your department's Reserve Police Officer process

CPD your department should be making an investment in those people who give up their time willingly, and that means providing training and uniforms/equipment. They don't invest, where is the incentive to do anything or for that matter stay a reserve.

What process?

My department that I have been working for for nearly the past 10 years use to have a pretty good reserve program. Indiana state law is currently going through some changes with the reserve program and laws. This is being pushed mainly by my department's FOP. This is due to now poor hiring process for the reserve officers. The current mayor has decided that they should be hired and fired by him and that they serve at the will of him. Most of them are politically motivated. He has been doing this inspite of the state law for hiring reserves and our own city ordiances and commission rules. They are instructed that they do not have to answer to any but him or the people he has placed in power over them. Several have tried to get hired as full time officers, but were unable to do so. Some due to criminal backgrounds and others for other reasons. The state currently requires reserves to go through a 40 hour pre-basic and then complete 480 hours of OJT. MOST have yet to complete the prebasic and only a dozen or so out of nearly 90 have qualified with a firearm. Last year our police commission gave a order under city ordianace that stated until they meet the requirements of the department and the state that they were not allowed to carry firearms or make arrest. The mayor told the commission to mind thier own business and gave them permission to do what they want. Our FOP currently has a lawsuit pending over this. This is how it is done in my department.

RE: Your department's Reserve Police Officer process

Your reserve corps should only answer to their own chain of command. A mayor or any of his other cronies more than likely have no law enforcement training or experience, so they should BUTTOUT!Here are California's reserve standards & training;

Reserve Officer Selection Standards

Reserve peace officers are required by law to meet the same background, medical, and psychological standards as regular officers. Reserve Peace Officers are not required to take a test of reading and writing ability. The training completed by an individual determines the reserve level to which the agency may appoint the individual and the authority the individual will possess. Completion of the Regular Basic Course or its equivalents will satisfy the minimum training requirements for all peace officer positions. Reserve peace officers may be appointed to one of the three levels.

Questions about reserve officer standards may be directed to the Standards and Evaluation Bureau at 916.227.4820 or by email at seb@post.ca.gov.

Minimum Selection Standards
To be selected as a reserve officer in California is an accomplishment to be proud of. California peace officers undergo an extensive selection process before they are hired by law enforcement agencies. POST's role in this selection process includes responsibility for instituting the minimum selection standards governing the employment of peace officers in California, and responsibility for conducting the research that results in the development of the tests and procedures used by local law enforcement agencies to adhere to these minimum selection standards. Reserve Officers must pass all of the tests required to become a regular peace officer except the written test. Each reserve officer in California must minimally pass the following POST selection standards:

Interview
POST requires that reserve officers be personally interviewed prior to employment by the department head or a representative(s) to determine the person's suitability for law enforcement service. The interview must address, but is not limited to, the person's ability to communicate.

Background Investigation
The histories of reserve officer applicants must be thoroughly investigated to make sure that nothing in their backgrounds is inconsistent with performing peace officer duties. During this phase of the selection process, verification is also made that the applicant conforms with requirements of POST Regulation 1007 (doc) and the California Government Code which, in part, specifies that as a minimum every peace officer shall: (1) be a citizen of the United States or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship; (2) be at least 18 years of age; (3) be fingerprinted for purposes of search of local, state, and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal record; (4) be of good moral character, as determined by a thorough background investigation; (5) be a high school graduate, pass the General Education Development test or have attained a two-year or four-year degree from an accredited institution; and (6) be free of any felony convictions. To assist agencies with this process, POST has developed a revised Background Investigation Manual which focuses on appropriate areas of investigation to determine peace officer suitability.

Psychological Suitability
Pursuant to the California Government Code, all California peace officers must be found to be free from any ". . . emotional, or mental condition which might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer" as determined by a licensed physician and surgeon, or a licensed psychologist who has a doctoral degree in psychology and at least five years of postgraduate experience in the diagnosis and treatment of emotional and mental disorders. Under POST Administrative Manual Section C-2 (doc), reserve officers must pass the same Psychological Suitability Examination as is required of regular Peace Officers, be found to be free from job-relevant psychopathology, including personality disorders, and that a minimum of two objectively scored psychological tests must be used to assess psychological suitability, one normed in such a manner as to identify patterns of abnormal behavior and the other geared toward assessing dimensions of normal behavior. A clinical interview is also required if the test results are inconclusive or suggest that the candidate should be disqualified. To assist in the required evaluations, POST has developed a Psychological Screening Manual (1984; POST Publication #50).

Medical Suitability
Peace officers must also be free from any physical condition which might adversely affect the exercise of peace officer powers. The California Government Code requires that physical condition shall be evaluated by a licensed physician and surgeon. To assist physicians in their examinations of peace officer applicants, POST has developed a Medical Screening Manual which includes recommended examination and evaluation protocols for the individualized assessment of each candidate, and provides detailed information on commonly detected medical conditions.

Other Selection Requirements
In addition to POST-required minimum selection standards, reserve officer applicants may be required to undergo additional testing required by the individual law enforcement agencies. Additional testing may include the Peace Officer Entry-level Test Battery (i.e., the written test), physical abilities (or agility) testing, drug screening, a polygraph examination or voice stress analysis.
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Legislative Training Mandates
(Updated 8/2004)

Disclaimer: This handout is intended for use as a quick reference. Its purpose is not regulatory. For complete text refer to appropriate law section.

This document shows those courses with specific curriculum as adopted in Commission Regulation 1081. The Training Delivery Bureau may require specific curriculum for certification of other courses.

LAW SECTION
HOURS
COURSE TITLE

* = requires POST certification

Bold type = POST specified curriculum in Regulation 1081.
REQUIRED FOR
OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION

B&P 25755
160
Alcoholic Beverage Control, Narcotic Enforcement – Narcotic Investigation Course* and Narcotic Investigation Field Training Program (see information in Reg. 1081)
All peace officer investigators of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
The 160 hours of training is satisfied by combination of the 80-hour POST certified Narcotics Investigation Course* plus the 80-hour Narcotics Investigation Field Training Program. POST curriculum specified for the Narcotic Investigation Course only.

*The Narcotics Inv. Course may be satisfied by a single training course, or by completion of two or more POST-certified courses (totaling a minimum of 80 hours) which include the Narcotic. Inv. curriculum. POST curriculum required.

Refer to Regulation 1081 for information on Narcotic Inv. Field Training Programs.

PC 832
64
Arrest and Firearms*
(comprised of two modules – Arrest Module (40 hours), and Firearms Module (24 hours).
All peace officers described in Chapter 4.5 of the Penal Code.
This requirement must be met prior to the exercise of the powers of a peace officer.

Training can be satisfied by a stand- alone course or completion of a larger course which includes the Arrest and Firearms curriculum and testing, e.g. Regular Basic Course. POST reserves the right to make this determination. IVD format is available and meets the requirements.

Refer to Regulation 1080 for “3-year rule” on this training.

POST curriculum specified.

PC 832.1
40
Aviation Security*
Any … airport policeman, or … of a city, county, city and county or district must complete within 90 days of hire or shall not continue to have peace officer powers after 90 days until satisfactory completion.
Hours were increased to 40 effective August 1, 2000.

POST curriculum specified.

PC 832.3
664
Basic Course (Regular)*
Entry level requirement for all peace officers in the POST program except Level II and Level III reserve officers, custodial deputy sheriffs appointed pursuant to 830.1(c), coroners, and peace officers whose primary duties are investigative (Reg. 1005).
This requirement must be met prior to the exercise of the powers of a peace officer.

There is a waiver process for the Regular Basic Course.

There is a 3-year rule and 6-year rule for requalification specified in Commission Regulation 1008.

POST curriculum specified.

Cal OSHA Regulation 5193
See Cal OSHA reg.
Bloodborne Pathogens
(LD34)
All public and private employees who are exposed to blood in the workplace.
Training included in the Regular Basic Course (RBC).

Annual refresher training required.

PC 832.2
(school police reserves)

PC832.3(g) (school police)
32
Campus Law Enforcement
School police reserve officers and school police officers.
School police first employed by a K-12 public school district or CA Comm. College district before 7-1-99 must complete no later than 7-1-02. Other school police must complete within 2 years of hire date.

No deadline specified for school police reserve officers.

POST curriculum specified.

H&S1797.187
4
Carcinogenic
Materials (LD41)
POST requires for all peace officers who must complete the Regular Basic Course.
Curriculum included in the Regular Basic Course and SIBC.

POST curriculum specified.

PC 12403

4

2

4
Chemical Agents
(LD 35)

Module A

Module B

Module C
All peace officers as defined in Chapter 4.5 of Title 3 of Part 2 commencing with Penal Code section 830.
Completion of this training is required for peace officers purchasing, possessing, transporting, or using tear gas or a tear gas weapon.

Training that satisfies the requirements of PC 12403 for peace officers who will be using aerosol chemical agents and who are expected to use a gas mask in a chemical environment is included in the Regular Basic Course and SIBC (referred to as Modules A & B in Regulation 1081).

The addition of a Module C (as specified in Reg. 1081) satisfies the training requirement for peace officers responsible for the deployment of tactical chemical agent munitions.

These modules, A B & C, refer to the structure of the training and are in no way associated with reserve training modules.

POST curriculum specified.

PC 13517
40
Child Abuse Investigation (LD 30)
Mandates Commission to include training in the Basic Course by July 1, 1979. Any individual completing the Regular Basic Course after this date has completed the training. No mandate placed on officers.
Included in the Regular Basic Course and SIBC.

POST curriculum specified.

PC 13519.2

PC 13515.25
4

8
Developmental Disabilities and Mental Illness (LD 37)

Mental Illness and Developmental Disabilities
Mandates Commission to include training in the Basic Course by July 1, 1990. Any individual completing the Regular Basic Course after this date has completed the training.

Continuing training for peace officers, but not mandated.
Included in the Regular Basic Course and SIBC.

POST curriculum specified.

POST curriculum specified.

GC 8607

Disaster Response
All emergency response personnel
The Office of Emergency Services mandated to develop course in coordination with POST and others.

No POST curriculum specified.

PC 13519
8
Domestic Violence* (LD25)
Mandates Commission to include training in the Basic Course.

Mandates various classifications of peace officers to complete training by certain dates (see PC 13519). Obsolete now because time periods have expired.
Included in the Regular Basic Course and SIBC. Officers who did not complete in Basic Course must complete supplementary training.

Prior to January 1, 1986, peace officers who did not complete in the Regular Basic Course were required to complete supplementary training with various deadlines depending on individual’s peace officer category.

POST curriculum specified.

PC 13519(g)
2
Domestic Violence Update
Each law enforcement officer below the rank of supervisor who is assigned to patrol duties and would normally respond to domestic violence shall complete every two years.
For all other officers local law enforcement agencies are encouraged to include update training but not mandatory. Update training available as a POST-certified course.

POST curriculum specified.

PC 13515
2
Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse*
Every city police officer or deputy sheriff at a supervisory level or below who is assigned field or investigative duties shall complete within 18 months of assignment.
POST curriculum specified.

PC 13518
21
First Aid/CPR
Every city police officer, sheriff or deputy, marshal or deputy, CHP officer, or police officer of a district authorized by statute to maintain a police department, except those whose duties are primarily clerical or administrative.

Mandates the Commission to include training in the Basic Course.
Included in the Regular Basic Course and SIBC.

Curriculum standards set by Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) (Reference California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 9, Chapter 1.5, sections 100005-100028.)

PC 13518(a)
12
First Aid/CPR Refresher
(LD 34)
Peace officers subject to initial training shall complete refresher training.
Frequency and content as prescribed by EMSA.

PC13519.5
No hours specified
Gang and Drug Enforcement
(LD12, 38)
Mandates the Commission to implement course of training. Statute specifies training is for “appropriate” officers.
Included in the Regular Basic Course and SIBC. Also available as POST Telecourse training. Other POST-certified technical training available. No deadline specified for completion.

No POST curriculum specified.

PC 13519.6
4
Hate Crimes
(LD 42)
Mandates the Commission to include training in the Regular Basic Course. Specifically states that training is for peace officers designated in 830.1 and 830.2.
Included in the Regular Basic Course and SIBC. No deadline specified for completion.

No POST curriculum specified.

CF 910.120(q)(6)
Set by OES
Hazardous Materials
Response
Training mandate varies based on the duties and functions of the responder in an emergency response organization.
OES sets hour and curriculum standards for training.

No POST curriculum specified.

PC 872(b)
1
Hearsay Testimony*
(LD 17)
All peace officers with less than five years of service and who wish to testify to hearsay evidence in preliminary hearings.
Included in the Regular Basic Course and SIBC. Also available in video training.

POST curriculum specified.

PC 13515.55
4
High Technology Crimes*
City police and deputy sheriff supervisors assigned to field or investigative duties.
Must be completed by 1-1-00 or within 18 months of assignment to supervisory duties. POST curriculum specified.

PC629.94

Interception of Wire, Pager, and Cellular Communications
Those who apply for orders authorizing the interception of private wire, electronic digital pager, or cellular …(see statute)
Training not developed.

VC40802
8
Laser Operator*
Peace officers issuing speed violation citations using laser or any other electronic speed measuring devices and where a traffic and engineering survey is beyond five years.
Prerequisite Radar Operator Course.

POST curriculum specified.

PC 13519.1
4

or

2
in service
Missing Persons*
(LD 27)
Peace officers and dispatchers of a local police department, sheriff’s department or California Highway Patrol
Included in the Regular Basic Course and P.S. Dispatcher’s Basic Course. If Regular Basic Course or Public Safety Dispatcher’s Basic Course was completed prior to 1-1-89, completion of supplementary in-service training is required.

POST curriculum specified.

VC 40802
24
Radar Operator*
Peace officers issuing speed violation citations using radar speed measuring devices and where a traffic and engineering survey is beyond five years.
POST curriculum specified.

PC 13519.4 (a)
No hours specified
Racial and Cultural Diversity
(LD42)
All peace officers specified in Penal Code section 13510(a)

[Note: this includes reserves].
Racial and Cultural Diversity is included in the Regular Basic Course and SIBC. A POST-certified Cultural Diversity Course is offered for officers who did not receive training in the Regular Basic Course.

No POST curriculum specified.

PC13519.4 (f)
5
Racial Profiling*
All law enforcement officers
Incumbent officers are suggested to complete by July 2004.

Included in Regular Basic Course after 7-1-03.

POST curriculum specified.

PC 13519.4 (i)
2
Racial Profiling Refresher*
All peace officers specified in Penal Code section 13510(a) [Note this includes reserves].
Required every five years or on a more frequent basis if deemed necessary, in order to keep current with changing racial and cultural trends.

POST curriculum specified.

PC 832.6
340 LI

228 LII

162 LIII
Reserve Level I Module*

Reserve Level II Module*

Reserve Level III Module (2 parts)*
Level I Reserve officers must complete all three modules (730 hours) or the Regular Basic Course. Level II Reserve officers must complete Reserve Level II and III Modules (390 hours). Reserve Level III officers must complete Reserve Level III Module (162 hours).
Training must be completed before being assigned duties which include the exercise of peace officer powers.

POST curriculum specified.

PC 13516(c)
40
Sexual Assault Investigation*
(LD 30)
Investigator specialists who handle cases of sexual exploitation or sexual abuse of children within six months of the date of assignment.
Partial curriculum included in the Regular Basic Course and SIBC, but does not satisfy mandate for specialists.

POST curriculum specified.

PC 13519.7(b)

PC 13519.7 (c)
2
Sexual Harassment*
(LD 42)
Peace officers who completed the Regular Basic Course before January 1, 1995, shall complete supplementary training.
Included in the Regular Basic Course and SIBC.

Supplementary training is available for peace officers who did not complete in the Regular Basic Course.

POST curriculum specified.

PC 12020 (b)(1)
16

16
Shotgun (Long/Short Barrel)
(LD 35)
[see comment A]

Rifle
(Long/Short Barrel)

[see comment B]
Peace officers of local police departments, sheriffs departments, marshals departments, California Highway Patrol or Department of Justice and reserve officers of these departments.

Completion of this training exempts these officers from the provisions of PC12020(a).
Comment A – This training requirement is satisfied by completing the Regular Basic Course or Reserve Training Modules I or II. Previously satisfied by now obsolete Reserve Modules A, B, C, and D.

Comment B – Prerequisite for Rifle training is completion of the Regular Basic Course or Reserve Training Modules I , II and III, or Reserve Modules A, B, C, and D.

POST curriculum specified.

PC 13519.05
2
Stalking Course*
Peace officers of local police departments, sheriff’s dept., Dept. of Parks & Recreation, Universities of CA, CA State Univ. Also peace officers defined in PC 830.31(d) and 830.32 (a & b).
POST curriculum specified.

PC 13519.3
2
Sudden Death of Infants, Investigation of*
(LD 30)
All peace officers specified in PC13510 (a), who are assigned to patrol or investigations.
Included in the Regular Basic Course and SIBC. Supplementary training required for in-service officers who did not receive in the Basic Course.

POST curriculum specified.

PC 13519.8(a)
2
Vehicle Pursuit Training I*
(LD 19)
Peace officers of a local police department, sheriff’s department or California Highway Patrol who are below middle management rank and who completed the Regular Basic Course prior to 7-15-95.
Included in the Regular Basic Course.

Penal Code 13519.8 encourages periodic update training.

POST curriculum specified.

PC13519.8(c)
1
Vehicle Pursuit Training II*
Middle managers and above of local police departments, sheriff departments or California Highway Patrol who completed the Regular Basic Course prior to 7-15-95.
This training can be satisfied by completion of either High Speed Vehicle Pursuit Training I or II.

POST curriculum specified.

This page was last updated on October 17, 2007.
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Last edited @ 4/11/2008 1:48 PM

What Policy

Maybe if I click my heels together three times and say "there is not such thing as politics".

This is the body of a letter our FOP has sent out to over 50 agencies in our area about the Reserve program and the way it is being run.

Feburary 15, 2008

Over approximately the last two years, the rank and file of the Gary Police Department has attempted on numerous occasions to assist the City of Gary’s administratio in revamping the Auxiliary/Reserve Police Program with no success. The reason for our letter today is to inform you that the problems that have plagued this illegal program in Gary are now reahing out into the surrounding communities. Specifically, you need to be aware of the following:

The Gary reserve program is currently only supervised by the Mayor’s office.

There have been two recent federal indictments of Gary Reserves, and A Misdemeanor charges filed against the head of the Gary Reserves for intimidating a sworn officer while armed.

We are unable to completely verify reserve police background checks, training requirements, work schedules, or equipment access.

The reserves are not required to answer to any police official on a regular basis, and can wear identical uniforms to that of sworn officers.

The reserves have their own rank structure, which they commonly use when identifying themselves out of Gary and has led several officers in other jurisdictions to believethey were dealing with a real police supervisor.

Several of the reserves have complete use of take‐home marked and unmarked Gary Police squad cars that are fully equipped.

For officer safety reasons, we are asking that you please pass this information on to your officers as soon as feasibly possible. We know of dozens of incidents in towns around Gary that have involved other police departments, citizens, and Gary reserves. We are encouraging all towns around Gary to take appropriate law enforcement actions when encountering reserves and to NOT exend them any type of professional courtesy. You should also take caution when dealing with reserves and not assume that they can be trusted, especially when they are armed.

One of the only sure ways to tell the difference between a Gary reserve and sworn officer is by the employee ID number. All of the reserve four‐digit employee ID numbers will start with a four (4) as opposed to a one (1). For example, a sworn officer will have a number like 1000, a reserve will be 4000.

For your information, we have included the latest roster available and a memorandum signed by Gary Police Chief Thomas Houston in September of 2007 tating the Gary Reserve’s do not have police powers outside of the City of Gary.

In many towns, a reserve officer program is a valuable asset to the police department and the community. We hope to regain this program in the future and address several of these issues; however, in the meantime, we cannot stress enough precaution in dealing with these individuals.

If you have any questions, concerns, comments, or would like to report an incident in your jurisdiction please do not hesitate to contact us at the numbers or emails below.

RE: Your department's Reserve Police Officer process

ROB, IT LOOKS LIKE YOU HAVE A MESS ON YOUR HANDS....MANY AGENCIES OUT HERE IN CALIFORNIA WITH RESERVE PROGRAMS ALSO ISSUE BADGE NUMBERS OR EMPLOYEE NUMBERS DIFFERENT FROM REGULAR POLICE OFFICERS. ONE DEPARTMENT ONCE HAD RESERVE ON ITS UNIFORM PATCHES, BUT WAS DONE AWAY WITH BECAUSE CITIZENS FELT THEY DID NOT HAVE TO LISTEN TO A RESERVE OFFICER, AND BECAUSE OF ALL OF THE MONEY RESERVES SAVE THE CITY, THEY PETITIONED TO HAVE "RESERVE" REMOVED FROM THE PATCH, AND NOW YOU CAN NOT DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN RESERVES AND REGULAR OFFICERS.

THE ISSUE OF DIFFERENTIATION IS RIDICULOUS, ONCE A RESERVE IS ON DUTY, THEIR POWERS TO ARREST ETC., ARE NO DIFFERENT THAN A REGULAR COP....THEY WORK SIDE BY SIDE.... THE RESERVE PROGRAM NEEDS TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE CHIEF OF POLICE, NOT SOME NUMBSKULL POLITICIAN.