Why become a reserve officer?

June 13, 2025

Our Reserve Police Officers are not paid, but you will be provided all of your standard uniform and safety equipment i.e. bullet resistant vest, firearm, TASER, leather gear, inclement weather gear and other related police equipment. 

Reserve Officers will also be provided with at least 24 hours of continued professional training every 2 years as mandated by the Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.).  These courses include firearms, legal update courses and perishable skills training. Our Department also has numerous POST certified instructors in Defensive Tactics, Police Baton, Firearms, TASER and Bicycle Patrol. All training and expenses are provided at no-cost and our Reserves train side by side with the full-time officers.

Reserve Officers are also covered under California Workers Compensation benefits if injured in the line-of-duty.

The duties of the different levels of reserve officer are described below:

Level III Penal Code sections 830.6(a) (1) and 832.6(a) (2)

Level III reserve officers may perform specified limited support duties, and other duties that are not likely to result in physical arrests, while supervised in the accessible vicinity by a Level I reserve officer or a full-time regular officer. Additionally, Level III reserve officers may transport prisoners without immediate supervision.  

Level II Penal Code sections 830.6(a) (1) and 832.6(a) (2)

Level II reserve officers may perform general law enforcement assignments while under the immediate supervision of a peace officer who has completed the Regular Basic Course. These officers may also work assignments authorized for Level III reserve officers without immediate supervision.

Level I Penal Code sections 830.6(a)(1) and 832.6(a)(1)

Level I reserve officers may work alone and perform the same duties as full-time regular officers.