Reserve Officers

Reserve Police Officers are trained volunteers that are sworn in and given law enforcement authority. Some are seeking knowledge and experience to prepare them to achieve a full-time paid position. Others volunteer to show a personal commitment to the community. A minimum of 16 hours per month is required. This includes time on patrol, training, meetings or any other department-approved function.

Once a reserve recruit completes a certified reserve academy, they are primarily assigned with a full-time officer in a patrol assignment. With advanced training hours, reserve officers may be assigned to patrol by themselves and perform limited patrol duties such as prisoner transports, low-priority calls, traffic enforcement or security details. Reserve officers may achieve solo reserve status after completing additional requirements.

Safety of the officer and the community are always a top priority. A regular officer or shift supervisor directly supervises reserve police officers. Since field training occurs at the pace of the individual recruit, duties may be limited by individual ability based on training and experience.

Reserve recruits must attend a certified reserve academy. The McMinnville Police Department is currently sending reserve recruits to the Mid Valley Reserve Academy (MVRT) which is a multiagency sponsored academy. The academy commences in November and ends in June. Class days vary during the week, with some Saturday classes included. Following graduation, reserve officers receive the same field training as required of regular officers and must attend the same mandatory in-service training.

The department will furnish necessary equipment including uniforms and duty belt equipment, as well as a ballistic vest and firearm.

To be appointed as a reserve police officer in the State of Oregon, individuals must meet these minimum standards:

• Be a United States citizen
• High school graduate or GED equivalent
• 21 years of age at time of appointment
• Free of criminal convictions defined by OAR
• Be of good moral character
• Pass a comprehensive background investigation
• Pass a medical evaluation

In addition to the minimum standards listed above, individuals must possess a valid Oregon driver license; pass a written, physical ability, oral and a psychological evaluation.

If you are interested in a challenging and rewarding volunteer experience, contact the police department at (503) 434-7307.