LEO Reservist Training

tapehoser · Mar 20, 2008

I've been thinking about this for a long time and I guess I'll pose the question.

What is a Reserve LEO? What kind of training is required for a Reserve officer? What is a Reservists responsibilities? Does he train and acquire work with a specific agency, or is it a State/Federal thing?

Just wondering what that might entail. Thanks!

Hunter · Mar 20, 2008

A Reserve Police Officer is usually an unpaid volunter who is has taken and sucessfully completed at least the first part of the Police Acadamy, if not the entire thing. They then apply for the position at a Police Department, after they are hired and go through, and pass, whatever additional training the Police Department further wants them to get, they then ususally ride along with Full-Time Officers to watch and observe. It depends on the agency though.

tapehoser · Mar 20, 2008

How often do they work? What's the pay like? Are they sworn in just like a regular officer? Are they only called on in times of need or shortage?

Sorry for all the questions....this is just something I might pursue.

Hunter · Mar 21, 2008

tapehoser said:
How often do they work? What's the pay like? Are they sworn in just like a regular officer? Are they only called on in times of need or shortage?

Sorry for all the questions....this is just something I might pursue.

Each department has its own requirements ususally its about 20-30 hours a month. Usually there is no pay, it's volunter. They are sworn officers and do have authority to arrest, although different agencies may do things a little different.

tapehoser · Mar 21, 2008

Guess you'd have to be independently wealthy or retired to do something like that.

NotSoSimple · Mar 21, 2008

tapehoser said:
Guess you'd have to be independently wealthy or retired to do something like that.

Its just like being in Search and Rescue 8)

Hunter · Mar 21, 2008

Most of the people who it pay for the academy themselves, plus the cost of gear. Some agencies use paid part time officers to help with staffing when the full time officers need time off.

roseblood · Mar 21, 2008

I've thought about doing this too since I work at WSU and they have an academy on campus. I just have to figure out of my tuition benefits cover it, and then wait for the next session to start (one just started so it will be a while).

Mazellan · Mar 21, 2008

I am at UVU in Orem and will graduate with my BS degree in criminal justice in august. Then I have to figure out if I go to the academy or move out of state. Just haven't decided yet. I would like to stay in Utah but I just can't afford to put my self through the academy. I had a GI bill when I started college because at the time it wouldn't pay for the academy but just last year they approved it to pay for it. :nilly: So now I have to find a dpt to sponsor me or move out of state.

marksman · Mar 21, 2008

What advantage does having your criminal justice degree buy you when you become an LEO.

TMG · Mar 21, 2008

marksman said:
What advantage does having your criminal justice degree buy you when you become an LEO.

-- Here is the common disclaimer - Each department is different. --
In Utah, it can help (although not much) to get hired. Most agencies around the state do not require a degree, and most do not pay incentive pay for people with degree's. A lot of agencies outside of Utah do pay incentive pay. (in most cases, anywhere from 2% - 12% increase)

Where it becomes important is when you want to promote. The higher you want to go in rank, usually means the more need for a degree. (not always though) If your ultimate goal is to become a Chief somewhere, you need a degree.

Almost all federal L.E. agencies require a degree.

Mazellan · Mar 21, 2008

That is why I am getting my degree first. I have see a few officers that have to change classes because of a shift change. So I figured I would just get my degree frist and then I don't have to deal with it later while working full time pluss I was coming up on the 10 year mark where I had to start school or loose my GI Bill.

Hunter · Mar 21, 2008

TMG is pretty spot with what he said. I too got my degree before I went through the academy. Sometimes I wish I would have started the academy earlier, so I could have started my retirement earlier, but oh well. At least I have the degree now.

marksman · Mar 21, 2008

So basically maybe more pay (but probably not), More options (ie federal LE). And Better promotion options. Is this just if you get a criminal justice degree or any degree will do?

Hunter · Mar 21, 2008

Most any degree will work. But, it did make the academy and other areas of the job a little easier for me.

Mazellan · Mar 21, 2008

If you go FBI they like Accounting degrees because of the attention to detail and abilty to follow the money.