Police Reserve Officer

Reserve Officer

The Reserve Officer is a uniformed, non-sworn, unpaid, volunteer in the Police Department. This position provides supplementary assistance to the Police Department under the general direction of the Chief of Police within the limitations set forth by state statutes, city ordinances, department rules and regulations, and the Crystal Reserve Officer's Rules and Regulations.

Examples of duties include:

• Rendering aid and assistance to the general public: vehicle lockouts, home lockouts, stalled or disabled vehicles in traffic.
• Directing traffic at accidents or at intersections where problems exist.
• Assisting public by answering questions and giving directions.
• Providing assistance at medical emergencies and accidents.
• Maintaining security at special events, major crime or accident scenes, fire or natural disaster events.
• Assisting the Crime Prevention Officer with various programs: develops and conducts Neighborhood Watch Programs, conducts home security surveys, assists residents with Operation I.D., education and public speaking to various groups on Crime Prevention.
• Random patrol of city parks: park building security checks, enforcement of park ordinances, and general public contact.
• Parking ordinance enforcement.
• Performing crime watch patrols and reports observed violations and suspicious activities.
• In the absence of the animal control officer, handles animal related problems: responds to resident complaints of barking dogs and other nuisances created by pets and wild animals, enforcement of animal control ordinances, impoundment of loose, abandoned, vicious or rabid animals, and disposal of dead animal carcasses.
• Performs other duties that do not require a sworn officer: delivery of agenda packets to Council members, delivery and exchange of materials to City Attorney's office, delivery of police vehicles to various locations to be cleaned, washed, or repaired.
• Performs or completes all other specific tasks assigned by the Chief of Police designee in the area of traffic control, crowd control, supplemental assistance at special events and administrative assistance.

Typical qualifications include:

• Valid Driver's License.
• High school degree or equivalent.
• 18 years of age or older.
• Must be currently certified, or willing to be able to become certified as a First Responder or equivalent.
• Must be willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Must be in good physical condition to perform the duties of a Reserve Officer.
• Must complete the Crystal Reserve Cadet Training Program within 6 months.
• Must complete the Hennepin County Auxiliary Police School within 2 years of joining the Reserves.

Knowledge, skills and abilities include:

• Communications: ability to actively listen to others and understanding their needs and situations; ability to speak and write English clearly. Ability to read and understand correspondence, memoranda and directives.
• Decision Making: ability to assess problems and situations, able to anticipate needs and evaluate alternatives. Ability to deal with emergency and stress situations, to avoid over reaction, to maintain flexibility in adjusting to situations and procedures; to support and carry out directives. Knowledge of the utilization of appropriate resources and the willingness to initiate use of available resources.
• Interpersonal Relationships: consistency in dealing with people; sensitivity to others' problems without direct involvement. Ability to accept criticism and/or discipline. Tact and diplomacy. Ability to work varying shifts or times within a 24-hour per day period and be available for emergency or call-in work.
• Professional Attitude: commitment to the organization, and the agencies the city serves; willingness to take initiative; dependability, maturity in relationships with others; and self confidence. Representation of the organization to other agencies and citizens with a courteous, helpful, accurate and business-like attitude in all radio, telephone, and other types of contact.
• Technical Knowledge: ability to learn and apply specific laws, city ordinances, and regulations. Ability and skill to safely operate a motor vehicle.
• Physical Abilities: ability to lift 90 lbs. from knee level to waist high. Also the ability to lift a minimum of 10 lbs. from waist to shoulder. Vision: normal vision needed with or without correction; requires both near, far, and color vision. Hearing: must be able to hear radio communication and telephone conversations. Walking and/or mobility needed: must be able to walk or crawl while carrying or lifting. Must be able to ascend or descend ladders. Must be able to balance and have the ability to steady oneself to keep from falling. Must be capable of reaching (extend the hands or arms in any direction); handling (seizing, holding, grasping, turning and otherwise working with the hands); fingering (picking, pinching, or otherwise working with the fingers); and feeling (perceiving attributes of objects such as size, shape, temperature, or texture by means of receptors in the skin, particularly those in the fingertips).
• Judgment Demands: decisions regarding the safety of the volunteer reserve members or police officers, and own self and possibly the public.

Benefits: Non-benefit position.