The Scotts Valley Police Department Reserve Officer Program was

started by former Chief Pittenger in November, 1967.  Captain Mike

Dean started his career with SVPD as a reserve officer.

 

Reserve officers are citizen volunteers who are dedicated to providing

police services to the citizens of Scotts Valley. Reserve officers are

uniformed and equipped identically to our department's full-time

officers. They are required to complete all the in-service training that our full-time officers must complete such as firearms training, defensive tactics, first aid/CPR certification, defensive driving, and legal updates. Reserve officers are required to work a minimum of 16 hours each month, but on average they usually work more.

 

Classifications of a Reserve Officer

 

There are three classifications of reserve officers.

 

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

 

Required Training Needed To Become A Reserve Police Officer

 

The local reserve officer training provider and recruitment resource continues to be the South Bay Regional Training Consortium in San Jose.

 

Level III classified reserves must complete 144 hours of instruction. Level II classified reserves must complete the 144 hours of Level III instruction plus an additional 189 hours of instruction. Level I classified reserves must complete the Level III and Level II instruction plus an additional 394 hours of instruction. A Level I reserve must also successfully complete a 400 hour (minimum) Field Training Program. In addition, Level II and Level I reserves must complete 24 hours of continuing professional training every 2 years. For more information about reserve requirements and training, visit www.post.ca.gov

 

Functions of a Reserve Officer

 

• Assist with traffic control due to power outages, automobile accidents, special events and storm related incidents

• Assist with criminal investigations, stakeouts and crime scene security

• Prisoner Transports

• Patrol supplement during holidays such as New Years Eve, July 4th and Halloween as well as during staffing shortages

• Crime Prevention and public service events

 

Reserve officers make a very important contribution to the department. These dedicated men and women save this department several thousands of dollars each year through their selfless dedication.

 

For more information on current openings please contact mroberts@scottsvalley.org or call us at (831) 440-5670.