Posted: 4/19/2009 6:38:56 AM EDT
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thinking about joining the AUX PD. Right now im in an apprenticeship with the navy and really want to follow through. But for the past few years ive really considered joining the local PD.
i know that the auxiliary PD is going to be different between cities but can anyone give me some info about what their cities do? is it just event duty or are their patrols? fly solo or provide backup? do aux wear (a) the same uniform as PD? do aux carry duty gear including a firearm? can aux work bicycle patrol? PD requires you to live in the same city, any problems working and living in the same city? does this ever create problems with people you arrest? any other info or things to check into? i figure il call or cut the PD an email in a few weeks. but i just want to get an idea before i check with them. |
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Unfortunately, the responses your question can vary greatly depending on your departments.
Most Law Enforcement agencies across the country have some sort of program. Reserve//Posse/Auxiliary/Volunteer etc. And those roles can vary widely. All depends on local laws and how the department is set up. Also can depend on who you work with and the amount of time you put in. I am only considered a "volunteer". Technically, I am not a "sworn officer". In my case, I love my day job but still have an itch to help. I do everything from helping with standard patrol, driving my buggy in the deserts, Warrant Team, etc. I have been expressed to more training than some other full time officers. I know I get to do a lot of more than most other reserve/auxiliary sections. For us, most of the time we work with a fulltime Deputy, or another volunteer Reserve Deputy and we work as a team. Basicallly, gives you 2 for 1 on the street. I have 9 years on, did almost 1000 hours last year. I love it. And if my day job ever goes south, well, I am getting excellent experience and training. |
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<<<< Auxiliary Officer here
We can ride with a Sworn Officer to assist at our request almost any time, they like us to have at least one ride a month I shoot for two. We are provided all equipment but are limited to cuffs, radio, OC, flash light, and no firearm; this does include a vest though. The uniform is similar, they get solid blue we have grey shirts with a badge patch. We do have a couple of marked cars with amber lights that we use for certain occasions but we are always paired up with another Auxiliary Officer at those times. We are also used for K9 and SWAT decoys and other duties as requested. Its a great way to be envolved and help out if your interested in becoming a LEO. As for your other questions we are only required to live in the same County and I do not live in the City I Auxilliary for, and we dont do bike patrol. I have yet to run into anyone from an arrest I was at as well. One thing to consider is free time; I spend a couple hundred hours a year doing this some guys more. For me its not an issue but it is one thing to keep in mind. Hope that helps answer your questions. |
| I was an aux officer for over 13 years in VA (until last december when I took a full time position). It really depends on the location you decide to work. In our department we went to the same schools. We did the same FTO periods. We carried the same tools and weapons. The biggest difference was we only were requreid to work 24 hours a month. We did not have take home cars and radios. We checked them out when ever we wanted to work. The pool cars were not equiped with computers and we did not get paid. We had the exact same authority and powers as any other officer and were expected to do the same duties and reports. Hope this helps. PM if you want more information... |
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In AR I worked as a Reserve Officer. Same rules and regs as FT Officers and were sworn with full powers to arrest. We usually worked along side a FT Officer but sometimes not. Ridealongs were encouraged and we had to do 8 hours a month. I put in WAY more than that. We had a 13 week course with weapons (Glock and shotgun), pepper spray, and handcuff techniques. I had some gunho Officers so we got to do force on force, and worked with SWAT team and qualified at the range 4 times a year having 94% or above score to pass. We did fair, music festivals, croud control but were strongly encouraged to work the streets as well.
Now, I work as a "volunteer" having to do 20 hours a week. I'm currently in training but have been approved to assist the range master at the range due to my expierence with weapons. Non sworn and dont have the badge, gun but have been asked to do ride alongs. I may or may not go Reserve here. |