Reserve Police Office | Learn About a Position

The Santa Clara Police Reserves need men and women willing to donate their time and talents in making the City of Santa Clara a safe and productive community. If you are concerned and want to get involved in civic participation through law enforcement, the Santa Clara Police Reserves have a job for you.

As a permanent and integral part of the Police Department, reserve police officers receive excellent training made available by qualified full-time police instructors. It is for this reason that Santa Clara has the reputation of being one of the finest reserve police units in the state.

If you are interested in the challenge of law enforcement and can meet the qualifications, take the opportunity to apply for the Santa Clara Police Reserves.

The Santa Clara Police Reserves also welcomes current reserve officers desiring to make a lateral transfer.

Working Within the Department

Because of the caliber of membership and training standards, the Santa Clara Reserve Department is not only recognized as one of the finest police reserve units in the state but also has a good working relationship with the full-time police force. The Reserve Department is recognized as a valuable and important part of the Santa Clara Police Department. Reserve officers who do seek a full-time law enforcement career in Santa Clara will be given preference points based on length of service with the Reserves.

Activities, Duties and Obligations

  • Work as officers on patrol, assisting the full-time officers;

  • Work alone or with other reserve officers on patrol assuming the duties of a back-up patrol officer; and,

  • Work special details and assignments as required, including but not limited to, parades, special enforcement, traffic control, warrants and emergencies.

As a reserve officer, you have all the responsibilities and authority of a peace officer of the Santa Clara Police Department while you are on duty. To maintain your status you must attend a monthly training meeting, attend reserve company meetings as required, demonstrate proficiency with your duty weapon and shotgun as scheduled, serve a minimum number of hours per month working on patrol, and maintain current CPR and First Aid certification.

Requirements

  • At least 21 years of age at the time of application;

  • Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent;

  • In good physical and mental health with no disabling physical condition, per P.O.S.T. guidelines;

  • Eyesight: Minimum 20/80 uncorrected, correctable to 20/30 in both eyes;

  • Possess a valid California Class C driver’s license;

  • Must not have a history of criminal or improper personal conduct that may affect suitability for police work;

  • United States Citizenship required, or have applied for Citizenship at least one year prior to Police Reserve application;

  • Applicants must have graduated with a Level III P.O.S.T. Reserve Officer Module from a P.O.S.T. approved academy;

  • Ability to volunteer irregular hours, including nights, weekends and holidays; and,

  • It is desired that individuals reside within a reasonable distance from the Police Department and have an occupation that will not interfere with the duties of a Reserve Police Officer.

Selection Process

All reserve peace officer candidates for the City of Santa Clara participate in the following selection process:

  • Complete an application;

  • Oral interview;

  • Physical ability test;

  • Psychological interview;

  • Polygraph examination;

  • Medical examination; and,

  • Police background investigation.

Training

Specified training is required to enable reserve officers to fulfill the requirements set forth by the California Penal Code and the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) regarding peace officer status. This training is scheduled through local Criminal Justice Regional Training Center. Training includes patrol procedures, laws of arrest, search and seizure, arrest control techniques, traffic control, firearms instruction, and related subjects to prepare the individual for police work.

The minimum requirements for a reserve officer (Level III) must be met before being sworn. After being sworn, a reserve officer will receive approximately 50 hours of in-house instruction from the reserve training staff. The new officer will also perform his/her first 300 hours of patrol work with a full-time field training officer. All reserve officers receive monthly training covering a variety of law enforcement- related subjects. Throughout the year reserve officers will also go through advance officer training.

Equipment

Reserve officers furnish their own initial set of uniforms. Uniform reimbursement is provided after one year of service. Provisions are made for uniform replacement due to normal wear or damage in the line of duty. The Reserve Department issues all related police safety equipment to perform the duties of a police officer including semi-auto weapons, protective vest and all necessary equipment.

Commitment

Police Reserves are required to work a minimum of ten (10) hours every month and attend a mandatory monthly Reserve Officer meeting. Reserve Officers are called upon to work irregular hours, including nights, weekends and holidays.