El Cerrito Police Department Reserve Officer Program
Become a part of the team!
The El Cerrito Police Department is actively seeking Level I and Level II Reserve Peace Officers to be members of our volunteer/community service Law Enforcement Unit.
It is ideal for those who want to be a part of our organization but can only do so part time, or for those who want to gain exposure to the law enforcement careers. All uniforms and equipment are supplied by the Police Department.
Our Reserve Officers gain experience working with each Division of the department including Patrol, Traffic, Investigations, and Administration. They are often are called upon to assist during emergencies or special events.
Common assignments include:
- Riding along with Police Officers on patrol
- Transportation of prisoners to and from penal institutions all over the region
- Sobriety Checkpoints
- Plain-Clothes crime suppression
- Bicycle Patrol
- Traffic Control at parades and special events
- Decoy function during special enforcement programs
- Assisting Detectives with search and arrest warrant service operations
- Access control at major crime scenes
Training and Participation
All Reserve Officers receive field training similar to that of the sworn Police Officers. Each Reserve Officer is a member of the California Reserve Police Officers Association and attends their three day training conference every two years. All Reserve Officers also receive ongoing training in Defensive Tactics, First Aid/CPR, Firearms, and Driving.
Reserve Officers are required to attend a monthly training meeting and participate at least 20 hours per month (including the training meeting). Maintaining Firearms and Weaponless Defense skills are required, as is attendance at recurrent training events. Most participation hours are done in support of Field Operations.
Qualifications
Completion of a
Peace Officers Standard and Training (POST) certified law enforcement academy or Reserve Office training module course is a prerequisite to be considered.
Click here for more information on the POST program.
Other qualifications include:
- 21 years of age or older
- High school diploma or GED
- U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status with an application for citizenship completed at least one year prior to the date of application (citizenship must be obtained no later than three years after date of application)
- Valid Class C California Driver's License and a satisfactory driving record
- No felony convictions or disqualifying misdemeanor convictions
- Impeccable integrity and reliability
Application Process
The selection process is similar to that of sworn Police Officers, without the requirement of a written test. Applicants must:
- Successfully complete a physical agility test (pass/fail)
- Participate in an oral interview designed to measure job related knowledge, skills, and abilities deemed critical to successful job performance (weighted 100%)
- Complete extensive background investigation (may include a polygraph)
- Complete thorough medical and psychological evaluation, including drug testing
- Vision requirement is not less than 20/100 correctable to 20/30 prior to appointment
Desirable, but not necessary, qualifications for Reserve Officers are:
- Live in or close to El Cerrito
- Bilingual
- Technical skills of use to law enforcement
- Prior military or law enforcement experience
For more information on the Reserve Officer Program, please contact Sergeant Robert De La Campa at (510) 215-4400. Click here to obtain an application.
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