Become a Part of the Team

The El Cerrito Police Department is actively seeking Level I, Level II or Level III 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

The Reserve Unit includes its own rank structure, including Reserve Sergeant and Reserve Captain. They oversee unit training and pre-planned events.

Training and Participation

The ECPD Reserve Unit prides itself on the high degree of continuous training given to its officers. All Reserve Officers must maintain a minimum of 24 hours of Continuous Professional Training (CPT) over a two year period to satisfy POST Requirements. In addition, the department allows all active Reserve Officers to attend and demonstrate proficiency in monthly training exercises. Many of the topics covered in department training exceed the requirements dictated by POST. Some of the topics covered in monthly training sessions include:

• Firearms
• Defensive Tactics / Crowd Control
• Baton/Impact Weapons
• Chemical Agents / Specialty Munitions
• First Aid/CPR/AED
• Patrol Vehicle Driving
• Tactical Building Entry/Search
• Simunition Scenarios

All of the training curriculum mirrors that given to the regular officers. It is taught by certified instructors from the various training teams within the department. In addition to all required training blocks, Reserve Officers are welcome to attend any elective training offered to regular officers.

Each Reserve Officer is a member of the California Reserve Police Officers Association and attends their three day training conference every two years.

Reserve Officers are required to attend a monthly training meeting and participate at least 16 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 but Reserves may also volunteer to work with Investigations or Administration on various assignments.

Bicycle Patrol

Reserve Officers are all encouraged to complete the Bicycle Patrol Training. Reserve Officers are often used to patrol on bicycles at public events as well as on a day to day basis on the City of El Cerrito’s walking and cycling trails.

This program is a great way to volunteer to the community and stay in shape! It is one of the ECPD’s most popular assignments and almost all of our Reserves are a part of the program.

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 Lieutenant Robert De La Campa at (510) 215-4400. Click here to obtain an application.