Police Reserve Unit
The Police Reserve Unit consists of people from the City of Fridley and surrounding areas who desire to make their community a better place to live, work and play. Reserve officers provide a valuable service to the City of Fridley, assisting licensed police officers and other city staff.
Reserve Officers consist of law enforcement students aspiring to be police officers and community members with no intent on becoming police officers but want to be involved in public safety and community engagement.
Besides being an active part of the community, becoming a Reserve Officer is an excellent way to obtain law enforcement experience. Volunteering as a Reserve Officer is also a great addition to any resume.
The Fridley Police Reserve Unit on average donates thousands of hours annually to the City of Fridley, which has had a monetary value of tens of thousands of dollars!
Interested in becoming a Reserve Officer? Read through the description and requirements, then complete a Police Reserve Unit Application.
What is a Reserve Officer?
Reserve Officers are ambassadors to the City of Fridley. A reserve officer's main role is to support the sworn patrol officers in the field. A reserve officer is a non-licensed position. A reserve officer is issued a uniform and carries a full duty-belt without a firearm. A reserve officer drives a marked patrol car complete with police radio, emergency lights and computer. They are allowed to ride-along with licensed, uniformed Fridley Police Officers.
Primary Functions of a Reserve Officer
A Reserve Officer’s primary functions are to assist the sworn police officers. Some of a Reserve’s duties are as follows:
- Patrol Fridley in a marked police car including all public streets, parks, highways and interstate.
- Be another set of eyes to spot criminal activity and report it to the licensed officers.
- Transport prisoners to jail, juvenile detention or detox.
- Perform house and business checks looking for open/unsecured doors.
- Patrol identified problem areas.
- Provide traffic control at accidents or city functions.
- Provide security at city functions.
- Assist disabled motorist in need of aid.
- Provide medical aid to citizens.
- Respond to non-priority Community Service Calls.
- Assist with enforcement and education of city ordinances.
- Assist with animal related calls.
- Park patrol in an ATV/UTV.
- Conduct ride-a-longs with licensed officers while in uniform.
- Assist with police and K9 training.
Requirements of a Reserve Officer
- Must be at least 18 years-old
- Must pass a thorough background check
- Must have a valid driver's license
- Must attend two-hour meetings
- Must volunteer eight hours a month to help with special events, transport duty or city patrol
No previous law enforcement experience is necessary, nor do reserves need to be law enforcement students.
Who leads the Police Reserve Unit?
The program coordinator is Sergeant Tom Roddy.
How to Apply
To apply for a chance to become a Fridley Police Reserve Office please complete a Police Reserve Unit Application. If you meet the minimum requirements you will be contacted by a program coordinator or advisor to scheduled an interview. If you have any questions, please contact one of the officers listed above.