Volunteer LEO

[colorado_handgunner]

Has anyone had any experience as a volunteer law enforcement officer? It is something I have considered from time to time, but would like to get some feedback. Especially anything about volunteering in Denver, CO and the surrounding areas. Thanks.

 

[YammyMonkey]

A good friend of mine volunteers with the Park County SO. He loves it. He had to pay his way through the academy & I think it took a little over a year for him to get through the FTO program but he was only able to go out on Fri. nights. That's as close to Denver as I can help you out with.

 

[Jeff White]

It's how I started. Some places use volunteer officers strictly for duties like traffic control and others use them alongside the paid officers. It just depends what kind of program is run.

It's a good way to find out if you would like to have a career in the field.

 

[Jim K]

Many departments won't use any volunteers at all, and those that do work it pretty much as YammyMonkey says. Limited duties and almost never do they allow volunteers to be armed (maybe a spray can, but nothing else).

The problem is, as usual, liability. Even if the person is a volunteer, he/she is technically an employee and the jurisdiction is responsible for the person's actions. A lot of places don't want to accept that kind of responsibility for anyone but a full time officer.

Good community service, though, and people should appreciate it.

Jim

 

[Funderb]

in jax, we've got CSO's. community service officers.
they aren't allowed to to JS... but if you're really that into it....

 

[VINTAGE-SLOTCARS]

Many department use "Reserve" officers, they must got thru much of the regular training an a "Regular" officer. The department may pay for training and issue gear as required. Some are paid a "token" amount for payrol. They are able to fill in behind regular officers and will get paid on a differant scale. This is a method to use when some departments are'nt hiring and still get in the door. Check with the agency you are interested in and do a lot of home work. You might just change professions. Good luck!!!

 

[YammyMonkey]

Just to clarify, he's a Reserve Deputy & was only going out on Friday nights because of his schedule & he's fully armed & on his own these days. Different departmens, different requirements. I think their Aux. Deputies have to accompany a full timer when they're out but can carry if they have a CCW. No academy time required though.

 

[Erik]

I've known "part timers" in Colorado; they reported extremely satisfying experiences, given they reported having the best of both worlds.

 

[BullsEye10x]

There was another thread about this very subject a few days ago... Here it is:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=439240

Good luck if you decide to pursue it. If you just want to get a taste of what being a LEO is like, I would suggest contacting a local agency and inquiring if they have a civilian ride-along program. Night shifts (especially on weekends) are generally more "active", if your schedule permits.