Police Reserve Program

Introduction

Have you ever thought of becoming a police officer?

Thought about a career in Law Enforcement when you were younger but took a different career path because life led you in another direction?

Whatever the reason, you now have an opportunity to fulfill that Law Enforcement career you dreamed of and experience firsthand what a rewarding career a sworn police officer accomplishes each day as a volunteer reserve police officer with the Apache Junction Police Department.

As a reserve officer, you will be assisting other law enforcement professionals in helping to keep our community safe while gaining a feeling of pride in your accomplishments at the same time. Our reserve officers are highly-trained, motivated and flexible with the ability to respond to a variety of situations and emergency events whenever and wherever they are needed. If this sounds like the kind of rewarding career you always hoped for, then the Apache Junction Police Reserve Officer Program is a great place to start.

Duties of the Reserve Unit

The duties of a reserve police officer are rewarding, challenging and diverse. The reserve unit is under the command of the department command staff and is directly responsible to the Reserve Commander. Some of the duties include:

  • Community patrol, Traffic enforcement, Accident investigation, Crime-scene investigation, interviewing victims/witnesses, crime scene processing (photography, fingerprint and evidence collection.)
  • Reserve Officers may assist in special events, such as DUI task force, warrant service, SWAT operations, parades, sporting events, traffic control and in prisoner processing/transport.
  • Reserve officers may work in the Patrol Services Division, Investigations, Community Policing and Support Services.

Requirements

  1. Must be 21 years of age.
  2. Must be in good physical and mental health.
  3. Must possess a valid Arizona driver's license.
  4. Must not have a history of criminal or improper personal conduct that may affect the suitability for performing police work.
  5. Must possess a United States high school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.
  6. Must be a United States citizen.

Examination

  1. Written test. (May be waived for sworn applicants)
  2. Oral interview. (conducted by members of the Apache Junction PD)
  3. Physical Agility test. (Each applicant must pass the Apache Junction Police Department agility test which may be waived for sworn applicants)
  4. Drug screening.
  5. Medical examination.
  6. Psychological examination. (Includes the MMPI)
  7. Polygraph, and
  8. Background investigation.

At this time, because of financial restraints, the Apache Junction Police Department is only accepting Arizona POST-certified officers.

Training Alternatives

Those applicants who meet the requirements for becoming a police officer have the option to attend a certified police reserve academy such as the Chandler/Gilbert Community College or Glendale Community College as a cadet. It allows an applicant to obtain their AZ Peace Officer Certification while working at their current employment. The academies consist of two 15-week semesters beginning in January and September.

The academies consist of 617 hours of training as required by Arizona Police Officers Standards and Training (AZPOST). Cadets may register for these classes without being screened but are responsible for the expense of the medical physical, polygraph, and background investigation. Accepting this option will allow you to obtain your Arizona Sworn Peace Officer Certification and, upon graduation or prior to graduation, may be sponsored by the Apache Junction Police Department.

How to Become a Police Reserve Officer

To become a Police Reserve Officer, you must first complete the Reserve Police Officer Application and the Statement of Personal History. Once completed, submit it to the city Human Resources Department.

You Provide:

  1. Submission of a completed Police Reserve Officer Application to the city Human Resources Department.
  2. Two 10-hour shifts per month.
  3. Eight hours of AZ POST-certified training per year.
  4. Completion of the Apache Junction Police Department Field Training Officers (FTO) program within one year of the training start date.

We Provide:

  1. Training that meets or exceeds AZ POST and Apache Junction Police Department standards.
  2. Reserve Police Officer certification and full authority.
  3. Open enrollment academy graduates will receive tuition-only reimbursement for their peace officer certification training after completion of the department Field Training Program (FTO) and one year of contract service with the department, whichever comes first.
  4. Uniforms and equipment as required.
  5. Continuation training to maintain your AZ POST Peace Officer Certification.
  6. Career development in Law Enforcement with an opportunity to make a difference in the community you will be serving.


If you have any questions about the AJPD Police Reserve program, you can contact Lieutenant Thom Parker at (480) 982-8260 or tparker@apachejunctionaz.gov.