RESERVE POLICE OFFICER

There are three classifications or "levels" Reserve Police Officers. Level 1 reserve officers may exercise the full powers and duties of a police officer without immediate supervision.  Level 2 reserve officers may perform the same duties, but only under immediate supervision.  Level 3 reserve officers work under direct supervision and are limited to duties that generally do not involve direct law enforcement, such as providing security and traffic control at special events, parking enforcement, working in the jail, collecting and processing evidence, and other duties that are unlikely to result in physical arrests.  The Monterey Park Police Department uses all three levels of reserve officer.

Upon successful completion and graduation from the Reserve Academy, Level 1 and Level 2 reserve officers will be assigned to a full-time Field Training Officer to begin field training.  While deployed in a marked police unit and in uniform, reserve officers learn the basics of street patrol and must successfully complete 400 hours of field training and participate in other details as assigned.  Officers in training are required to work a minimum of 25 hours each month until field training is complete and a minimum of 16 hours per month thereafter.

General duties and assignment of Level 1 and Level 2 MPPD reserve officers include uniformed patrol, which involves responding to crimes in progress, traffic accidents, taking crime reports, issuing citations and making arrests. Officers also provide basic law enforcement services at community events, such as parades, festivals, sports events and dances. All reserve officers are required to attend monthly meetings and monthly firearms training. Level 1 and Level 2 reserve officers also must complete 24 hours of continuing professional training every two years. Upon successful completion of the department's field training program and probationary period, reserve officers may be considered for any of the following assignments: Uniform Patrol, Community Relations, Detectives, Jail Operations, Range Safety Officer, Traffic Investigations, Gang Enforcement, Narcotics, Officer Recruitment, Bike Patrol, or Special Response Team (SRT).

The MPPD Reserve Program is a professionally operated program managed and administered by reserve staff. Reserve staff holds rank within the reserve organization to better perform administrative duties, such as: training, recruitment, patrol, special details, range and monthly meetings. Reserve officers are sworn voluntary employees of the City of Monterey Park.

It is the policy of the Monterey Park Police Department that tattoos, other forms of body art and/or objects used to pierce the body, shall not be visible to the public during performance of duties. Additionally, tattoos, body art and/or objects utilized in body piercing shall not be displayed to other City and Department employees while on or in property and/or facilities owned, operated or under the dominion and control of the City/Department, where the content of the tattoo, body art and/or piercing may be perceived by a reasonable City/Department employee as evidence of harassment or discrimination.

Knowledge of basic reading, writing and spelling.  Skills/Abilities - Follow and understand oral and written instructions, oral and written communications skills, gain cooperation of others, analyze situations, learn the use and care of automobiles and small firearms, meet standards of physical and health conditions, endurance and ability.  Education – High school diploma or equivalent. Age - Candidates must be 21 years of age prior to completion of academy training.  Physical Requirements - Requires heavy lifting, carrying, climbing, running and exposure to potentially hazardous situations and environmental conditions.  Vision must be 20/70 uncorrected (20/20 corrected), normal color perception and normal hearing.  Possession of a valid California Driver's License and U.S. citizenship is required at the time of appointment.

Candidate's whose qualifications are determined to best meet the City's needs, will be invited to the Assessment of Qualifications. The Assessment of Qualifications consists of an Orientation, Written Exam, and Oral Interview. An applicant must pass all components of the examination process to be considered for the position.

 
Orientation                         Pass/Fail                Date - To be Announced
Written Examination:         Pass/Fail                Date - To be Announced
Oral Interview:                    Weighted 100%     Date - To be Announced
 

Candidates must pass a pre-employment medical examination, including a drug/alcohol screen, a background investigation, a voice stress analysis and a psychological examination.  An applicant must pass all phases of the selection process prior to appointment.
 
Applicants with legal disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact the Human Resources Department at least five (5) days prior to the examination date.

Continuous Recruitment - may close at any time without prior notice.  When a sufficient number of applications are received, testing will be scheduled. Completed City applications, including any related educational or training documents must be submitted through the online application system within the filing period. Incomplete employment applications will not be processed. Complete all requested information including the non asterisk boxes.