Reserve Officer Program

Reserve Police Officers volunteer their time and work a minimum of 16 hours a month with the other patrol officers of the police department. The training of a Reserve Police Officer parallels that of full time paid Police Officers. Their service is provided free to the City. The main function of the Reserve Officer Program is to provide support and additional personnel to the patrol division. Reserve Officers may be able to opt for full-time Police Officer I status, depending on availability of positions.

A Reserve Officer has received training in the same areas as a Police Officer. Examples of this training include:

	Accident investigations
	Criminal law
	Traffic law
	Report writing
	Firearms training
	Courtroom testimony
	First aid
	Self-defense
	Police driving skills
	Human and public relations

Winter Haven Police Reserve Officers must commit to volunteering a minimum of 16 hours per month. All work performed on behalf of the Winter Haven Police Department will be credited to Reserve Officers. Following are some examples of credited time:

	Attending mandatory meetings
	Patrol ride-alongs
	On-view activity
	Special events
	Firearms training
	In-service training
	Firearms re-qualification

If you have what it takes to be a proud member of the Winter Haven Police Department Reserve Unit and want to be an influence in YOUR community, please contact the Personnel Selection Unit at 863.298.4441.

Minimum Requirements for Reserve Police Officer

	Must be nineteen (19) years of age
	Must be a citizen of the United States
	Must possess a United States high school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent
	Must not have received a dishonorable or undesirable discharge from any of the Armed Forces of the United States
	Must be in good physical condition
	Be of good moral character; no felony arrest(s) or misdemeanor convictions involving moral character, perjury or false statements and must not have been convicted of a crime involving domestic violence
	Must pass a medical examination as required by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement
	Must pass psychological screening program
	Must undergo a background investigation including polygraph examination
	Will be tested for controlled substances prior to employment and may be tested for controlled substances during employment in this classification
	Must complete our hiring process
	It is preferred that the applicant is already certified by the Florida Standards and Training Commission and has successfully passed the state exam