Police Reserve

The Monterey Park Police Reserve Officers are a highly trained team of volunteers who provide police services while maintaining successful careers outside of law enforcement such as attorneys, business executives, business owners, and mechanics.

Classifications of Reserve Officers

There are three classifications or levels of 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 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 (MPPD) Reserve Program uses all three levels.

Training

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. 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

Duties

General duties and assignment of Level 1 and Level 2 MPPD Reserve Officers include uniformed patrol, which involves responding to crimes in progress, assisting residents, taking crime and traffic accident reports, issuing citations and making arrests. All reserve officers also provide basic law enforcement services at community events, such as parades, festivals, sports events, and dances.

Assignment

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
  • Investigations
  • Jail Operations
  • Motor Officer
  • Range Safety Officer
  • Traffic Investigations
  • Gang Enforcement
  • Narcotics
  • Officer Recruitment
  • Bike Patrol
  • Urban Search and Rescue
  • Special Response Team

The MPPD Reserve Program is dedicated to professionalism and there are opportunities to promote within the police reserve organization, from the rank of corporal to captain. For more information contact Sgt. Salazar at 626-307-1253 or by email.