Police

The Ruston Police Department's Reserve Police Officer Program officially began in 1996 . These individuals are an example of extraordinary community spirit and involvement and have proven to be a valuable resource to the Department and the community . Reserve Officers are part-time, non-salaried, fully commissioned law enforcement officers who perform the same duties as regular paid police officers. The Reserve Officers have full law enforcement powers, full discretion, and function under supervision to play a significant role in supplementing the department's resources. The reserve officers are able to provide additional manpower at no additional expense to the taxpayers under normal conditions. These officers are also available to provide assistance to the regular paid officers when other sources of manpower have been depleted.

RESERVE POLICE OFFICER REQUIREMENTS FOR ELIGIBILITY:

• Applicants must be twenty-five years of age to be considered for the program.
• Applicants must be in good health and pass a physical fitness test before being considered for the program. A DOCTOR'S CERTIFICATE WILL BE REQUIRED BEFORE THE APPLICANT WILL BE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST.
• Applicants must successfully pass a psychological test.
• Applicants must successfully pass an oral review board.
• Applicants must have a valid Louisiana drivers license.
• Applicants must possess a high school diploma or G.E.D.

Once an applicant has been accepted into the Ruston Police Department Reserve Officer Program, he or she must successfully complete department training requirements before being allowed to assume the duties of a Reserve Officer. All Reserve Officers must qualify with a department approved handgun and shotgun in accordance with the P.O.S.T. Standards. Additional training and qualifications are required with the straight night stick or baton, Pressure Point Control Tactics (PPCT), proper handcuffing techniques, and First Aid/CPR. Reserve Officers shall also be trained in the understanding and interpretation of basic criminal law. Reserve Officers must also participate in regular in-service training and re-testing equivalent to that training received by full-time officers, and must successfully complete this required training as established by the course.

After they having received the appropriate training, Reserve Officers are authorized with full police authority and exercise that authority only while on active duty. Reserve Officers will perform normal day-to-day activities under the direction of the shift supervisor. Normal day-to-day activities are considered any law enforcement function that will assist full-time personnel in the delivery of law enforcement services to the community. Reserve Officers will also perform those functions that are necessary to assist full-time officers in emergency situations.

During special events or emergency situations, duty assignments will be made by the Assistant Chief of Police or the Patrol Commander. Emergency call out of Reserve Officers must be approved by the Assistant Chief or Patrol Commander.

Reserve Officers are required to perform a minimum of eight hours of service per month and a maximum of forty-eight hours per month. Their service time, as well as duties performed, must be documented.

Anyone who meets the above requirements and would be interested in applying for the Ruston Police Department Reserve Officer Program, or anyone who would just like to know more about the program, should contact the Ruston Police Department and request an application for the reserve officer program.