Reserve Police Officers volunteer their time and work a minimum of 12 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.
Winter Haven Police Reserve Officers must commit to volunteering a minimum of 12 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 Officers
- 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
- Florida Police Academy Graduate
- Pass the Florida State Law Enforcement Examination