Police Department

This position is open on a continuous basis.

The Reserve Police Officer position is an un-represented volunteer class. Reserve Police Officers receive specialized law enforcement training mandated by the State of California and Peace Officers Standards of Training (POST). They serve at the discretion of the Chief of Police and have full peace officer powers while on duty. The Fresno Police Department requests a minimum of 24 hours of service by each Reserve Officer per month.

The function of the Reserve Unit has always been to support and augment the department in providing basic police services to the community. Historically, this has been accomplished by Reserve Police Officers working patrol, or riding as a second person in a two-officer police vehicle. However new trends in community-oriented policing and problem solving have resulted in Reserve Police Officers working a wide variety of special assignments in addition to their patrol assignments. They are called upon when a critical incident occurs within the city and are an integrated part of the homeland defense plan.

Today it is not uncommon to find Reserve Police Officers on bicycle patrol, walking patrol, or on horseback at any number of police operations and community events, You can find them assigned to details such as dignitary security, homeland security, critical incident response, DUI check points, patrolling city parks, providing police presence at various community outreach programs and non-profit events, working special gang enforcement and auto theft assignments, traffic and crowd control functions at large sporting events or concerts, or even working plain clothes assignments assisting in narcotics or prostitution stings.

The Fresno Police Department is fortunate to have a Reserve Unit of highly committed and dedicated individuals who take great pride in their work. The Reserve Police Officers donate an immense amount of volunteer time to the community and the department that serve the City of Fresno and the citizens.

Becoming a Reserve Police Officer is a challenging and rewarding way of serving your community while becoming a part of the exciting world of law enforcement.

Many of our Reserve Police Officers enter the program with an interest in a career in law enforcement. This is an excellent opportunity for an individual to gain first hand knowledge and experience in the field before deciding to dedicate themselves to the profession. Our Reserve Police Officers have taken full advantage of this career development opportunity, as a great number of them have promoted to full-time positions with the Fresno Police department in the past ten years.

While some of our officers are moving on to full-time careers, others make a career of being Reserve Police Officers. Many of our Reserve Police Officers have well established positions in the public and private sectors. They are deeply rooted in the community and come to our unit with a wide variety of skills and life experiences. Their duties here give them civic pride and the satisfaction of making a positive impact on the quality of life within the City of Fresno. A number of our Reserve Police Officers have served the City of Fresno for more than 25 years.

The City of Fresno is looking for highly motivated individuals who have a desire to provide valuable assistance to the community and the Department through service as a Reserve Police Officer. Explore this exciting opportunity to see what a career in law enforcement is really like. Feel the pride and satisfaction generated by being part of the team of citizens who take an active role in establishing the City of Fresno as a safer and productive community where their families and loved ones can grow and prosper.

Whether you are seeking a career in law enforcement, or simply want to take your interest in community activism to the next level, do something positive for yourself and your community – become one of Fresno’s finest.

In order to assist you in determining your suitability for this position, the following information regarding requirements of membership and the examination process is provided.

The Department issues all related police safety equipment and police uniforms needed to perform the duties of a Reserve Police Officer, including: handgun, custom fitted protective vest, and necessary duty gear.

Reserve Police Officers receive Worker’s Compensation protection while they are working for the City Of Fresno in their official capacity.
The Reserve Police Officers is strictly a volunteer position however receive a stipend pay for their uniform and equipment needs every six months.