Reserve Police Officer Program

Volunteer Reserve Officers are trained personnel who assist the City’s full-time paid officers. Duties include:

  • Answer Calls For Service
  • Traffic Enforcement
  • Transport Prisoners
  • Special Events (such as the Troutdale Trot, Summerfest and Fourth of July at Blue Lake Park)

Recruitment applications are welcome at anytime and testing is scheduled based on the number of applicants. The academy is offered through Clackamas County (www.reserveacademy.com) and reserves learn topics such as:

Reserves
  • First Aid and CPR
  • Criminal Law
  • E.V.O.C. (Emergency Vehicle Operations Class)
  • Traffic Stops
  • Officer Survival
  • Use of Force
  • Defensive Tactics
  • Firearms
  • Domestic Violence Response
  • Radio Communications and Procedures
  • Crime Scene Management
  • Interview Techniques
  • Officer Violator Contact
  • Death Investigations
  • Controlled Substances/Drug Recognition
  • Gangs
  • Child/Elder Abuse
  • Civil Rights and Civil Liability
  • Vehicle Stops
  • Standardized Field Sobriety Testing
  • And much more...
Reserves
Reserves

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How many reserve officers does the department have?
    The Troutdale Police Department's Reserve Unit is fully staffed at fifteen. Currently we have five active reserves and recruit annually to keep our unit at full staffing levels.

  2. How many hours do I need to put in every month?
    There are three reserve officer levels and each has its own requirement. Level III (new hire) requires 16 hours, Level II requires 20, and Level I requires 24. The hours include all activities such as training, meetings, and road (patrol) time.

  3. How long is the reserve academy?
    The academy runs for about six months and usually starts late summer or early fall.  On average, the student spends sixteen hours a week at the academy which usually runs Tuesday and Thursday evenings, all day Saturday, and an occasional Sunday.

  4. Do I have to purchase my own equipment?  If so, how much will it cost?
    The department supplies all of your gear, with the exception of the ballistic vest and boots. Costs for a vest and boots are approximately $500 but can vary depending on what is chosen. Keep in mind that equipment purchases may be tax deductible.

  5. Will being a reserve teach skills not learned elsewhere?
    Absolutely!  You will learn how to wear the uniform and get to train alongside officers and work special events.  It is a good outlet for those who want to serve the community and can also give you experience sought after by departments looking to hire full time.

  6. What is the testing process like?
    It is the same testing procedure for a reserve as it is for a full time officer.  You must be able to pass a standardized written test, oral board interview, physical, background check, and psychological test.

  7. Is there a difference between a full time officer and a reserve in the eyes of the public?
    No.  Reserves are held to the same professional standards as full time officers and also perform the same duties.  Visibly, the only difference is that the badge says "Reserve."

  8. When can I turn in my application and test?
    Each spring (usually in February), the department advertises in the Oregonian classifieds, on our website, and under 'Weekly Job Openings' at the State of Oregon website for reserve officer candidates. The department job posting will provide specific information about the application and process, so check back annually in the spring for this announcement.

Contact Sgt. Joel Wendland for more information: click

City of Troutdale- Last Updated February 1, 2010