Reserve Officer Program

The number of reserve officers we have will vary from time-to-time depending on a variety of factors. A reserve officer’s primary function is to learn while assisting with patrol duties.

If you have any further questions about the Police Reserve Program or if you're interested in becoming a member, contact Sergeant Colby Hamilton at 503.831.3516.
 

Reserve Officer Status (Steps 1 through 4)

Dallas Reserve Police Officers initially work under the direct supervision of full-time officers; however, Reserve Officers may achieve solo status by completing these four steps. Timing depends on experience level and training:

Step 1 is attained by attending the Mid-Valley Reserve Training (MVRT) academy and completing departmental required observations of supporting agencies (e.g., our dispatch center, courts, etc.)
Step 2 is attained by successfully graduating MVRT and taking the oath of office as a Reserve Police Officer. Level 2 Reserve officers will ride with full-time officers as an observer, learning the work and assisting when requested.
Step 3 reserve officers will be permitted to drive a patrol car under the direct supervision of a full-time officer and will frequently be allowed to investigate minor incidents under the guidance of a full-time officer.
Step 4, or "Solo Status" can be attained once reserve officers complete 960 hours of patrol-related activities and after successful completion of required written testing. Designation as a "Solo" reserve officer requires recommendations from a field training officer (FTO) and the reserve program coordinator, after which final approval will be predicated on a successful interview with the Chief of Police. The primary duty of a solo reserve officer is traffic enforcement, but can include the authorization to respond to minor calls for service and to assist other full-time officers as needed.
 

Mid-Valley Reserve Training (MVRT)

The Mid-Valley Reserve Training (MVRT) academy closely follows the basic police curriculum of the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST). MVRT currently offers approximately 350 training hours that are recognized by DPSST. MVRT has expanded to include other area law enforcement agencies, giving us the opportunity to have available a number of sworn officers and deputies, who are also certified instructors for DPSST in a variety of police disciplines.
 

Program Details

Successful applicants will attend the MVRT Academy which usually starts in November and runs through May. Applicants attending MVRT will be charged a fee to attend. The academy fees help cover the cost of materials and resources for the academy training programs. This cost varies slightly from year-to-year. 

To successfully complete MVRT, applicants will attend two nights per week and some Saturdays. Upon successfully graduating from MVRT, participants will be administered the oath of office as a sworn reserve police officer. New reserve officers will be issued uniforms and equipment to perform the tasks as required.