Council adopts reserve police officer ordinance to create municipal reserve program

The Crescent City Council unanimously adopted Ordinance No. 857 on July 7, adding section 2.40.05 to the municipal code to establish a reserve police officer program. The ordinance authorizes volunteers to serve as reserve officers, requires a minimum volunteer commitment of 16 hours per month for assignments such as special events, and requires the city to provide workers’ compensation, equipment and supplies for reserves.

City Attorney Rice presented the item and said the ordinance will “set forth standards, and guidelines for a reserve police officer program” and, if adopted, would become effective in 30 days. Police Chief Carey clarified operational details: reserves will not be used as the first call to cover overtime for regular officers. Instead, the department will use the normal list of regular officers for overtime coverage and, only if regular officers are unavailable, will call reserves.

Chief Carey said reserve officers can be certified at varying levels that determine duties and supervision, and that all reserves would complete the department’s field-training process. He explained that a “level 1” reserve must complete the full field training program, currently 17 weeks, while higher-level reserves have different supervision and assignment rules. Carey noted one candidate will have limited duties until required training modules are completed, and another candidate is already prepared to provide support.

Council members expressed support, saying the program provides additional coverage for events and vacancies and can help officers retain certification. The council waived full reading, read Ordinance No. 857 by title only and adopted the ordinance. The ordinance will be effective 30 days after adoption unless otherwise specified.

The council’s recorded votes were: Dooley — yes; Greenough — yes; Tinkler — yes; Mayor Pro Tem Wright — yes; Mayor Altman — yes.