Full Time Academy -v- Reserve Academy?

[883 Low]

Does anyone know generally what's different about normal academy as compared to reserve academy? In Washington State, Reserve officers are given full arrest powers like any other officer, but the academy is much shorter. A few of the officers I've talked to (since I'm applying to be a reserve right now) have all said, "Well, at least your academy will be easy." But, they don't elaborate. Any thoughts?

Thanks!

[PhilipCal]

Does anyone know generally what's different about normal academy as compared to reserve academy? In Washington State, Reserve officers are given full arrest powers like any other officer, but the academy is much shorter. A few of the officers I've talked to (since I'm applying to be a reserve right now) have all said, "Well, at least your academy will be easy." But, they don't elaborate. Any thoughts?

Thanks!

In many states, a Reserve Officer only has arrest powers when he/she is on duty, working with, or under the supervision of a full time Officer. In these situations, an abbreviated Academy,tailored to Reserve Officer Training requirements is sufficient. OTH, several states. California among them, have varying levels or classifications of Reserve Officers. The highest level of these Reserve Officers has the same powers as a Regular Officer, and attends the same Academy.

[SCSO612]

Arkansas is the same way. We have four levels; specialized, auxiliary, part-time I, and part-time II. Until you get to part-time status you have no authority off duty.

[just joe]

In Ohio there is only one type of academy regardless of your position, pay, hours worked, etc. You're either a trained and sworn peace officer or you are not.

[Rush817]

In Ohio there is only one type of academy regardless of your position, pay, hours worked, etc. You're either trained and sworn peace officer or you are not.

Same here in Texas!

[pnwcopper]

Does anyone know generally what's different about normal academy as compared to reserve academy? In Washington State, Reserve officers are given full arrest powers like any other officer, but the academy is much shorter. A few of the officers I've talked to (since I'm applying to be a reserve right now) have all said, "Well, at least your academy will be easy." But, they don't elaborate. Any thoughts?

Thanks!

The length for starters. It was monday,wednesday,friday 6pm-10or11pm and saturdays 8-5. They give you just the basics. It was around 350 hours of training when I went through. There are no different classifications in WA State for reserves in regards to your authority that I can recall. The department I worked for allowed you to go on solo patrol, but you had to go through the fto phase and take the tests just like the full-timers otherwise you had ride with a full-time deputy or a reserve that was allowed on solo patrol. I believe it is all based off a departments general orders what you can do. Some stuff we got paid for, but about 99.9% was free.

I will say it was a great stepping stone for me to becoming a full-time officer. Just make sure you apply yourself and when your working you work and want to learn and want to grow as an officer and don't act like a tool. That will earn the respect of the full-timers. We had a group of slaps that I worked with that just did it to have a badge and gun and play dress up a few days out of the month. They would ride with other officers and sit there like a bump on a log and not to jack sh%#, they are the types that would create a negative association with reserve officers among the full-timers. Sorry for the long post. Feel free to pm me if you have any questions.