The Summerville Police Department’s Reserve Officer Program is well recognized and highly respected in South Carolina. Our Reserve Unit consists of volunteers from the Summerville community and surrounding areas.
Our Reserve Officers work side by side with and supplement our full time Police force. Their duties include a wide variety of activities ranging from special event security such as the Flowertown Festival, Patrol, Investigations or duty with any of the divisions within the Department. Reserve Officers must volunteer at least 240 hours a year or 60 hours per quarter. Those dedicated to the community and the Summerville Police department who contribute the required hours can gain a promotion to Reserve 1st Class. Many of the Officers in our full time force began their law enforcement careers as Reserve Police Officers.
Our Reserve Police Officers are a valuable asset to our Department and Community. Our Reserve Program is currently at capacity and we are not adding additional personnel at this time, however we are accepting applications for a future class. If you have any questions concerning the Reserve Program, are interested in becoming a Reserve Police Officer or believe you would like to attend a future Reserve Class, click the “Apply Now” button below.
Qualifications
Complete an employment Application here or at the Town Of Summerville website. Include the following with your application:
- Copy of your birth certificate.
- Copy of your SC DL
- Copy of your Social Security Card
- Copy of your High School diploma or College Degree
Candidates Must:
- Have a valid South Carolina Drivers License.
- Be a High School Graduate or have a GED.
- Be in good physical health.
- Have no criminal history within the last ten years.
- Be at least 21 years of age.
Initial Training
Before becoming Reserve Officers in our program, these dedicated volunteers attend over three months of intense and detailed law enforcement training. This training includes South Carolina Law, Constitutional Law, Town Ordinances, Ethics, Patrol Procedures, Defensive Tactics, Officer Survival, Firearms, O.C. Spray, Prisoner Transport, Juvenile Procedures, Domestic Violence Laws and more.
Once this initial training is complete a test at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy must be passed. A passing grade certifies these individuals as Reserve Police Officers in the State of South Carolina. With this certification these individuals can be accepted as Summerville Reserve Police Officers. These volunteers continue their training at monthly Reserve meetings and in the field with certified Field Training Officers (F.T.O.). The Reserve Officers are allowed to attend any additional training offered by the Department.
When available, Reserve Officers are assigned with a Field Training Officer while on patrol. The Reserve Officers will be required to complete a minimum 360 hours (the equivalent our Departments 9 week FTO program for full-time officers) with an FTO before becoming a Reserve Officer First Class. The FTO completes the same training paperwork for the Reserve Officer that is completed for a full-time officer in the Field Training Program. Upon successful completion or the training program, a minimum of two FTO’s must recommend to the Reserve Officer Coordinator that the Reserve be considered for First Class status. The Chief of Police will have the final decision in changing a Reserve Officer to First Class status. Prior to becoming a Reserve Officer First Class, the Reserve Officer must be accompanied by a full-time officer at all times.
Must attend an 8 to 12 week course. This course is given at the Summerville Police Department. The course includes:
- United States and South Carolina Law
- CSI
- Firearms training
- Use of Force
- Officer Survival
- Use of Non-Lethal force
- Diversity
- Criminal Domestic Violence
- Department Policies and Procedures
Once the 8-12 week training course is complete, candidates:
- Must pass the final exam and the State exam.
- Interview with a Patrol Lieutenant, Sergeant and Corporal (after completing exams).
- Will, once selected, be issued a uniform and equipment and sworn in.
- Must go through the Field Training Officer Program.
- Must complete at least 240 hours of reserve time per year. This is by state law.
- Must attend monthly training and meetings.
Summerville Police Department, Copyright 2021
Summerville Police Department, Copyright 2020