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.

Qualifications for Reserve Officers

      1.    Must have a valid South Carolina Drivers License.

2.    A High School Graduate or GED.

3.    In good physical health.

4.    No criminal history within the last ten years.

The Reserve Program

1.    Complete an application. Available here:  Employment Application  or at the Town Of Summerville website. Include with your application the following:

a.    Copy of your birth certificate.

b.    Copy of your SC DL

c.    Copy of your Social Security Card

d.    Copy of your High School diploma or College   Degree.

2.    Must attend an 8 to 12 week course. This course is given at the Summerville Police Department. The course includes:

a.    U.S. and S.C. Law.

b.    CSI.

c.    Firearms training.

d.    Use of Force.

e.    Officer Survival.

f.     Use of Non-Lethal force.

g.    Diversity.

h.    Criminal Domestic Violence.

i.     Department Policies and Procedures.

3.    Must pass the final exam and the State exam.

4.    Once you have completed all exams, there will be an interview with a Patrol Lieutenant, Sergeant and Corporal.

5.    Once selected you will be issued a uniform and equipment and sworn in.

6.    Must go through the Field Training Officer Program.

7.    Must complete at least 240 hours of reserve time per year. This is by state law.

8.    Must attend monthly training and meetings.

9.   Pre-placement Consent and Medical History form

10.  Information Release

11. Release

12. Waiver of Liability

Our  Reserve Police Officers are a valuable asset to our Department and Community. If you have any questions concerning the Reserve Program or If you are interested in becoming a Reserve Police Officer or believe you would like to attend the next Reserve Class, please call (843.871.2463) or Email Cpl. Ricci Fowler  at the Summerville Police Department.

Reserve/Auxiliary Law Enforcement Units are made up of persons who are interested in the welfare of the People and in the protection of property in their community.  These persons are of the "Community Policing" ilk as defined by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS).  This country's 400,000+ "ULTIMATE VOLUNTEERS" are Peace Officers who are interested in the principles of "just" and "equitable" Law Enforcement.  A well organized Reserve Division serves as a readily available source of properly trained, backup manpower for both large and small Law Enforcement Departments.  They join together to assist their local, state, county, and national Law Enforcement agencies in the fight against crime through the performance of their duties - that of effective and reliable back-up for full-time Officers.  Reserve/Auxiliary Law Enforcement Officers serve their agencies in routine Department activities, in emergencies, in natural disasters, and in special departmental divisions of expertise.  Besides donating many hours per month to their Law Enforcement agencies, many Reserves also hold down full-time jobs; plus most have families.