Police Reserves

Police Reserves pictured in front of City Hall

GRAND RAPIDS POLICE DEPARTMENT POLICE RESERVE UNIT

The Grand Rapids Police Department has had a long term Police Reserve Unit comprised of men and women who volunteer to provide support services to the citizens of Grand Rapids, and to the Grand Rapids Police Department. Police Reserve Officers are uniformed volunteers who are trained by the police department to serve in these supportive roles. This unit is a way for members to give back to their community to make it a better place to live ,work, and play. Members range from law enforcement students aspiring to be police officers and community members with no intent on becoming police officers, but do want to be actively involved in community engagement.

Itasca Ironsides at Culvers

Our team of dedicated individuals volunteer hundreds of hours annually assisting the police department with community policing functions, and play a major role in most community events. Some of these activities include:

  • 5 k races
  • 4th of July celebration
  • Car shows / swap meet
  • Tall Timber Day celebration and parade
  • National Night Out
  • Itasca County Fair
  • Various Sporting Events
  • Concerts
  • Area school celebrations, graduations, and dances
  • Various Community celebrations and/or special events
Target Dog with reserve officers at event

Some duties may include the mere presence at these events as a deterrent to criminal activity, interacting with members of the public,  assist with crowd control, assist with traffic control, assisting with medical incidents, and assisting Patrol Officers with special assignments as needed.

Reserve patrol vehicle, officer and child

Police reserve Officers are outfitted with all necessary uniforms and equipment. Police reserve Officers are required to wear authorized and specified uniforms  while attending functions. The Grand Rapids Police Department has also supplied the Police Reserve Unit with a fully marked patrol vehicle for these activities.

Community event with pirate ship blow up in background

The Grand Rapids Police Department recognizes that all members are volunteers, and are tasked with many other commitments in life. We do ask that each member makes a minimum commitment of two years  to the team , and 50 hours of service per member in a calendar year. However, we do realize that there are reasons that people may need to leave earlier.

Culvers visit with Itasca Ironsides

Requirements to be a reserve officer are:

  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license
  • Must pass a background check
  • Must volunteer a minimum of fifty hours per calendar year to help with events.
To apply for the Police Reserves program, click on the application below.

Supporting Documents

PDF icon Police Reserves Application (105 KB)
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