Police Reserve Unit

The St. Cloud Police Reserve Program is a volunteer organization dedicated to the goal of assisting the St. Cloud Police Department with trained volunteers. The training and uniforms are provided to each Reserve Officer. The St. Cloud Police Reserve Officer Unit is comprised of up to 25 total members with a rank structure within the unit.  The St. Cloud Police Reserve Program works directly with the Police Department on a variety of community engagement opportunities. The St. Cloud Police Reserve Officer Unit also has an appointed liaison officer and assistant liaison officer who are full-time police officers. The liaisons report to the Division Commander and ultimately to the Chief of Police.

Our reserve officers come from a variety of different backgrounds and interests. You do not need to have a long-term goal of becoming a full-time police officer. To be a great reserve officer, the St. Cloud Police Reserve program is looking for members of the community who are civically minded, can be a good ambassador for our department and community and want to support the St. Cloud Police Department’s mission in our community. 

Each prospective applicant is carefully screened before they are sworn in as a reserve officer. Background investigations are completed before appointment.   

Police Reserve Unit

Reserve 2017 - Copy

Expectations and Training

Each member is expected to attend the monthly Reserve Officer meeting held every fourth Tuesday of the month and volunteer a minimum of six (6) hours each month. Meetings are held typically at the St. Cloud Police Department from 6:30p.m. to 8:30p.m.  There are several community events throughout the year that require Reserve officer support. 

No new Reserve Officer can volunteer until basic training requirements are met and the reserve officer understands what is expected of them. Topics of training include self-defense, crowd control, handcuffing, traffic direction, radio communications, de-escalation and many other areas as needed.  As a St. Cloud Police Reserve, you do not carry a weapon; but you will be trained on the use of OC (pepper) spray, handcuffs, and defensive tactics. 

As a police reserve you will be a critical part the St. Cloud Police Department’s role in engaging the community.  The Reserve Officer Unit is a community-oriented unit designed to support the Police Department’s mission of high participatory engagement with community members while maintaining an atmosphere that is caring and professional. The tasks a Reserve Officer may perform may include directing traffic for parades and community events, acting as a role player for department training, and assisting with COP House and other Community Policing activities. These are just a few of the tasks a Reserve Officer may be involved in.  

Reserve Officer Position Availability

The St. Cloud Police Reserve Officer Program is currently seeking individuals looking to volunteer for our department in a variety of community engagement events.  Applicants will be trained in a variety of areas to prepare for the volunteer work.  Applications will be accepted until positions are filled.  The applicant will be contacted by phone when the interview process begins. The following is required of all selected applicants:  

  • You must submit to a physical exam by your personal physician stating you are in good physical condition to perform duties associated with the work of a Reserve Officer, prior to being allowed to volunteer for events and activities. 
  • Those activities require some physical activity such as walking, standing, and lifting.  
  • You must be a United States citizen or have a work visa.  
  • You must be at least eighteen years old.
  • You must have a valid driver’s license. 

The Application Process

To apply for a St. Cloud Police Reserve Officer position, please:

This application contains private data and should be sealed in a large manila envelope when you bring the application to the police department. If you have any questions, please call the Non-Emergency phone number and ask for Sgt McClure.