The Williamston Police Department is currently taking applications for a reserve officer program.
“A Reserve Police Officer is a citizen volunteer who devotes his or her valuable time and effort towards creating a safer community,” said Williamston Police Captain Kevin Marsee.
Reserve Police Officers wear the same uniform that full-time police officers wear and on a part-time basis, they perform many of the same duties and functions that a full-time officer does.
Reserve officers must meet certain requirements including being a high school graduate, be 21 years old, have no criminal record, have a valid S.C. Driver’s License, have a drug free background, undergo a background investigation and meet physical fitness standards of the job.
“The primary purpose of the Reserve Police Officer Program is to provide the community with an auxiliary unit of trained, competent police officers,” Marsee said. “These officers ride with and supplement our regular personnel and can be used in the event of an emergency when manpower is critical.”
“Community involvement and, most of all, support are two vital elements in the operation of any law enforcement agency. A successful Reserve Police Officer Program, being made up of citizen volunteers from within the community, stands as a symbol of the Mayor’s anti-crime initiative and commitment to partnership and teamwork in combating crime.”
If selected, the applicant will attend the SC Reserve Officer Training Program, a 160 hour course of instruction designed to prepare the candidate for the role of a Reserve Police Officer. The program demands that the candidate devote his or her time during a rigorous training period. Although the training program is attended on a “part-time” basis, there is nothing “part-time” about the level and intensity of the academic and physical training. The level of instruction is similar to that of the full-time police academy and demands a great deal of time and devotion from the Reserve Recruit.
Upon completion of the Reserve Training Program the recruit must successfully pass a two hour test at the SC Criminal Justice Academy in Columbia, SC. After successful completion of the training program the Reserve Officer is required to donate 20 hours per month to the department.
Anyone interested should contact the Williamston Police Department at 100 Town Square Drive or call Captain Kevin Marsee at 864-356-4112.
