Police Reserves

The Police Reserves position is a uniformed (unarmed) volunteer unit that provides thousands of volunteer hours annually, assisting the police department with neighborhood patrols, business checks, community events, and helping licensed officers on patrol as needed.

Minimum Requirements

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Possess a high school diploma or GED
  • Possess a valid MN driver’s license and have a good driving record
  • Pass a thorough background check, including a criminal history check. Felony and Gross Misdemeanor convictions will render an applicant ineligible. Certain Petty Misdemeanor and Misdemeanor convictions may make a person ineligible.
  • Do not use prohibited drugs or engage in excessive use of alcohol.

Required Training

Ramsey Reserve Officers are trained in first aid, use of force, taser, vehicle lockouts, report writing, use of a squad car, and other police equipment. They receive scenario-based training and have the opportunity to serve as role players in the full-time staff training. Reserve Officers must attend monthly meetings (usually held on the 3rd Monday of the month), volunteer at Ramsey’s Happy Days Festival (in September) and complete a combination of 10 squad duties and community events in a calendar year. 

Application Process

Applications for the Reserve Officer position are accepted on an ongoing basis and filled when vacancies occur. Applicants will be contacted for an interview when an opening becomes available. For more information or questions, please contact Capt. Nick Dahlberg at 763-433-9897.

Primary Objective of Position

To ensure a secure, aware and involved community by uniting law enforcement and residents. To provide a variety of support services to the community and the Police Department in a non-sworn, volunteer capacity.

Reserve Officers conduct uniformed patrols of residential and business districts on an "observe and report" basis in a marked police squad. Reserve Officers are not licensed peace officers and do not carry a firearm, but are trained in defensive tactics.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Must have a strong desire to serve the City of Ramsey (residency in Ramsey is not required)
  • Must possess a high school diploma or GED
  • Must possess a valid MN driver's license and have a good driving record
  • Must pass a pre-employment physical and drug screen
  • Must pass a thorough background check, including a criminal history check

Essential Job Functions

  • Provide general security, traffic control and public relations for community functions such as the Lions Community Picnic, Ramsey Happy Days Event and Night to Unite
  • Assist the Police and Fire Departments with general security, traffic control and public relations in times of natural disaster and major emergencies; would require being on-call for such emergencies
  • Assist the Police Department with set-up, promotion, and active participation in safety-related events such as school events and neighborhood watch programs
  • Assist licensed officers with general security, traffic control, motor vehicle accidents, medical calls, and other calls as requested by licensed officers
  • Optional ride-a-longs with licensed officers for the purpose of gaining additional knowledge and experience
  • Assist the Police Department staff with non-priority calls

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Ability to effectively communicate in English, both orally and in written form
  • Ability to write reports or document incidents, with training provided
  • Ability to make a positive contribution to the department by working cooperatively with peers and supervisors
  • Ability to respond to or assist with basic calls for service, community events and emergency medical situations, with training provided
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other Police Department staff and the general public
  • Ability to participate in department training sessions and community events at the required levels
  • Ability to exercise good judgment, common sense, trustworthiness, and honesty
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality

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