(A) Established. A reserve police force is hereby established, to be a volunteer organization, composed of membership to be determined by the Chief of Police, separate and distinct from the Police Department of this city, but to be headed by the Chief of Police.
('69 Code, § 17-11) (Ord. passed 3-7-74)
(B) Authority of Chief of Police. The Chief of Police of this city shall have complete authority, control and command, subject to the provisions of this subchapter, over the reserve police force. He may appoint as members thereof any persons he may deem to be qualified, and he may reject any application for membership. He may provide for the training of candidates for membership, and for the further training of members.
('69 Code, § 17-12) (Ord. passed 3-7-74)
(C) Appointment of members. No person shall be deemed a member of the reserve police force until he has been registered as such in a roster to be kept by the Chief of Police, and until he has taken his oath that he will observe and obey the Constitution of the United States, the constitution of this state, and the laws of this nation, this state and this city, and he will carry out the duties of a member of the reserve police force of this city to the best of his ability.
('69 Code, § 17-13) (Ord. passed 3-7-74)
(D) Duties. The duties of the reserve police force, subject at all times to the direction, supervision and control of the Chief of Police, shall be to assist the regular members of the Police Department of this city in the enforcement of law and the maintenance of peace and order. The Chief may by order establish rules and regulations to govern the reserve police force, to fix the specific duties of its members, and to provide for the maintenance of discipline. He may change such orders from time to time, and he may command members of the reserve force to obey the instructions of regular police officers in carrying out their duties.
('69 Code, § 17-14) (Ord. passed 3-7-74)
(E) Identification. An identification card and such other insignia or evidence of identity as the Chief may prescribe shall be issued to each member, who must carry the card and other identification at all times while on duty, and he must surrender them upon the termination of his membership.
('69 Code, § 17-15) (Ord. passed 3-7-74)
(F) Removal; resignation.
(1) The membership of any person may be terminated by the Chief of Police at any time, and any member may resign from the reserve police force at any time, but it shall be his duty to notify the Chief of his resignation.
('69 Code, § 17-16) (Ord. passed 3-7-74)
(2) It shall be the responsibility of the reserve police officer to return in acceptable condition any and all equipment previously issued to them by the Chief of Police. This equipment shall be returned at the time of termination or resignation.
(G) Carrying firearms. No member of the reserve police force shall, except while on duty, carry any firearm issued by the Chief of Police.
(H) Powers of members of the reserve police force. A member of the reserve police force, as a peace officer, shall have to the same extent as a regular member of the Police Department all of the powers invested in law enforcement officers by statute or common law. A member of the reserve police force shall to the same extent as a regular member of the Police Department also have the power to serve all civil and criminal process that may be directed to him by any officer of the General Court of Justice and may enforce the ordinances and regulations of the city as the Council may direct.
(I) Benefits under the North Carolina Workers' Compensation Act. While undergoing official training and while performing duties on behalf of the city pursuant to orders or instructions of the Chief of Police, members of the reserve police force shall be entitled to benefits under the North Carolina Workers' Compensation Act.
(J) Diminishing or expanding the force. The Chief of Police may by order diminish or expand the membership of the reserve police force as exigency may require, within the limit hereinbefore established.
('69 Code, § 17-21) (Ord. passed 3-7-74; Am. Ord. 24-02, passed 7-11-02)