(a) There is hereby created within the Village of Peninsula Police Department a Police Reserve Unit that shall consist of no more than twelve (12) Reserve Unit Police Officers.
(b) Reserve Unit Police Officers shall be appointed by the Mayor and continue to serve so long as the Mayor directs or until such officer resigns.
(c) The position of Reserve Unit Police Officer shall be an unpaid volunteer position.
(d) Members of the Police Reserve Unit shall meet the following requirements:
(1) Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;
(2) Be a high school graduate or have a GED degree;
(3) Not be an immediate family member of any Village of Peninsula employee or elected official;
(4) Be in good health and able to pass physical, drug, and psychological screening tests administered through the Village application process;
(5) Have a valid Ohio driver’s license and acceptable driving record; and
(6) Not have a criminal felony or significant misdemeanor record.
(e) Reserve Unit Police Officers shall be non-commissioned and unarmed officers tasked with assisting Village Police Officers, residents, and visitors.
(f) Qualified Reserve Unit Police Officers shall be encouraged and permitted to participate in the following activities after the completion of the Department Reserve Officer training program and any required training specific to any of the following activities:
(1) Patrolling the Village in marked cruisers, but while doing so, Reserve Officers shall obey all traffic laws, even if the cruiser overhead lights are activated;
(2) Assisting Full-Time, Part-Time, and Auxiliary Police Officers as directed;
(3) Providing assistance to motorists and disabled vehicles;
(4) Issuing parking citations;
(5) Performing exterior home checks for absent or vacationing residents;
(6) Checking on the safety, security, and well-being of senior citizens enrolled in the senior watch program;
(7) Assisting the Valley Fire Department on EMS and Fire calls;
(8) Handling motor vehicle and residential lockouts;
(9) Assisting officers with prisoner bookings as requested;
(10) Updating emergency contacts;
(11) Patrolling commercial districts on foot and conducting building security checks after business hours;
(12) Assisting with and/or participating in parades and various community public relations events;
(13) Providing traffic control at accident and emergency scenes and during special events;
(14) Assisting with parking control during special events; and
(15) Assisting security or traffic details for companies and organizations.
(g) Reserve Unit Police Officers shall be permitted to carry Department issued handcuffs, Department issued OC pepper spray, and Department issued Tasers when they are on duty and in uniform and trained to use that equipment, and they may utilize the aforementioned equipment to assist commissioned officers only if requested to do so by a commissioned officer.
(h) Appointed Reserve Unit Police Officers will be expected and required to:
(1) Understand and comply with the Rules and Regulations and Policies and Procedures of the Village of Peninsula Police Department and any additional policies, procedures, or directives specifically applicable to the Reserve Police Unit;
(2) Adhere to the Department Mission Statement and Code of Ethics;
(3) Follow the Department chain of command at all times;
(4) Participate in and complete all required training programs;
(5) Attend required meetings;
(6) Be prompt for all work assignments;
(7) Wear the proper uniform;
(8) Perform all assignments and participate in all Unit activities;
(9) Maintain a valid driver’s license and good driving record;
(10) Not be convicted of any criminal offenses during their tenure;
(11) Dedicate a minimum of twelve (12) hours per month of on duty service time to the Unit; and
(12) Make a one-year participation commitment to the Village in consideration for the administrative and out of pocket expenses related to testing, selecting, training and equipping a Reserve Unit officer.
(Ord. 21-2021. Passed 11-8-21.)