(A) There is established within the Police Department, as a division thereof, a Reserve Police Division. This Division shall be a volunteer organization composed of as many members as may from time to time be determined by the Police Chief and approved by the Town Manager.
(B) The Division shall be under the direct control of the Chief of Police or his or her designee, acting under the general supervision of the Town Manager. Members of the Division when on active duty shall be subject to the same chain of command within the Police Department as are regular officers. Provided further, that members of the Division while on active duty shall obey the instructions of regular officers in carrying out their duties. All appointments and removals of members of this Division shall be made at the discretion of the Chief of Police.
(C) The Reserve Police Division shall have no commanding officer, or any officers other than the Chief of Police or his or her designee and all members shall bear the rank of Police Officer I. The Chief of Police shall provide for adequate training and establish policies and procedures regulating the conduct and performance of members of the Division, and of candidates for membership.
(D) The duties of the Division, subject at all times to the direction, supervision and control of the Chief of Police or his or her designee, shall be to assist the regular members of the Police Department in the enforcement of law and the maintenance of peace and order when called to active duty by the Chief of Police or his or her designee. The Chief shall, by order, establish rules and regulations to govern the Division, to fix the specific duties of its members, and to provide for the maintenance of discipline. Members of the Division shall obey the instructions of regular police officers in carrying out their duties. The Chief may prescribe other duties than those mentioned herein to be performed by the Division, with approval of the Town Manager.
(E) An identification card and other insignia or evidence of identity as the Chief may prescribe shall be issued to each member of the Division, who must carry the card and other identification at all times while on duty, and who must surrender them upon the termination of membership.
(F) No member of the Division shall, while on duty, carry or use any firearm other than a type approved or issued at the direction of the Chief of Police.
(G) No member or members of the Division shall enforce, nor attempt to enforce, any law, except within the normal jurisdiction of the town. Reserve Officers will at all times conduct themselves in the same manner and under the same limitations as regular police officers as described by North Carolina General Statutes, town ordinances and Police Department Standard Operating Procedures.
(H) While undergoing official training and while performing duties on behalf of the town pursuant to orders or instructions of the Chief of Police, members of the Division shall be entitled to benefits under the North Carolina Workmen's Compensation Act pursuant to G.S. § 160A-282(a).
(Ord. passed 12-7-78; Am. Ord. 1271, passed 5-9-96; Am. Ord. 1416, passed 6-13-02)
Statutory reference:
Authority to establish, see G.S. § 160A-282
Oath of office, see G.S. § 160A-284