Police Reserves
The Golden Valley Police Department (GVPD) has a solid Police Reserve Unit of volunteer men and women who provide support services to the citizens of Golden Valley and members of the Police Department.
The Police Reserve Program is a way for community members to learn how the GVPD works and give back to their community. It also provides experience to students beginning to train for careers in law enforcement.
To Apply
To seek a position with the Golden Valley Police Reserve Program, please complete a City employment application and return it to the Police Department, to the attention of the Police Reserve Coordinator.
Police reserves assist the GVPD in a variety of functions, including:
- patrol support
- animal control
- crime prevention
- community events
- traffic control
- annual Safety Camps
- Minnesota's Night To Unite
- emergency response to disasters and crisis situations
Reserve officers spend most of their time patrolling with other reserve officers and assisting sworn officers when needed. But first they must complete required training and an evaluation as directed by the department.
Minimum Requirements
To become a Golden Valley Police Reserve Officer, candidates must:
- be at least 20 years old
- be a US citizen
- have a valid Minnesota driver’s license
- complete an oral interview
- pass a criminal background investigation
- be in good physical health
- be available to attend the Hennepin County Reserve School
- volunteer one weekend night a month for patrol
- attend one evening training meeting per month
Training
New reserve officers attend the Hennepin County Reserve Training school for 40 hours of comprehensive police-related training. Topics covered in the reserve officer training program include:
- duties and responsibilities of a reserve officer
- officer safety issues
- use and care of the squad car and its equipment
- shotgun instruction and qualification
- current law enforcement issues
- self-defense
- care of people in custody
After completion of that program, reserve officers attend monthly training with other Golden Valley reserve officers and undergo a field training program while working in the squad car.
