Sworn and Civilian Reserve Programs

The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) offers a challenging opportunity to men and women desiring to become a volunteer reserve officer or reserve civilian with the Department. Reserve officers and reserve civilians serve without compensation, performing valued services in a wide range of activities dedicated to protecting the lives and property of Arizona's citizens.

Reserve officers perform the same duties provided by full-time officers of the Department. Reserve civilians are assigned to a wide variety of duties, including assisting stranded motorists, performing technical services, or providing skills in other areas related to their interests.

Minimum Qualifications

Age:
Reserve Officers must be at least 21 years of age, or will be 21 prior to graduation from an approved law enforcement training academy. Reserve civilians must be at least 18 years of age.

Residence:
Reserve officer applicants must be United States citizens and possess a valid Arizona driver license when accepted into the DPS Reserve Program.

Health:
Applicants should be in good health.

Education:
Reserve officer applicants must be high school graduates or possess a High School Certificate of Equivalency (G.E.D.).

Selection Process

Application:
Applicants must complete and submit an application for employment as a reserve volunteer.

Interview:
Applicants may be interviewed by the appropriate commander/manager.

Background Investigation:
A background investigation will be conducted on each applicant.

Polygraph Examination:
Each applicant will be required to undergo a polygraph examination.

Additional Requirements for Reserve Officer Applicants Written Examination:

Written examinations may be administered in Phoenix, Flagstaff, and Tucson. Each applicant must attain a minimum grade of 75%.

Physical Fitness Test:
Reserve officer applicants must pass a physical fitness test.

Psychological Evaluation:
Reserve officer applicants must complete a psychological evaluation to determine suitability.

Medical Evaluation:
Reserve officer applicants must complete a comprehensive medical evaluation provided by the Department at no cost to the applicant.

Law Enforcement Training Academy Completion

Reserve officers must complete training equivalent to that received by full time officers and be certified by the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (AZPOST). Reserve officers must complete 585 hours of basic training through an AZPOST accredited law enforcement officer training academy. These academies are operated at several community colleges throughout the state.Classes are normally held during evenings and on weekends. Classroom work can be completed in approximately one year. The academy curriculum includes such subjects as:

Civil and Criminal Law
Firearms Training
Crime Scene Management
Report Writing
Officer Safety
Driver Training
Accident Investigation
First Aid and CPR
Investigation and Testimony
Physical Training
Search and Seizure
Community Policing
DUI and Drug Detection

Applicants who are already certified by graduation from an accredited academy may request a waiver from AZPOST.

Within one year of graduation, Reserve officers are required to complete 320 hours of field training with a Field Training Officer. Continuing officer training is required annually.

Reserve civilians receive training as necessary for their specific duty assignment.

General Information

Salary:
Reserve volunteers are not compensated for their services to the Department nor are they eligible for state employee benefits, except for Workers' Compensation under ARS 41-1718.

Uniforms:
Reserve officers wear the same uniform and use the same equipment as full-time officers. Reserve officers purchase their own uniforms. Reserve officers may qualify for a uniform allowance based upon satisfactory performance and meeting the minimum work-hour requirement. Specialized equipment is provided by the Department at no cost to the officer. Reserve civilians wear attire appropriate to their assigned duties. A uniform allowance may be provided under certain conditions.

Work Hours Requirements:
Following completion of field training, reserve officers must contribute a minimum of 240 hours per calendar year. Reserve civilian work requirements are dependent upon duty assignment.

How to Apply:
Contact the Department of Public Safety reserve program coordinator of the district commander or reserve liaison officer in the area of residence:

Reserve Program Coordinator: (602)223-2058

Casa Grande: (520)863-1057

Flagstaff: (928)773-3601

Holbrook: (928)524-6177

Kingman: (928)753-5552

Phoenix: (602)223-2058

Prescott: (928)778-3271

Show Low: (928)537-5545

Sierra Vista: (520)458-8301

Tucson: (520)746-4500

Youngtown: (623)974-9500

Yuma: (928)782-1679

Only D.P.S. applications are accepted. Apply at Arizona Department of Public Safety at 2102 W. Encanto Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85009 OR Out-Of-Town applicants call (602) 223-2290 to request an application by mail.

ARS 41-1715 - Department of public safety reserve
ARS 41-1716 - Powers of reserve
ARS 41-1717 - Reserve; badge of authority