Reserves
In 2007, the Kingsport Police Department revived a Reserve Police Officer program. Goals were to improve operations by increasing staffing and productivity with a minimal cost to the organization. Each Reserve Officer attended 168 hours of classroom training, and each is required to complete 200 hours of Field Training. After training is complete, policy requires that the Officer volunteer one eight hour shift per month; however, we have seen significantly more time donated than the minimums. At the end of calendar year 2007, we have 13 active Reserve Officers – this translates to a minimum of over 100 hours per month for our organization.
The KPD hopes to eventually maintain a membership of 15 or 20 Reserve officers. Reserve officers have the same training and authority as any other police officer. The Reserves provide services to the city and the public at no salary cost to the city by assisting in:
- Seatbelt and DUI Checkpoints
- Assisting in traffic speed enforcement
- Crime scene investigations
- Assisting in search and rescue operations
- Riding along with and backing up other officers
- Security for special events such as Fun Fest
- Taking walk in complaints at the Justice Center
Each reserve officer is expected to volunteer approximately 12-100 hours per month. The Reserve Unit is available to any division needing assistance.
Qualifications:Must be a citizen of the United States, be at least 21 years of age, be of good moral character, and pass physical/psychological exam, and successfully complete a 368 hour training academy conducted by the Kingsport Police Department which included:
- 32 hours of Defensive Tactics
- 40 hours of firearms training
- Eight hours of emergency vehicle operations
- 200 hours of field training
