Reserve Officer
Overview
The Arizona Department of Public Safety offers a challenging opportunity to men and women desiring to become a volunteer reserve officer with the Department. Reserve officers perform a valued service in a wide range of activities dedicated to protecting the lives and property of Arizona's citizens.
For civilian volunteer opportunities, click here.
Minimum Qualifications and Selection Process
Sworn Reserve Officer applicants must complete and submit an application. All volunteer Sworn Reserve Officers must be at least 21 years of age, or will be 21 prior to graduation from an approved law enforcement training academy. All applicants must furnish a copy of their high school diploma (or G.E.D.), birth certificate, have a valid driver license and/or other form of identification and successfully pass a physical fitness test, written examination, extensive interview, background investigation, polygraph examination, drug-screening, psychological and medical examination. In addition, you must be a U.S. Citizen.
Special note for Sworn Reserve Lateral Officer applicants:
The Arizona Department of Public Safety does not allow its Officers (full-time or reserve) to have separate, full-authority peace officer employment/sponsorship with any other law enforcement agency, either in or outside the State of Arizona.
Additional Requirements for Reserve Officer Applicants
In addition to the minimum requirements already identified for all volunteers, reserve officers must also meet the following:
- Written Examination:
Applicants must pass the written examination with a minimum score of 75%.
- Physical Fitness Examination:
The Physical Fitness test is a pass/fail component of the overall selection process. The test will consist of five events: sit-ups, push-ups, 1.5 mile run, 300 meter run, and agility run. Applicants will receive either a passing or a failing score for each event. The applicant must successfully complete each testing event to continue with the physical fitness testing. Failure to pass any event will result in disqualification from the selection process and the applicant will not be allowed to participate in the remaining components of the selection process. Minimum requirements for the physical fitness test will be based on the following:
FITNESS EVENT REQUIREMENTS
- 1.5 mile run within 16:00 (min:sec)
- 300 meter run within 73.2 seconds
- Push-ups - 24 reps
- Agility run in 21.8 seconds
- Sit-ups - 28 reps/min.
- Qualifications Appraisal Board (QAB):
Applicant must pass an oral interview involving interpersonal skills and problem solving abilities. A QAB study plan is included in the application packet.
- Background investigation and Polygraph examination:
All aspects of the testing process are subject to verification through the background investigation and polygraph examination.
- Psychological Evaluation and Medical Examination:
All reserve officer applicants must complete a psychological evaluation to determine suitability and 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 [585 hours of training] and be certified by the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (AZPOST). Reserve officers must complete 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 and the complete training course can be completed in approximately ten to twelve months.
Please be advised the cost of the basic training academy, and certain associated equipment, is the responsibility of the Cadet. Please click on the below links for the various academies to learn more about specific anticipated Cadet costs. The Department of Public Safety provides the following items to its Sworn Reserve Cadets and Officers: 1) Duty weapon (firearm), ammunition, holster and magazine pouch; 2) Duty belt and related accessories (handcuffs and case, OC spray and case, police radio and holder); 3) Reimbursement for body armor (up to $1,000.00); 4) Badges (wallet and breast) and police credentials; 5) Sworn Reserve Officers, at the discretion of their respective chains of command and based upon certain conditions such as job related performance and number of hours worked, may be issued a fully-marked take-home patrol car. The Department also offers advanced officer training courses to its Sworn Reserve Officers. - Chandler/Gilbert Community College Law Enforcement Training Academy (Chandler, AZ)
- Glendale Community College Law Enforcement Training Academy (Glendale, AZ)
- Arizona Western College Law Enforcement Training Academy (Yuma, AZ)
- Pima Community College Open Enrollment Law Enforcement Academy
- Civil and Criminal Law
- Firearms Training
- Crime Scene Management
- Physical Training
- Report Writing
- Officer Safety
- Driver Training
- Search and Seizure
- Accident Investigation
- First Aid/CPR
- Community Policing
- DUI/Drug Detection
Academies (click any link below for details)
Within one year of graduation, all reserve officers are required to complete the field officer training program. Continuing officer training is also required annually.
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. However, they 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.
- Work Hours Requirements: Following completion of field training, reserve officers must contribute a minimum of 240 hours per calendar year.
Testing Information
Please visit the Officer Hiring, Events & Testing Dates web page for additional information on current testing opportunities.
How to Apply
If you have any additional questions, please contact the Department’s Volunteer Program Coordinator at 602-223-2073, or a reserve liaison officer in the area of residence:
- 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
Reserve Officer Frequently Asked Questions
Did you have trouble finding your answer above? Click here for a comprehensive list of common questions and answers pertaining to becoming a Sworn Reserve Officer.