Reserve Division

A Reserve Officer is one who is there when needed, helps people, and keeps our city a safe and productive place to live.

The Position
 As a Reserve Officer, a citizen volunteer, who devoted his or her valuable time and effort towards creating a safe community, you will be assigned to the Patrol Division, where your primary duties will include:
-  The protection of life and property
-  The information of laws and ordinances
-  Other Law Enforcement Community Chartered tasks
-  As you gain experience in law enforcement, you can also gain experience in a variety of special
   assignments
 
Requirements
 You must be available for duty to assist the city in case of disaster, state of emergency, or whenever there may be a crisis and supplemental officers are needed. You will be required to perform a minimum of 12 hours of duty a month. This may be accomplished several ways, for instance, attending in-service training, patrol duties, etc.
 
Qualifications
 -  High School diploma or G.E.D.
-  21 years of age at time of application
-  U.S. citizen or applied for citizenship one year prior to
   application
-  No felony convictions
-  Must possess a valid Texas Driver's License
-  Possess a TCLEOSE Basic Peace Officer certificate
-  Successfully pass a background investigation, oral board,
   and psychological exam
Training
Newly appointed Reserve Officers will work in full uniform with a Field Training Officer until the Officer passes a Standardized Field Training Program. The officer will also be required to attend any in-service training and department meetings when items pertaining to that section are discussed. Once the officer has completed probation and field training he or she will be able to work as a single person unit.  You may also be sent to schools and training within other departments and some colleges.
 
Benefits
 The VAPD has a highly progressive Reserve Unit.  Opportunities to work in various assignments are available as the need demands.  You may be eligible to work Training, Recruiting, Youth Services, Bicycle Patrol, Traffic, Crime Prevention, and various undercover assignments.  This will help increase your personal management skills and abilities to work within the Reserve Program, as well as, within private industry.

The work done as a Police Officer is needed and appreciated by our community.  Surveys conducted in Van Alstyne have shown that a large majority of the residents feel positive about, and support the work performed by their police department.  The job of a police officer is exciting and worthwhile.
 
Fundraising
 The Van Alstyne Police Reserve Unit works closely with the Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association.  The Reserve Unit and Association develop fundraisers to assist the Police Department in purchasing needed equipment and supplies.
 
How to Apply
 Application forms can be picked up at the VAPD.  The department is located at 309 North Preston Street in Van Alstyne.  Please return the completed form to the Police Department, Attention: Reserve Recruitment. 
If you have any questions or would like more information about the Reserve Officer Program, please contact Gerald Smith at 903-482-5251 or e-mail him at gsmith@vanalstynepolice.com.