Police Department

Reserve Unit

The Lake Odessa Police Reserve unit currently has 7 officers who augment the effectiveness and capabilities of the police department. The primary function of the reserve officer is to work as a second officer in the patrol car, primarily on weekends and evenings, providing instant back-up for the regular officers when it is most needed.

Another major function of the unit is to provide assistance with traffic and crowd control during parades and special events such as the Lake Odessa Fair, the Rolling Thunder Freedom Ride and other summer events. The reserve force also provides the department with extra manpower resources that can be deployed quickly for critical incidents and other situations that require more officers than would otherwise not be available.

Through the years, the reserve officers have proven to be a valuable asset to the Department. Their services have been used for securing crime scenes, searching for missing or wanted persons, traffic control at accident scenes and providing for security of buildings and property.

All applicants for the reserve unit must meet strict requirements, such as a thorough screening and background investigation, physical examinations and psychological examinations. Reserve Officers continually receive training in law enforcement and related curriculum each month and are required to meet the same proficiency standards as the sworn officers in the use of lethal and non-lethal force. Reserve Officers are required to log a minimum of sixteen hours a month and attend special events throughout the year. Our Reserve Officers come from different backgrounds and bring a wide range of experience to the department.

Reserve Officers are not paid; they do this because they look forward to helping make a difference. Reserves are those who care about people and the property that they protect but have other full time employment. Some Reserves take what they have learned on the job and while attending college go to a Police Academy. Reserve Officers make sacrifices every shift they work at Lake Odessa. They are not only taking time away from being with their family by helping the community, but are also putting their lives on the line to help keep this and our surrounding communities safer.

Our Reserve Officers

Volunteer Awards Press Release