Reserve Off Duty Carry

[jmickle11]

I'm a reserve with a County Sheriff's Department. We are not required to carry off duty but it is recomended for response time to an emergency. Now here's where this gets a little strange. I work full time for a bank! Now, I work in the IT department of the bank which is in the basement behind electronic key security. I also keep my gun in a locked security safe that is in turn locked inside of my desk with myself holding the only keys. I was initially told that as long as I kept the gun locked up in this manner that there would be no problem. I tried to keep the gun well concealed, however someone complained that they saw me enter the building with my gun. I carry the gun with an inside the pants holster. Now they have changed their minds about this and don't want me to have it here. I've done some favors for the bank like arrange for someone to come from the department to do a nice security presentation. I also arrange to have officers work part time security at one of our branches recently after it was held up. I've pretty much decided not to offer the bank any more assistance relating to myself being an officer. I really do understand the concerns of the bank, however I thought that the bank could benefit from myself being an officer. Am I being unreasonable?

[Watchman]

No.

There seems to be a lack of communucation though. Talk to the manager and tell him of your concerns and thoughts.

The folks that may have felt uncomfortable with you wearing your peice may be OK with it once they learn that you are a Reserve officer.Its possible that not everyone knows that.

If that dosent work,just tell them goodby.

[hj2930]

I don't think your employer is being unreasonable. Keep the two roles seperate. If the bank wants presentations and such let their security folks take care of it. They hired you to work in IT not be a part time security consultant. I think if you leave your being a reserve at home both you and your employer will be happier.

[jmickle11]

Originally posted by hj2930
I don't think your employer is being unreasonable. Keep the two roles seperate. If the bank wants presentations and such let their security folks take care of it. They hired you to work in IT not be a part time security consultant. I think if you leave your being a reserve at home both you and your employer will be happier.

That's basically what I've done now. It seemed like a good opportunity to offer the bank free security things such as escorting the transportation of cash to other branches or ATM's. Which other banks in the area pay for armed escorts. We don't we simply send two people out the door with 50k in cash to fill an ATM machine. Anyway, I've decided not to pursue the issue any further.

[Bodie]

Go along with whatever the Bank Management says. You are an employee of the bank first and a reserve officer second. The first pays your bills.

This should no be discussed with the employer since if you make it an issue you could be fired.

[Frank Booth]

Am I being unreasonable?

Yes.

[retdetsgt]

I think you're taking yourself a little too seriously.

When I was 16 and working in a gas station, the owner came in one day and put a stub nosed .38 under the cash register. He pointed it out to me and I asked him what it was for. He replied in case I got robbed. Now I was only 16, but I told him that if someone came in with a gun and wanted anything that belonged to HIM they could have it. I was paid to pump gas, not get killed over something that wasn't even mine. Think about that.

Of course, working as a cop is different, that's what I was paid for and part of the job description. I don't blame your manager one bit. Security guards are probably paid less than you are and that's what they do. Rarely do bank robbers ever hurt anyone, that's not their objective. And the possible legal ramification resulting from someone working IT blowing some guy to kingdom come is staggering!

When I first retired, I did some bodyguard work on an on call basis. But I wore a vest and had a radio that kept me in contact with others. I turned down one job guarding some guy transporting diamonds for the reason I stated above. If someone was going to rob this guy, they would know who he was and the odds of someone getting shot (especially ME), were pretty high if I tried to protect him from the robbers. The only protection I was willing to do was that of people from disgruntled fired employees or someone else they knew that was threatening them or work for visiting celebreties. Not guard property. No property is worth the risk to me, especially someone else's!

[jmickle11]

Originally posted by retdetsgt
I think you're taking yourself a little too seriously.

Of course, working as a cop is different, that's what I was paid for and part of the job description. I don't blame your manager one bit. Security guards are probably paid less than you are and that's what they do. Rarely do bank robbers ever hurt anyone, that's not their objective. And the possible legal ramification resulting from someone working IT blowing some guy to kingdom come is staggering!


Well, points well taken. But, there's no intention of trying to stop a robbery. It's department policy not to enter any business that has the offenders still in a building. Bank policy is to let them have whatever they want. As far as escorting ATM runs that would fall under Officer presence as opposed to entering into a gun fight. We are required to have a radio and be in some official uniform when we work security details. I may take myself seriously becasue I've been through a 5 month training academy in order to become a reserve. We are sworn officers 24/7 and aren't treated any differently than full time officers.

[retdetsgt]

Originally posted by jmickle11
We are sworn officers 24/7 and aren't treated any differently than full time officers.

Are you paid like the full time people or is this a hobby?

[kirch]

When I first became a PT officer, I was flush with the thought that I could carry anywhere in the state. And in one of the only states that has no CCW law, that's fairly significant. But the bloom faded from that rose pretty quickly. Carrying around a pound of metal on your hip during all waking hours got old pretty fast.

In my FT employment, I work in an office environment. The company owners are the sort that it probably wouldn't be a problem with them if I carried, as long as it was reasonably concealed. And we do a lot of work in the hunting and shooting markets, so it's not unusual to see guns around here. But I just decided it wasn't worth it. The only time I carry at my day job is if I change into my uniform here on my way to a 2nd shift at the PD.

[jmickle11]

Originally posted by retdetsgt
Are you paid like the full time people or is this a hobby?
We aren't paid. We do get paid for security details. But, it's not like a hobby for me. I'm in the full time application process right now.

[Valor55]

Originally posted by jmickle11
We aren't paid. We do get paid for security details. But, it's not like a hobby for me. I'm in the full time application process right now.

Just go with the flow at the bank and don't **** anyone off. They'll give you a great recommendation and you'll get the FT job and carry wherever and whenever you want.

[jmickle11]

Originally posted by Valor55
Just go with the flow at the bank and don't **** anyone off. They'll give you a great recommendation and you'll get the FT job and carry wherever and whenever you want.
That's the road I'm headed towards! I have told them it won't be a problem. Probably won't be an issue inside of a year anyway the way the hiring process is going. I think I've got a great chance of getting on full time!

[Joseph]

I'd just do the job I was hired for at the bank and forget the rest. Let them handle there own security and if a problem arises let someone or yourself notify the police and don't be any kind of hero. The money is insured and the banks policy is that no customers get hurt also the department. Enjoy your time when you are doing Reserve Duty.

[ptcop531]

I, too am a Reserve Deputy in Indiana. When I am working my regular, paid job, my Sheriff ID stays at home. I am not a Reserve Deputy at my regular job. It is common knowledge I am one, but I am not putting myself in a trickbag for my employer, and they are aware of that. Being a Reserve helped me get this job, but I have no intention of it helping me lose my job.
Although some people may look down on Reserves, we are well thought of at my department. Although there are a 100 merit deputies, there are only 5 Reserves. All of us have been there for a long time, and have proven ourselves as cops, albeit "hobby cops". We do not see ourselves that way, and neither do most merit deputies. As a matter of fact, they invite us to participate in all outside activities with them. They have chartered a bus to go to a St. Louis Cardinal game, and invited us to go along, and are picking up all of our expenses.
We are allowed to work as 'one man units' and are expected to take runs assigned to us, we do not just pick and choose what runs we want to take. We are required to partake in all 'in-service' training, as well as qualify with the dept. issued weapons, and take the twice yearly physical assessment. We have proven ourselves to be every bit as professional as they are, (even more so than a few of them), and have their respect, and are considered 'one of them',by most.

[Bodie]

They may tell you they will treat you no different then a sworn full time deputy but trust this. If you violate the law or cross the line at anytime you will be immediately terminated as a Reserve and you can't appeal anything. You may also be prosecuted so the Sheriff you served under can look good in public.
Yes you are and yes you will be treated differently.

[degrat38]

I'm literally a week or two away from being hired as a Reserve Deputy at a local Department. I don't know what my employers policy is on concealed carry at my full-time job. But at this point I intent to carry it with me at work because I work in close proximity to the agency. You never know who you may run into, or what could happen. So having that protection and sense of security could be nice if something did arise where I was required to act. Just wanted to know your thoughts! Thanks.

[hj2930]

Originally posted by degrat38
I'm literally a week or two away from being hired as a Reserve Deputy at a local Department. I don't know what my employers policy is on concealed carry at my full-time job. But at this point I intent to carry it with me at work because I work in close proximity to the agency. You never know who you may run into, or what could happen. So having that protection and sense of security could be nice if something did arise where I was required to act. Just wanted to know your thoughts! Thanks.

It's a prescription for disaster. The liability issues are huge for you, your employer and your agency. Unless your agency gives you 24/7 peace officer powers you are just Joe Citizen when you are off duty. So do what any good citizen would do, call the police. If you get into a misadventure with a weapon your agency will drop you like a hot rock and put as much distance between you and them as possible. And as a reserve you probably have no right of appeal since most reserves are considered at will employees. Plus every background investigator who comes around in the future will hear all the gory details.

Your employer would probably have a stroke if they knew you carried while you were acting as their employee. I'm willing to bet that they wouldn't want the liability and I'm sure their insurance company doesn't.

So if you insist on having a weapon at work I suggest that you go out and buy as much personal liability insurance as you can lay your hands on.

And don't forget the safety issues. You don't want to get shot by an officer who rolls up and sees a guy he may not recognize with a weapon.

Leave the badge and gun at home.

[Bodie]

You guys that are Reserve or Special deputies should take the position seriously but I've seen nothing but it being taken too serious.
That gun with you all the time is definately a prescription for disaster and it will be your personal disaster.

You could loose your fulltime gainful employment.
You will loose your commission and any hop you ever had of becoming a full time leo.
You will personally get sued.
The agency that granted you the commission will act as if they never knew you and will not defend you in a litigation.

[degrat38]

I understand what all of you are saying, but what if you just carry in a concealed manner like anyone else who has a license to conceal and it is not against your job rules?

[Bodie]

If you carry a gun into a civilian job it will soon be against the rules and you will be made the example of. Private employers can restrict weapons as they see fit and unless you are a full time leo entering the property for law enforcment purposes they can tell anybody to stay off.

[retdetsgt]

If carrying a gun is so important to you, it's fairly obvious why you want to be a reserve so bad.

Even if it isn't against your job rules at the moment, you shoot someone while you are under the employ of someone else, guess who is going to be liable for your actions? If a pizza delivery person who is a reserve carrys and blows someone away, the pizza company is going to be liable, not the LE agency. Even if it's a good shoot, civil courts routinely award money to the dead person's family.

I don't care who much training you get as a reserve or anything else, until you get some real time experience under your belt, you are going to be marginally adept at handling any emergency situation involving the use of guns.

[Bodie]

retdetsgt, Thanks for the back up !!!!!!
These kids with guns scare the crap out of me, we'll read where one of them gets shot or arrested out of a wrongful shoot.

[retdetsgt]

No charge. I think too many people want to be reserves for the wrong reason... Anybody that fantasizes being a hero of some sort because they carry a gun and have had a few months training are disasters waiting to happen, reserve or regular police.

Our reserves are not only not allowed to carry off duty (unless they have a separate CCW permit from the sheriff), if they are stopped by police for traffic or some other offense and identify themselves as reserves, that's it for them. They're kicked off the reserve unit. If you want to play police, that's cool, but don't think you are one and subject to the same priviliges.

[SD7]

I was a reserve deputy here in Colorado before getting hired on as a full timer with my current department.

Neither the department I was with as a reserve deputy, or my current department allow reserves, or posse members to carry off duty. They must apply for a ccw just like a normal citizen. If granted the ccw permit they are not to display the department badge off duty.

It is not because we feel the reserve deputies are any lower in standards then a full time deputy,most are very well trained, it is mainly due to the state laws,a reserve deputy is to be accopanied by a full time deputy, or another reserve deputy anytime they are on duty.

If a reserve deputy gets into a confrontation and a shooting, while not under the authority of the sheriff, he/ she is doing it as a private citizen. The sheriffs office will not cover any injury, or legal action that results from a shootout by an "off duty reserve officer" nor will there be any insurance if the reservist is injured during the "off duty" shooting.

This is just from my knowledge in the state that I am a deputy sheriff in. I have no idea about other states. You may want to read your authority statute in your own state.

[Bodie]

What started this thread and what has been written strongly suggests that someone has become a reserve deputy for all the wrong reasons and may not be ready to be involved in any reserve program let alone ever be a full time leo.

The talk and idea of carrying a gun is the main priority from what we hear. This is totally wrong and has no place in leo as a career.

The majority of leo's all over this country be they full time or reserve never face a shoot don't shoot situation and rarely see much "action" that requires them to hold at gunpoint a suspect.

The "gun" is highly overrated as a tool of any police officer. A sharp mind and ability to think on your feet and solve problems and get around having to be in a shooting situation are the skills a great leo needs.

After reading this thread I would be highly critical of any Sheriff that allows part time or reserve deputies to carry guns "off duty" which is 95% of their lives. It seems to be a guaranteed path to disaster not only for the reserve but for the sheriff and may cost an innocent person serious injury or death.

You hot shot reserves that seem concerned about carry into a private place of business need help and perhaps the best thing for leo's everywhere would be to turn in your badge and sell the gun before you hurt someone.

There are some really good people that have served for decades as reserves and are an asset to their department and you can bet they don't slepp with their gun, go to lunch with their gun and sit a drool over their gun.

BEST ADVICE: Resign The Reserves Until You Are Better Prepared To Handle Life Without A GUN 24/7

[jmickle11]

Originally posted by degrat38
I'm literally a week or two away from being hired as a Reserve Deputy at a local Department. I don't know what my employers policy is on concealed carry at my full-time job. But at this point I intent to carry it with me at work because I work in close proximity to the agency. You never know who you may run into, or what could happen. So having that protection and sense of security could be nice if something did arise where I was required to act. Just wanted to know your thoughts! Thanks.

I can walk to my headquaters from my full time job. I can say that I feel uncomfortable without having my gun at least accessible to me. My employor has no policy. There was a concern raised and I decided to not make it an issue.

After reading this thread I would be highly critical of any Sheriff that allows part time or reserve deputies to carry guns "off duty" which is 95% of their lives. It seems to be a guaranteed path to disaster not only for the reserve but for the sheriff and may cost an innocent person serious injury or death.

You hot shot reserves that seem concerned about carry into a private place of business need help and perhaps the best thing for leo's everywhere would be to turn in your badge and sell the gun before you hurt someone.

There are some really good people that have served for decades as reserves and are an asset to their department and you can bet they don't slepp with their gun, go to lunch with their gun and sit a drool over their gun.

BEST ADVICE: Resign The Reserves Until You Are Better Prepared To Handle Life Without A GUN 24/7
Well, I don't consider myself a 'hotshot' reserve. I'm not obsessing over my gun either. I want to serve the community and try to help people. I'm not some 21 year old kid who has never owned a gun and doesn't know anything about law enforcement. I'm 34 years old and have just decided to get into LE after having the desire for a long time. My father is the reserve captain for his department and has been a reserve for 28 years! I have learned a lot from him over the years and it is in my blood. I can't deny it! I'm even trying to go full time. Anyway I don't feel like I should have to explain myself it's just I take your comments a little harsh. I've grown up around guns and take them very seriously. I also attended a 300+ hour training academy in order to become a reserve on my department. Are you full time? When do you carry off duty? Best Advice: lighten up a little please!!!

Like I said before. The reserves on my department are no different than regulars other than a pay check. We have the same training requirements as the regulars.

[quote]What started this thread and what has been written strongly suggests that someone has become a reserve deputy for all the wrong reasons and may not be ready to be involved in any reserve program let alone ever be a full time leo.

The talk and idea of carrying a gun is the main priority from what we hear. This is totally wrong and has no place in leo as a career.
[quote]
What are you talking about? You have no idea what I'm about and why I'm asking the question. The actual main reason is just for readiness in case of a call out by the department. Secondary to that was that possibly my employer could benefit from myself being an officer and providing some free security services to them. I don't know where you are from, but most reserves I know on my department and my fathers departmen carry most of the time.

[Valor55]

Originally posted by Bodie
What started this thread and what has been written strongly suggests that someone has become a reserve deputy for all the wrong reasons and may not be ready to be involved in any reserve program let alone ever be a full time leo.

The talk and idea of carrying a gun is the main priority from what we hear. This is totally wrong and has no place in leo as a career.

After reading this thread I would be highly critical of any Sheriff that allows part time or reserve deputies to carry guns "off duty" which is 95% of their lives. It seems to be a guaranteed path to disaster not only for the reserve but for the sheriff and may cost an innocent person serious injury or death.

You hot shot reserves that seem concerned about carry into a private place of business need help and perhaps the best thing for leo's everywhere would be to turn in your badge and sell the gun before you hurt someone.

There are some really good people that have served for decades as reserves and are an asset to their department and you can bet they don't slepp with their gun, go to lunch with their gun and sit a drool over their gun.

BEST ADVICE: Resign The Reserves Until You Are Better Prepared To Handle Life Without A GUN 24/7

Lighten up Bodie. The guy just wanted some advice about how to handle the situation, that doesn't mean he's sleeping with his gun or masterbating over the idea of carrying it into a library off duty to save the world from a murderous paper shredder... :D If they were as hung up on it as you say they probably wouldn't bother asking our advice, they'd just go to work armed to the teeth and have the nickname Tackleberry.

While reserve or auxiliary academies may be shortened any department that gives a gun to a part time officer is probably going to use identical firearms training as the full timers. In fact by your logic since I have much more experience as a city cop dealing with shoot don't shoot scenarios frequently I am more qualified to carry a gun than my brother cop who works in the stix and answers two calls a week. We both know that's not true.

None of us knows the motivations for these guys becomming reservists. I would suspect if they were getting boners over carrying a gun they would have been DQ'd on the psych exam or oral boards...

[jmickle11]

Originally posted by Valor55
Lighten up Bodie. The guy just wanted some advice about how to handle the situation, that doesn't mean he's sleeping with his gun or masterbating over the idea of carrying it into a library off duty to save the world from a murderous paper shredder... :D If they were as hung up on it as you say they probably wouldn't bother asking our advice, they'd just go to work armed to the teeth and have the nickname Tackleberry...

None of us knows the motivations for these guys becomming reservists. I would suspect if they were getting boners over carrying a gun they would have been DQ'd on the psych exam or oral boards...
Thank You!!! I'm actually rather concious about carrying my gun. I don't want it to be seen by anyone especially these days. I'd just prefer to keep it as concealed as possible and not be noticed.

[Bodie]

I bet he now sleeps with his gun. On the night stand or under the mattress. Both again precriptions for disasters.
No reserve should ever be granted 24/7 carry status.

Too much liability and too scary.

To clear up a point theres is nothing wrong with a gun in the bedroom just have it far enough away that you are fully awake and aware of the correct target.

34 or not 2 seconds from agency you are a reserve with the gun carry has become too important to you and most veterns would agree if you don't like my opinion perhaops you need to take a deep breath and realize the number of full time and "reserve" officers I have had to represnt when they made a "mistake" and they were left out in the cold when their "agency" bailed on them. many have lost jobs and thousands in lawyer fees and some settlements to a dirt bag that will collect 10% of the former officer income for years.

[jmickle11]

Originally posted by Bodie
I bet he now sleeps with his gun. On the night stand or under the mattress. Both again precriptions for disasters.
No reserve should ever be granted 24/7 carry status.

Too much liability and too scary.

To clear up a point theres is nothing wrong with a gun in the bedroom just have it far enough away that you are fully awake and aware of the correct target.

34 or not 2 seconds from agency you are a reserve with the gun carry has become too important to you and most veterns would agree if you don't like my opinion perhaops you need to take a deep breath and realize the number of full time and "reserve" officers I have had to represnt when they made a "mistake" and they were left out in the cold when their "agency" bailed on them. many have lost jobs and thousands in lawyer fees and some settlements to a dirt bag that will collect 10% of the former officer income for years.

Actually, I don't sleep with the gun! It's locked away in another room so my 4 year old daughter can't get to it! It seems that you are not very keen on reserves. That's fine, I respect your opinion. On my department they are very well respected and very important to the function of the department. So, it sounds like that I shouldn't carry anytime outside of my duty hours. So any moron with a gun permit can carry anytime but I can't?

[ufresdave]

My take on all this, and this is coming from a 21 year old "HOT SHOT" reserve, so you may want to discount it immediately (bc, im a reserve and am unprofessional and a liability) is that reserves (or any other LEO) should carry off-duty only when they feel they need to. I would not carry it to your other place of employment, but perhaps leave it in the car, where it is still accessible but prevents many disaster potentialities at the same time. Personally, I tried carrying my weapon off duty once, and never have again. I am a college student in a college environment, and it is just too much of a hassle for me.

Also, to any other reserves out there who care to listen, don

[Bodie]

I do respect reserves and some guys I learned a lot from early on wewre reserves. I started as one. many local agencies only hire from within their reserve ranks.

You have limits not only by your agency but by law and you also have personal limits. Reserves have a lot to loose in case of error and are not given the same legal assistanec as would a full time leo etc unless your agency has super deep pockets.

I am tryin to save some people some grief. Grief that I have seen first hand experienced by not only full time leo's but reserves

[retdetsgt]

Originally posted by Valor55


None of us knows the motivations for these guys becomming reservists. I would suspect if they were getting boners over carrying a gun they would have been DQ'd on the psych exam or oral boards...

I doubt it. Why would anybody want to do this job for free and often have to buy a lot of their own equipment unless they wanted to play police officer? It's a power trip, pure and simple. And not much gives anyone more sense of power than carrying a gun, does it?

And yes, the more training AND experience you have, the more qualified you are.

[degrat38]

Originally posted by retdetsgt
I doubt it. Why would anybody want to do this job for free and often have to buy a lot of their own equipment unless they wanted to play police officer? It's a power trip, pure and simple. And not much gives anyone more sense of power than carrying a gun, does it?

And yes, the more training AND experience you have, the more qualified you are. While I agree with you that SOME people it may be a power trip for, but some it is not. I don't use it as a power trip. I merely use it as a stepping-stone to go full time someday. I think the training and experience can make me a great asset to a department that wants to pick me up full time someday. Doing it for free and buying a lot of your own equipment shows dedication and a love for the work. Not a power trip.

[Valor55]

Originally posted by retdetsgt
I doubt it. Why would anybody want to do this job for free and often have to buy a lot of their own equipment unless they wanted to play police officer?

I did it for free for several years as a stepping stone to getting hired. I imagine that most (not all) people who do it are the same way.

[Watchman]

I do it for free too...

A guess my Sherrif is a dick since Reserves here carry 24/7 with just a badge and an ID, in fact in this state most do. There are several depts in this county that have 1 or 2 fulltimers and several Reserves. If you didnt know any better,you'd never know the difference.


Lots of commments here that I'll respond too...

Why would anybody want to do this job for free and often have to buy a lot of their own equipment unless they wanted to play police officer?

Because it would be a major PAYCUT to become fulltime ? Since most of the Reserves in our unit easily make 2- 3 times what a fulltimer does why bother becoming fulltime ? We have one that is a millionair several times over. His gas bill is more than what a fulltimer makes in a year.

Besides, when you get tired of the crap you can just quit and go home...:D

not much gives anyone more sense of power than carrying a gun, does it?

too be honest with you, I find it be a pain in the butt most of the
time...

I bet he now sleeps with his gun.

What are you a city slicker ? Everybody hear keeps a gun close by. Between the possums and coons getting in your trash and the coyotes yapping all the time only a green horn or a lawyer wouldnt keep one close by.

After reading this thread I would be highly critical of any Sheriff that allows part time or reserve deputies to carry guns "off duty" which is 95% of their lives.

And our Sheriff is a Democrat too..whodathought it ?
:D

Our reserves are not only not allowed to carry off duty (unless they have a separate CCW permit from the sheriff), if they are stopped by police for traffic or some other offense and identify themselves as reserves, that's it for them. They're kicked off the reserve unit.

Here it comes up when the DL is run. That and the fact that you're gonna know whoever stops you dosent seem to be a big deal around here. You boys forget that not everyone plays by the same rules. What goes against policy there may be completley acceptable here.
Since we all carry guns, the first thing to do is show the ID along with the license. If you are being stopped by someone that you dont know, it tends to lighten up the situation a little.

Plus here state law allows Reserve the same carry prilvleges as an a fulltimer.So the Reserves dont have CCW because none of them need it. Being a CCW instructor myself, I offered to give a class for some Reserves but found out that they didnt need it.

That gun with you all the time is definately a prescription for disaster and it will be your personal disaster.
That holds true for all CCW folks too. According to your comments, you must be against the private citizen carrying a gun to protect himself. True ?


You guys that are Reserve or Special deputies should take the position seriously but I've seen nothing but it being taken too serious

Nah...I only take it serious when someone is trying to kick my AZZ cause Im wearing a uniform. That and when I can get a free meal somewhere
:p

[bradruth]

Originally posted by Valor55
I did it for free for several years as a stepping stone to getting hired. I imagine that most (not all) people who do it are the same way.

That's what I'm doing, and my agency encourages off-duty carry for us. I live on-campus, so I store my gun at the PD and carry off-duty if I'm going to be off-campus for any extended period of time.

[ptcop531]

The Reserve Deputy program at our department is not a high priority with the Admin. They have too much going on with jail overcrowding, building a new jail, and stuff like that. There are only 5 of us, and each of us have been there a long time. We are all older, more mature, and have the 'hotdog' out of us years ago. When we work, if enough vehicles are available, we work as 'one man' vehicles. That helps lighten the load for everyone. Might free them up to run warrants, or other duties they cannot always do. If we partner up with a Merit Deputy, that gives them a 'two man' unit so they can send one unit instead of two if a run calls for one, or do prisoner transports or medical transports for the jail.
Again, most Merit Deputies do not have a problem with us, and are always glad to see us there. The department furnished us with uniforms, portable radioes, and duty weapon. We have police power 24/7, as allowed by state statute, and may carry the duty weapon off duty, or carry something else, as long as we qualify on the range with it. I am not in the other Reserves' bedroom, but I am pretty sure none sleep with their weapon, or wear their badge on their pajamas. I rarely carry off duty, and pretty much live by the FIDO rule. (F#ck It Drive On) It is not a power trip for us. We do it because we want to.

[jmickle11]

Thanks for some of the positive comments! On my department the reserves do not get anything provided to us other than duty ammo. Everything else is at our expense! I've racked up over $1800 and half of my stuff was bought used! Power trip? No not really. However, I do feel part of something worth while when I'm in uniform. I get satisfaction of being out there and helping people. The best part of the shift is when someone gives you a smile and thanks you for being there for them. That's why I'm doing this! A paycheck would just make it better! And this is a potential step for me to full time. But, if it doesn't happen I'll be more than happy to continue to do this as a reserve. How in the world did a simple question about carrying off duty turn into this? I think this thread has just about run its course! Be Safe!

[SD7]

When I joined the reserve unit with Weld County SO, I did it to keep up on my training until I could get hired full time. I served as a reserve for three years with that department. It was also one of the things that made me stand out during the hiring process for the department I serve on full time now.

I was recently informed by the sheriff that I will also now be responsible for the new sheriff's posse unit that is being established along with my other duties which include patrol, search and rescue and hazmat team.

When I was with the WCSOR we prided ourselves on the fact that we trained hard. We went through SWAT team tactical training and riot control training. I also participated in the 2 largest riots that occured in this state and didn't get paid a dime.

The reserve program is a good stepping stone to getting hired full time. It is also a good way to keep your training current until you get hired.