Reserve Officers

Program Objective

The objective of the Reserve Officer Program is to bring mature, well-adjusted, community-minded adults, that have a strong desire to volunteer their time, to the La Porte Police Department. Reserve Officers are responsible for purchasing all required equipment and uniforms with the exception of badges and radios at an approximate cost of $1,000.  
 

Duties
  • Assist sworn officers in enforcing all Indiana criminal laws and local ordinances.
  • Assist sworn officers in engaging in preventive patrol to prevent criminal, traffic, and ordinance violations and increase public safety.
  • Assist sworn officers in responding to and documenting complaints that are criminal and civil in nature.
  • Assist sworn officers in responding to and investigating crimes and traffic accidents that occur within the City of La Porte.
  • Follow all orders emanating from superior officers, including all sworn personnel.
  • Interact with the citizens in a positive, proactive manner to find solutions to problems in our community.
  • Ride on patrol in a squad car with a sworn officer.
  • To assist sworn personnel with their assigned duties.
Administrative Requirements
  • Applicants should seal their application envelope and return it to the police chief's administrative assistant. Applicants should update their application files every 90 days. When an opening occurs, the applicant will be called for an interview.
  • Complete an IQ test, which is given at the La Porte Police Department by appointment prior to the interview.
  • Download the La Porte Police Department's application for reserve officers and complete it in full and mail or hand-deliver, it to the La Porte Police Department at:
    1206 Michigan Ave.
    La Porte, IN 46350
  • Reserve Officers serve at the pleasure of the Chief of Police and may be dismissed from the program at any time.
  • The applicant must provide a copy of his/her birth certificate and must at least 21 years of age.
  • The applicant must provide a copy of his/her driver's license.
  • The applicant must provide a copy of his/her high school diploma and transcript, and must either be a high school graduate or have a GED.
  • The applicant must sign and have witnessed the Information Release Form.
Physical Requirements

Basic physical examination and/or statement from a physician that applicant can perform the duties required of a police officer, after the application is reviewed and upon request of the Merit Commission.
 

Selection Process

Your application will then be reviewed by Reserve Officer Board of Control members. If you pass the interview, you must pass a written exam administered at the La Porte Police Department.

You must also pass the Indiana Pre basic Program and ride on the street for at least 16 hours before being accepted as a reserve officer.