Officer Reserve Program

The Council Bluffs Police Department's reserve officer unit has been an active part of the agency since the 1960s.

This is a volunteer organization of men and women who have supplemented the department's full time force. The reserve officer's goal is to assist the sworn officers in providing professional law enforcement to the citizens of Council Bluffs.

Reserve officers in the state of Iowa while on duty, have the same powers as that of a full time police officer would have. Iowa Chapter 80 D specifies the training that a reserve officer will under take.

Those who participate in this program have the opportunity to explore the idea of becoming a full time officer. Gaining the experiences to help make a career decision in the field of law enforcement. Other people have joined the reserve unit as a matter of civic pride and service to the community and to show support to law enforcement.

The Council Bluffs Police Reserves patrol with regular officers. In addition the reserve officers participate in special enforcement programs such as DWI enforcement, seat belt and child safety checks, park patrol, traffic direction for special events such as Pride Day, 4th of July, and Veterans Day.

All reserve officers candidates have to take a written exam, a physical agility test, oral interviews, background check, polygraph, physical examination and mental examination before they are selected to participate in the reserve officer program.

What does it take to become a Reserve officer?

You have to been willing to make a commitment in donating you time for patrol operations and be available for special events when called upon. Reserve officers are asked to donate 30 hours a quarter. You must be willing to purchase your own weapon, related equipment and uniforms. You must be 21 years old at the time of acceptance into the program. You must have a full time job as well.

You cannot have any kind of felony record. You must not have a serious traffic record or have any misdemeanor convictions with in the past five years at the time of your application. There is a testing procedure for the position of reserve officer. There is a written examination and the physical agility test that you must both pass. The written test has questions English comprehension, math, spelling and police situations.

The physical agility has a mile and a half run, a requirement for sit-ups, push-ups, and a test for stretch and reach. Those who pass the written and physical test will undergo a background check, polygraph examination and oral interviews. With the successful completion of the application process, candidates are offered to participate in the Council Bluffs Reserve Academy.

If you are interested in becoming a police reserve officer. Contact Sgt. Mark Galvan Uniform Division 712-328-4761

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