Police Reserve Officer

Overview

The Police Reserve Officer Program (PROP) consists of part-time certified reserve officers who support the Miami Gardens Police Department (MGPD) by providing additional manpower during emergencies, special events, and other situations that may affect the Department’s ability to deliver essential public safety services. Under Florida Statute 943.10(6), a “part-time law enforcement officer” is defined as any person employed or appointed less than full time—whether compensated or not—who is vested with authority to bear arms and make arrests, and whose primary responsibility is the prevention and detection of crime or enforcement of State laws.

The program enhances community engagement, expands available police resources, and encourages citizen participation in law enforcement operations.

Selection criteria for Police Reserve Officers are identical to those used for full-time Police Officers. In coordination with the Human Resources Department, the PROP Coordinator manages the screening and evaluation of reserve officer candidates to ensure compliance with MGPD and Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC) requirements. Reserve Officers serve at the discretion of the Chief of Police and may be released from service at any time for non-discriminatory reasons deemed in the best interest of the Department.

• On Duty: Reserve Officers possess full police authority and responsibilities equivalent to those of full-time officers.

• Off Duty: Reserve Officers act as private citizens and are not entitled to benefits beyond those provided to part-time City employees. They may not assume on-duty status or exercise police authority while off duty unless specifically authorized.

Qualified Police Reserve Officers may be considered for permanent full-time employment with the Department, subject to approval by the Chief of Police, the City Manager and successful completion of all required hiring phases.

• Must be a certified Florida law-enforcement officer with no more than a four (4)-year lapse since last active law-enforcement service.
• Must have met all selection and training requirements for full-time officers prescribed by MGPD and CJSTC.
• Must complete a minimum of two hundred forty (240) hours annually, including participation in the Field Training Program (FTP).
• Reserve Officers perform law-enforcement duties equivalent to full-time officers and are afforded the same liability and legal protections provided by the City of Miami Gardens.
• All Reserve Officers are governed by MGPD policies and procedures and the City of Miami Gardens Policy Manual.

• Must meet all eligibility requirements established for full-time Police Officers.
• Acceptance into the PROP is not automatic for retired or former MGPD sworn personnel.
• Selection will be based on criteria approved by the City of Miami Gardens.
• All candidates are required to pass a background investigation in accordance with Florida Statute 943.13(7) and Rule 11B-27.0011, F.A.C. (CFA 9.06M), except for officers who retired or separated from MGPD in good standing.

The following individuals are ineligible to participate in the PROP:

• Individuals currently serving as reserve officers with another agency, or employed as guards, private detectives, security officers, or bail bondsmen.
• City employees whose current positions prohibit dual appointment as a reserve officer.
• Non-departmental criminal-justice personnel (e.g., corrections officers, prosecutors, or public defenders).
• Judges, court clerks, attorneys in private practice, or any person whose employment or professional role may pose an actual or potential conflict of interest as determined by the Chief of Police.

Citizenship: Must be a United States citizen at the time of application.

Moral Character: Must be of good moral character, free of any felony convictions or misdemeanors involving perjury, false statement, or domestic violence, and must not have received a dishonorable discharge from the Armed Forces.

Any individual who, after July 1, 1981, pleads guilty or nolo…