Coon Rapids Police seek volunteer Reserve Officers to support community safety

The Coon Rapids Police Department is accepting applications for its Police Reserve Officer program, a long standing volunteer unit that supports the city’s sworn officers through non sworn, non enforcement and non armed public safety work, according to official City of Coon Rapids recruitment materials.

The Reserve Unit plays a key supporting role within the department, serving as a force multiplier during large scale community events, special assignments and emergencies. While reserve officers do not carry weapons and do not have arrest authority, the department says they provide essential staffing and visibility that allows sworn officers to focus on enforcement and emergency response.

Program overview

The Coon Rapids Police Reserve Unit is made up of community volunteers who assist with public safety operations throughout the year. The department describes the program as both a service opportunity for residents and a potential stepping stone for individuals interested in a future law enforcement career.

Reserve officers work closely with full time officers and city staff, often serving as the public facing presence at events and facilities where safety, crowd management and situational awareness are required.

Duties and assignments

According to the city’s recruitment posting and department materials, reserve officers perform a wide range of non enforcement duties, including:

• Community events and traffic support
  Providing security, crowd assistance and traffic control at major city traditions such as the Fourth of July celebration, parades, carnivals and community festivals.
• Sports and venue security
  Staffing security for high school sporting events, including football and hockey games, as well as assignments at the Coon Rapids Civic Center and Anoka Ramsey Community College.
• Park patrol
  Conducting routine patrols of Coon Rapids parks and trail systems to assist residents, offer a visible safety presence and report suspicious activity to sworn officers.
• Emergency and disaster support
  Assisting the department during natural disasters and major emergencies within Coon Rapids, and occasionally supporting mutual aid responses elsewhere in Minnesota.

Training and preparation

Before beginning service, candidates must complete department required training designed to prepare volunteers for public safety work. This includes:

• Reserve academy
  A training program lasting roughly two months, typically held once a week on Sunday mornings.
• Field training program
  Hands on instruction alongside experienced officers to learn department procedures, communications and local protocols.
• Ongoing certifications
  Required annual training in CPR and First Aid, along with Response to Resistance instruction focused on defensive tactics and de escalation.

The department notes that training requirements and schedules may vary slightly year to year, and applicants are encouraged to confirm current expectations during the hiring process.

Compensation and benefits

While the position is primarily volunteer based, the city offers limited paid opportunities once reserve officers complete training and field certification. According to the job posting, eligible reserve officers may work compensated assignments such as park patrol, college security and high school hockey security at a rate of approximately $21.98 per hour.

Additional benefits outlined in city materials include:

• Tuition reimbursement
  Law enforcement students may qualify for tuition assistance after six months of service in good standing, provided they complete at least 250 service hours per year.
• Career pathway
  Reserve officers are eligible for internal consideration if they later apply for sworn full time police officer positions with the City of Coon Rapids.

Eligibility and commitment

Applicants must meet several baseline requirements, including being at least 18 years old, a United States citizen, holding a valid Minnesota driver’s license, and possessing a high school diploma or equivalent. Candidates must also pass a comprehensive criminal background check and an oral examination conducted by a review board.

The department expects reserve officers to make a consistent time commitment. Volunteers are generally required to contribute approximately 100 to 120 service hours per year, attend regular meetings typically held on the second Sunday of each month, and work at least one shift per month.

How to apply

Applications are being accepted through the City of Coon Rapids GovernmentJobs portal. The department describes the program as an opportunity for “passionate volunteers” to serve their community while gaining hands on public safety experience.

The full job posting, including application instructions and deadlines, is available here.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the posting carefully and contact the department with any questions about current training schedules or service expectations.

MinneapoliMedia