Blaine Police Expand Reserve Program To Strengthen Public Safety And Community Presence

The Blaine Police Department is accepting applications for its Police Reserve Program through January 23, 2026, inviting residents to serve as uniformed volunteers who work alongside sworn officers to support day to day public safety operations across the city.

According to the department and the City of Blaine, police reserves play a critical role in maintaining visible patrol coverage, assisting at community events, and handling non emergency duties that would otherwise draw sworn officers away from higher priority calls. Reserves wear official uniforms, operate marked vehicles, and function as an integrated support unit within the department’s patrol structure.

A force multiplier for a growing city

Located in Anoka County, Blaine relies on its reserve unit as a force multiplier. Reserve officers are not licensed peace officers and do not have arrest authority. Instead, they are trained to handle a wide range of support functions that consume significant portions of a full time officer’s shift.

Department materials describe reserve officers as a way to extend patrol presence and responsiveness without increasing overtime costs or reducing availability for serious incidents. When a reserve officer responds to a vehicle lockout, stalled motorist, or traffic control assignment, sworn officers remain free to respond to violent crime, emergency calls, and active investigations.

What Blaine police reserves do

Reserve officers support nearly every visible and community facing aspect of policing in Blaine. Their responsibilities typically include:

• Patrol support: Driving marked reserve squad vehicles through neighborhoods, parks, and school areas to provide visibility and deterrence
• Traffic and scene control: Assisting at crashes, fires, and incident scenes by directing traffic and maintaining safe perimeters
• Transport and logistics: Helping move evidence, property, or non violent individuals when appropriate
• Community and special events: Providing security and crowd control at major gatherings, including city festivals and tournaments at the National Sports Center
• Emergency response: Serving as an additional staffing resource during severe weather events, large scale emergencies, or disasters

Training and expectations

Joining the Blaine Police Reserves requires a serious commitment and a professional standard of conduct. Applicants must meet baseline eligibility requirements, including being at least 18 years old, holding a valid driver’s license, and passing a comprehensive background check.

New reserves typically attend a multi week reserve academy that covers defensive tactics, first aid and CPR, radio communications, and department procedures. Ongoing service generally requires a minimum number of volunteer hours per month, often in the range of eight to twelve hours, along with regular training meetings. The department provides official uniforms and necessary equipment. Reserve officers do not carry firearms.

Why reserve programs matter

City officials and law enforcement leaders consistently point to three core benefits of reserve programs.

• First is operational efficiency. Using trained volunteers for traffic control and routine service calls reduces the need for sworn officer overtime.
• Second is public safety focus. With reserves handling lower priority calls, licensed officers are more consistently available for emergencies and serious crimes.
• Third is community connection. Many reserve officers live in or near Blaine, strengthening trust and communication between residents and the police department.

How to apply

The current recruitment window remains open through January 23, 2026.

Residents interested in serving are encouraged to contact Officer Mike Slavik, the department’s reserve program coordinator, at mslavik@blainemn.gov. Additional information and application materials are available through the City of Blaine’s official employment and police department webpages.

For those seeking a meaningful way to give back, gain firsthand public safety experience, or explore a future in law enforcement, Blaine’s Police Reserve Program offers a structured and impactful path to serve the community.

MinneapoliMedia