Reserve Officer Program

Join the men and women who wear the badge, bringing new meaning to San Bruno's Finest!

You see them driving police cars, walking a beat, or riding on bicycle patrol. They are dressed in a dark blue uniform, fully equipped with safety gear. At first glance, you think it's a regular, full-time, paid Police Officer helping the community. It may go beyond that. It may be a San Bruno Police Reserve Officer.

The Reserve Police Officer Program has been a San Bruno tradition for over 35 years. The purpose of the program is to provide a cadre of well-trained volunteers (non-paid) to augment regular officers. Reserve Officers ride alongside regular officers and help provide quality police services to the community. They also provide support at special events such as parades, fairs, and City Park patrol. Reserve Officers are required to work a minimum of two, four-hour shifts each month and attend a monthly training session.

Legislation, enacted in 1978, and since amended, has created several levels of reserve officers with varying standards for selection and training. California Government Code Section 1031 establishes minimum qualifications for employment of peace officers, including reserve officers. All applicants for this position must successfully pass a thorough background investigation, a polygraph examination, a psychological examination and a medical examination. A full list of requirements can be found on California's Reserve Peace Officer Program page.

Why to Volunteer

You might ask "Why would anyone want to become a Reserve Police Officer and volunteer their time?" Bill Miller, Reserve Officer, said "I wanted to work within a team to give back to the local community. In addition to being support for officers on duty, I get immediate satisfaction by helping others, especially our youth."

For others, it's a way to see if they want to embark on a career in law enforcement. Many law enforcement agencies hire regular officers who have served as reserve police officers. The San Bruno Police Department currently has several regular police officers on staff that started their law enforcement career as a Reserve Officer.

To join our Reserve program, please submit an online application at CalOpps.