RESERVES

If you’re interested in getting behind the badge, but are not interested in becoming a full-time New Orleans Police Officer, then become part of our reserve force. As a member of the New Orleans Police Department’s Reserve Division, you’ll be able to give back to the city that has given the world so much.

The Reserve Division of the NOPD, through its use of volunteers, supplements the resources of Patrol Districts and provides manpower for a large variety of assignments that would in many cases require full-time officers to fill.

The Reserve Division of the New Orleans Police Department is presently comprised of three (3) full time members (a police captain, a police officer and an civilian office manager) and 88 fully commissioned volunteer officers.

Reserve membership is divided amongst the eight (8) police districts and Special Operations. The number of officers assigned is determined by district need and consideration is given to the request made by the volunteer. Reserve officers perform the same duties as a regular patrol officer. Reserves also provide additional manpower for special events. Reserve officers demonstrating talent and interest are trained as motorcycle officers, mounted officers, bicycle officers, and SWAT team members.

Within the Reserves, officers can be promoted to the rank of both Sergeant and Lieutenant. Candidates must successfully pass a written and/or assessment test prior to being eligible for promotion.

Reserve Officers attend the New Orleans Police Academy and are POST certified upon completion. Reserve Officers receive the same training as full-time officers. Reserve Officers are required to volunteer a minimum of 24 hours of service per month in order to maintain their police officer’s commission. A Reserve Officer receives a yearly uniform allowance of $500.00 if they perform a minimum of 288 hours per year of service.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

An applicant must live in the greater New Orleans area. Applicants must be 21 years of age by the time the academy class is completed, possess a valid drivers license, at least a G.E.D and be able to pass the background investigation.

HOW DO I JOIN?

Reserve applicants are processed in the same manner as a full time applicant and are required to provide the same materials as a full time applicant. Applicants must apply at Civil Service and take the Civil Service test for police recruit. Click here to learn about the application process