Signal Hill Municipal Code Ch. 2.72 Police Reserve Unit

A police reserve unit, hereinafter called the "reserve unit", is established as a volunteer organization in the city to serve gratuitously, except for court time and special details such as movie security, to be determined by the chief of police, hereinafter called the "chief." The reserve unit shall be composed of persons appointed by the chief. Members of the reserve unit shall be called "reserve officers."

(Ord. 97-08-1220 § 1 (part): prior code § 2.44.010 (Ord. 457 § 1, 1959))

Except as provided elsewhere in the City Municipal Code, the chief shall have complete authority and control over the reserve unit. The chief may appoint as member(s) thereof any person(s) who is/are qualified, pursuant to the laws of the state and the requirements, rules and regulations of the commission on peace officer standards and training (P.O.S.T.), and may reject any application for membership. The chief shall provide for the training of candidates for membership and for the further training of members. Membership in the reserve unit is open to men and women.

(Ord. 97-08-1220 § 1 (part): prior code § 2.44.020 (Ord. 457 § 2, 1959))

No person shall become a member of the reserve unit until his/her application for appointment has been thoroughly investigated and he/she is able to meet all requirements prescribed by the chief, pursuant to Section 2.72.020. When so qualified, he/she may be appointed by the chief.

(Ord. 97-08-1220 § 1 (part): prior code § 2.44.030 (Ord. 457 § 3, 1959))

Subject to the provisions of this chapter, the chief may, by order, diminish or expand the membership of the reserve unit as existing conditions may require.

(Ord. 97-08-1220 § 1 (part): prior code § 2.44.100 (Ord. 457 § 10, 1959))

The membership of any person in the reserve unit is deemed an at will position and may be terminated by the chief at any time without cause. Any member may resign from the reserve unit at any time upon his/her written notification to the chief of the fact of his/her resignation.

(Ord. 97-08-1220 § 1 (part): prior code § 2.44.060 (Ord. 457 § 6, 1959))

An identification card, badge and such other insignia or evidence of identification as the chief may prescribe for regular police officers, shall be issued to each reserve officer, who must carry such identification card at all times. Upon termination or resignation of his/her membership, each member of the reserve unit shall surrender to the police department all city property which has been issued to him/her.

(Ord. 97-08-1220 § 1 (part): prior code § 2.44.050 (Ord. 457 § 5, 1959))

The uniform worn by reserve officers shall be identical to the uniform worn by regular officers.

(Ord. 97-08-1220 § 1 (part): prior code § 2.44.120 (Ord. 457 § 12, 1959))

The uniform and badge prescribed for use by members of the reserve unit may be worn by a member only while he/she is on duty, or while going to or coming from such duty. Such members may also wear the prescribed uniform and badge while going to or coming from a duly authorized meeting of the reserve unit. A member may carry the prescribed identification and/or badge on his/her person at all times when he/she is not in uniform.

(Ord. 97-08-1220 § 1 (part): prior code § 2.44.130 (Ord. 457 § 13, 1959))

Each member of the reserve unit shall faithfully attend the required meetings thereof, which meetings shall include appropriate training as determined by the chief or his/her designee.

(Ord. 97-08-1220 § 1 (part): prior code § 2.44.140 (Ord. 457 § 14, 1959))

The duties of the reserve unit, subject at all times to the direction, supervision, and control of the chief or his/her designees, shall be the enforcement of law and the maintenance of peace and order whenever and wherever its services are required due to conditions in the city, in the same manner and fashion as the regular police force. The chief may, by order, establish rules and regulations for the purpose of governing the reserve unit, including the fixing of specific duties of its members and providing for the maintenance of discipline. The chief may change such orders from time to time as he/she deems necessary or appropriate to the duties of the reserve unit.

(Ord. 97-08-1220 § 1 (part): prior code § 2.44.040 (Ord. 457 § 4, 1959))

Subject to the direction, supervision and control of the chief or his/her designees pursuant to the authority of Penal Code 830.6(a) and/or 832.6(b), an otherwise qualified reserve officer is authorized to exercise the powers granted to peace officers under Penal Code 830.1 and the laws and constitution of the state.

(Ord. 97-08-1220 § 1 (part): prior code § 2.44.090 (Ord. 457 § 9, 1959))

It shall be a misdemeanor for any person not a member of the reserve unit: (a) To wear, carry or display a reserve unit identification card, badge or other evidence of membership in such unit, or (b) In any manner to represent himself/herself as being a member of the reserve unit.

(Ord. 97-08-1220 § 1 (part): prior code § 2.44.110 (Ord. 457 § 11, 1959))

No member of the reserve unit shall carry any firearm until he/she has been qualified for and has demonstrated a proficiency in the use of firearms as determined by a certified firearms instructor. Such a member shall thereafter carry a firearm only in such a manner and at such times as may be authorized by the chief.

(Ord. 97-08-1220 § 1 (part): prior code § 2.44.070 (Ord. 457 § 7, 1959))

Any and all weapons designated to be carried by regular police officers may be carried by members of the reserve unit upon completion of mandated training. Such weapons shall be carried only in such a manner and at such times as authorized by the chief.

(Ord. 97-08-1220 § 1 (part): prior code § 2.44.080 (Ord. 457 § 8, 1959))

Nothing shall prohibit the chief of police from limiting the assignment of a member of the reserve unit to specific duties.

(Ord. 97-08-1220 § 1 (part))