Frequently Asked Questions

What does it cost to be a Reserve Officer?

All equipment, uniforms and training are provided at no cost by GPD to reserve officers.

How often do I have to work?

Reserve officers commit to working at least 4 five-hour shifts per month or 20 hours a month. They also work special assignments throughout the year, including Fourth of July Fireworks show, the County Fair, and parades throughout the city.

What qualifications do I need?

  1. Must be an American citizen
  2. Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
  3. Must be a high school graduate or possess equivalency.
  4. Must not have been convicted of, or pleaded guilty to, or entered a plea of nolo contendere (no contest), to any felony charge or any violation of any federal or state laws or city ordinances relating to force, violence, theft, dishonesty, gambling, liquor or controlled substances and not have been released or discharged under any other than honorable discharge from any of the armed forces of the United States.
  5. Must possess a valid Tennessee drivers license and have a good driving record.
  6. Must have fingerprints on file with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
  7. Must pass a standard departmental physical examination by a licensed physician.
  8. Must complete a truth verification examination.
  9. Must pass a pre-employment drug screen by a licensed physician.
  10. Must be certified by a Tennessee Licensed Health Care Provider qualified in the psychiatric or psychological fields as being free from any disorders, as set forth in the current edition of the DSM, that would, in the professional judgment of the examiner impair the subject’s ability to perform any essential function of the job as outlined in TCA 38-11-106.
  11. Must have good moral character.
  12. Must be interview by the Reserve Steering Committee.
  13. Upon selection, the participant shall undergo a probationary period for a minimum of one (1) year.
  14. Each applicant will be submitted to a background investigation consisting of a check with federal, state and local law enforcement and personal and local references. Any applicant that has a questionable background check will not be accepted.

What happens when I apply?

Before a Reserve Police Officer accepted into the program, they must undergo several different phases to ensure the highest level of professionalism is maintained. These phases include:

  1. Written Testing – Test includes general knowledge question that relate to law enforcement, although no knowledge of law enforcement is required.
  2. Physical Agility Test – Consists of a 1.5 Mile Run, 1 minute of sit-ups, 1 minute of push-ups and flexibility test.
  3. Oral Interview – Determines if the applicant is aware of the commitment that is required by the department and establishes their desire to continue with the program.
  4. Extensive Background Investigation – In efforts to seek people with good moral character and to meet P.O.S.T. Commission guidelines, an extensive background check is conducted. Applicants to the program must have a good driving record as well as a clear criminal history.
  5. C.V.S.A. (Truth Verification Test) – The C.V.S.A. or Computer Voice Stress Analysis is given to applicants who have completed the background investigation to determine their general honesty as it relates to the information contained within their application and information uncovered during the background check.
  6. Psychological Testing – Determines the mental fitness of potential recruits.
  7. Drug Testing – Testing for all narcotics
  8. Physical – A complete physical is conducted by a licensed physician to ensure that the recruit meets all P.O.S.T. Commission requirements.

What is the Training?

At the completion of the testing process the Recruit will enter into a 120 hour Reserve Academy. The academy is held at the police department over a 10 week period. Recruits will train every Wednesday night from 6:00 PM until 10:00 PM and every Saturday from 8:00 AM until 2:00 PM. The recruits will be in a classroom environment most of the time. On Saturday’s the recruits will conduct physical fitness training.

The training at the Reserve Academy consists of many aspects of law enforcement, including, but not limited to constitutional law, domestic violence, stress and stress management, firearms and interview an interrogation.

When the Recruit completes the Academy they will attend a graduation ceremony after receiving all the duty gear and weapons. The Recruit will then be released for field training where they will assist other certified, Full-Time officers in day to day police duties.

Recruits will then continue their education by attending monthly training held at the police department.