Policy Text
Auxiliary Police Officer
POLICY
215.0AUXILIARY/RESERVE PROGRAM
ESTABLISHED 10/2019
RELATED POLICIES:
REVIEWED BY CHIEF DAVID
MAGNUSSON 10/2019
PURPOSE: To provide guidelines for the management of the Village of El Portal
Auxiliary/Reserve program
DEFINITIONS: Auxiliary/Reserve Police Officer : A law enforcement officer who is
employed without compensation, who is vested with the authority to bear arms and make
arrests. Their primary responsibility is the prevention and detection of crime as well as the
enforcement of state laws. To not confuse the above definition with a part-time officer which
the El Portal Police Department employs, the word “volunteer” may also be used inter-
changeably.
I. SELECTION PROCESS
A. Applicants should be financially independent, or financially solvent and must comply
with all eligibility requirements that apply to a certified, full-time sworn law
enforcement officer.
B. Department members employed in a non-sworn capacity who maintain a Florida Law
Enforcement Certification may participate in the program with the approval of the
Chief of Police.
C. Applications for the position of Auxiliary Police Officer will be forwarded to the Chief
of Police who will have final decision on selection and appointment.
II. PERSONS INELIGIBLE
A. Anyone currently employed as a private security guard, private detective, or
similar occupation.
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Auxiliary Police Officer
B. Anyone currently employed as a certified, full-time police officer or
correctional officer, unless authorized in writing by the Chief Executive Officer
of the law enforcement or correctional agency.
C. Person involved in the sale or distribution of alcoholic beverages.
D. Bail bondsmen, criminal attorneys, and employees or investigators of the Office
of the State Attorney.
E.Any other persons who would provide a conflict per the Chief’s Discretion
III. ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION:
A. The Chief of Police shall be the final authority in the selection, suspension or
dismissal of Auxiliary Police Officers. Additionally, the Chief of Police shall
limit the extent of law enforcement which he delegates.
B. Auxiliary Police Officers shall have no proprietary rights as an appointed
officer and may be dismissed for failure to comply with the Department's rules
and regulations, orders, policies or procedure without the right of an
administrative appeal.
C. Auxiliary Police Officers shall be considered volunteer employees of the City
while on duty or in a training status. Financial compensation will not be
provided.
D. Auxiliary Police Officers are not considered employees under the Fair Labor
Standards Act and the Act does not apply to the Auxiliary Officer Program.
Vacation pay, holiday pay, or sick leave benefits are not provided.
E. Auxiliary Police Officers shall not be entitled to any benefits under the Police
and Fireman Pension Plan.
F. Auxiliary Police Officer status does not guarantee an eventual full-time
position.
G. The Auxiliary Officer Program is a functional sub-unit of the Patrol Division
and operates under the authority of the Chief of Police or designee.
H. Upon separation from the department, all issued equipment is returned to the
department.
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Auxiliary Police Officer
I. Appropriate in-service training will occur to insure that Auxiliary Police
Officers receive required training and are kept abreast of changes in
regulations, orders, policies, laws and procedures.
J. Scheduling the Auxiliary Police Officers' tour of duty in a method which
accommodates both the Auxiliary Police Officers' schedule and the needs of
the department.
IV. AUXILIARY/RESERVE OFFICER FUNCTION
A. The primary duties of Auxiliary Police Officers shall be to augment and supplement the
patrol section for and to execute such special assignments as may be established by the
Chief of Police, other members of the Command Staff, the on-duty Sergeant and/or the
Officer in Charge They shall be assigned to assist full-time personnel both in the day-
to-day delivery of law enforcement services and for emergencies.
B. Auxiliary Police Officers shall check their department mailbox and e-mail a
minimum of once each week, unless otherwise excused by the Chief of Police or
designee.
C. Auxiliary Police Officers shall have arrest authority and may perform law
enforcement functions only while under the direct supervision of a full-time, certified
police officer.
1. They are specifically prohibited from enforcing any law as a law enforcement
officer when not on duty.
2. Blue or red emergency lights and sirens shall not be installed or carried in the
private vehicle of any Auxiliary Police Officer.
D. Auxiliary Police Officers shall only perform those duties that they have received
appropriate, adequate, and documented training to perform.
1. These duties, for law enforcement, may include:
a. Assisting in crowd control at special events.
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b. Assisting the patrol section