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Origin
The police reserve program had its
origin in the war years of 1941 to 1945. Due to manpower shortages within
the police department at that time, a number of volunteers were sought
from local sportsmen's clubs and civic groups for purposes of forming an
auxiliary police unit. This auxiliary unit was active throughout World War
II and served to support police and civil defense activities.
Post War
Following World War II, the auxiliary police unit was dormant until the
outbreak of the Korean conflict. In 1950 the unit was reactivated as the
"special police unit" to provide support personnel for police and civil
defense in the event of world war. Formalized training for special police
members was first initiated at that time. The unit was formally organized
along paramilitary lines and a chain of command was established.
Korean Conflict
By 1954 interest and participation in the unit was great enough to warrant
making the special police unit a permanent part of the Jackson Police
Department. The unit was renamed the Jackson Police Reserve Unit and was
incorporated within the Jackson Police Department. While no specific
ordinance or resolution was passed by the city commission at that time,
there was support through general fund allocation for uniforms and
equipment. The authority for creation of a police reserve unit was vested
in the executive orders of the City Manager and the Chief of Police.
Post Korean conflict
from the mid 1950's to the mid 1960's the police reserve unit experienced
various levels of participation and interest by its members. The
activities of the reserves primarily centered around providing support for
patrol activities, traffic control, at parades and community events. The
reserves also served as a ready trained "Reserve Force" that could be
activated on short notice in case of natural disasters, civil disorders or
national attack.
1970's
Since the late 1960's, the police reserves have been utilized throughout
the community to assist the department in accomplishing its mission. The
reserves role expanded to that of riding as a "second person" with regular
officers during routine patrol and continued to supplement the patrol
force at community activities and major emergencies.
City Ordinance
In 1975 the Jackson City Commission adopted City Ordinance 75-5 and
officially established the Jackson Police Reserves. The men and women who
serve as reserve officers represent a cross section of the community and
serve without compensation. Jackson Police Reserves donated over 6,350
hours to the department and community during 1996.
Commitment
The history of the Jackson Police Reserve Unit is filled with people
making long-term commitments to the program. This is evidenced by the fact
that only four people have served as Commanders of the unit. Harry F.
Layher (1908 to 1979) served as a reserve member from 1946 until 1970 and
was the Commander until 1970. Mr. Everett Trumble served as a reserve
member from 1951 to 1987 and was Reserve commander from 1970 to 1987. Mr.
L. Castillo served as a reserve member from 1955 to 1995 and was Reserve
Commander from 1987 to 1995.
The current Reserve Unit
Commander is Mr. James Acker. Mr. Acker has been with the reserve program
since 1976 and Reserve Commander since 1995.
Qualifications:
1. Must be at least 21 years old.
2. All applicants must have and maintain a working phone; applicants
living outside of Jackson County will be considered on a per-applicant
basis.
3. Must be a citizen of the United States.
4. Must be of good moral character with no past felony record or
dishonorable discharge from military service. Must have good driving
record with no moving violations within the last two years.
5. Must have completed High School or its equivalent.
6. Must have physical ability to perform active duties under adverse
conditions.
7. Must be of calm temperament, have to accept and carry out orders
without question, have considerable ability to deal with others, to make
and execute quick and decisive decisions and have no bias as to race,
creed or color.
8. Must be in a position to meet all minimum requirements necessary to
fulfill the duties of the Police Reserve program.
Training
Jackson Police Reserves must complete a comprehensive 150-hour training
course that is paced over a 17-week time period. All critical subject
matter areas are covered including criminal law, defensive tactics,
firearms safety and use, courtroom testimony, etc. Additionally, regular
in-service training keeps reserves updated.
If you are interested in
becoming a Reserve Officer with the Jackson
Police Department, click on the link below, complete the application,
and forward it to the Reserve Officer Coordinator at the Jackson Police
Department, 216 E. Washington Ave., Jackson, Michigan, 49201.
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