The process for Applying for Recognition of a Basic Reserve Academy and the individual applications for reserve officers is changing.
The Applications for Recognition of your Basic Law Enforcement Reserve Academy are due 90 days prior to the predicted start date of your reserve academies.
- Change in the individual Reserve Application Process as a result of recent legislative changes – RCW 43.101.095(2). The WACs (139-05-810, 139-05-825) have not been updated as of yet to reflect these changes. As a Result, the application process will now be identical to the process used when hiring Full-Time Peace Officers.
Some of the changes:
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- Notice of Hire Forms must be completed prior to the beginning of the Reserve Academy. This now requires:
- Complete background investigation as explained in RCW 43.101.095(2)(a through d) and includes
- COMPLETED Polygraph and Psychological examinations
- COMPLETED Criminal History and Fingerprint check
- OTHER background check components ARE REQUIRED to be completed prior to the beginning of the academy – Please Review RCW 43.101.095 for details.
- Pre-Registration will be completed through ACADIS, followed up by the Completed Notice of Hire Form. Prospective students will not be enrolled in the Reserve Academy roster until all forms are received.
- Complete background investigation as explained in RCW 43.101.095(2)(a through d) and includes
- Notice of Hire Forms must be completed prior to the beginning of the Reserve Academy. This now requires:
The WSCJTC does not schedule Reserve Officer Academies. Host agencies must apply to hold a reserve academy.
Upon approval, available Basic Law Enforcement Reserve Academy sessions can be found in the ACADIS list of Available Training by clicking this link Acadis, choosing filters and entering the program code 0080 in the search field.
This class is a minimum of 356 hours in length. The Reserve Academy curriculum adopted by the Commission is designed similar to that of the Basic Academy, including student performance objectives for each instructional block. It is designed to provide reserves with the basic knowledge and skills required for safe, proper and effective law enforcement service.
Instructional blocks include:
- Criminal law and procedure
- Communications skills
- Crisis intervention
- Defensive tactics
- Patrol procedures
- Criminal investigations
- Evidence law
- Firearms (including range qualifications)
- EVOC
- Use of force
- Ethics
- Civil liability
- First aid
Graduates of a Commission approved Reserve Academy, who upon academy completion, have passed a comprehensive written exam developed and administered by the Commission, will receive the state’s basic Reserve Peace Officer Certificate. Such certificate satisfies the basic training requirements for Specially Commissioned Reserve Peace Officers under the Washington Mutual Aid Peace Officer Powers Act, RCW 10.93, chapter RCW 10.93.090.
ACADEMY COORDINATORS:
Deciding to hold a Basic Law Enforcement Reserve Academy should not be taken lightly. The agency's job of teaching and shaping everyday citizens into a voluntary Law Enforcement professionals is a serious endeavor. Agencies must be sure to give themselves ample preparation time before and after submitting the required documentation. We recommend taking the time to put together a teaching team and maintaining organization to ensure a successful academy. Review the forms below for guidance on starting an academy.
A reserve certificate cannot be used in place of Peace Officer Certification.