BY LEANN DILBECK –
The Mena Police Department will be growing their force as they are seeking interested parties to volunteer as Reserve Auxiliary Officers. Currently, they have eight openings. Law requires one full-time officer per auxiliary officer and the department currently has 14 full-time and 6 auxiliary officers already on the roll.
Detective Brandon Martin will be serving as the Program Director.
Qualified applicants must be a U.S. citizen at least 21 years of age, possess a valid driver’s license and high school diploma or GED. They must also successfully pass a drug test, psychiatric and physical exam as well as a background check, and must also successfully pass a 110-hour training course to be in compliance with the Law Enforcement Standards and Training. The cost of which, is assumed by the applicant.
An Auxiliary law enforcement officer carries the same authority of a police officer when the Auxiliary law enforcement officer is performing an assigned duty and is under the direct supervision of a Full-time certified law enforcement officer.
When not performing an assigned duty and when not working under the direct supervision of a Full-time certified law enforcement officer, an Auxiliary law enforcement officer carries no authority other than that of a private citizen.
An Auxiliary law enforcement officer, when not working under the direct supervision of a Full-time certified law enforcement officer, may perform tasks such as traffic direction, parade functions, etc., that are clearly not law enforcement functions and are assigned by the law enforcement agency.
Martin said that additional man-power will assist the Mena PD during events, transports, etc. and will also give tremendous experience to someone who may feel they are interested in a full-time career in law enforcement.
Information and applications are available at the Command Center. They will be accepting applications through February 28, 2014.
About Author
Jeri Pearson
Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.
More Stories
Mena Police Reports
Polk County Sheriff’s Log
Polk County Sheriff’s Log