Hillsboro Police Reserve Officers are offered unique opportunities for both volunteer service or preparing for policing as a profession. If you or someone you know is considering a career in law enforcement,this combination of training and experience can be invaluable in achieving those goals. If you are established in another career with no plans to become a police officer, you will receive the satisfaction of positively contributing to the safety and security of the Hillsboro community.

The HPD Reserve Unit provides additional sworn police resources to augment and support HPD and the Hillsboro community. The Unit supplements regular officers on patrol and helps with major community events. Reserve officers are also subject to callout during emergencies or in the aftermath of a major crime. Reserve Officers are volunteers who receive no monetary compensation for their service. In order to maintain their active reserve status, HPD Reserve Officers must consistently volunteer at least 16 hours of service in patrol, training or special events each month.

HPD Reserve Officers epitomize the service ethic and give thousands of hours to their community each year. Experienced Reserve Officers, who complete the Reserve training program, are permitted to patrol solo while supporting the Department's mission and providing more resources to combat crime. Reserve Police Officers may specialize in opportunities such as traffic crash investigations, DUII Enforcement, school resource work, Youth Peer Court and also may certify as an armorer.

HPD provides Reserve Officers with most of their equipment and all the required training at no charge. Reserve Officers receive a range of ongoing training including firearms, defensive tactics, legal updates, emergency vehicle operations, and dealing with stressful situations.

• Reserve Officers must meet the same basic requirements as regular police officers.
• Be a minimum of 21 years of age at the time of application.
• Be a high school or college graduate.
• Possess a valid driver's license and maintain a good driving record.
• Not have been convicted of any crime or violation classifiable as a Class A misdemeanor or higher.
• Successfully complete an application form, oral interview, background check and drug screen.
• Successfully pass psychological and medical examinations. 

Once accepted into the program, Reserve Officers must complete a rigorous reserve police academy. This academy is held two nights a week and most Saturdays for 6 months.

Reserve Officers are trained in patrol techniques, defensive tactics, firearms, first aid, emergency vehicle operation, criminal and case law, and many other topics.