Agenda

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City Council Regular Meeting

Meeting Date:

01/09/2024

BACKGROUND

The Schertz Police Department has determined there is an operational need to utilize a reserve police force. In accordance with Texas Government Code 341.012 a City may establish a reserve police force and establish qualifications and standards of training for reserve force members. The City has previously adopted Chapter 66 of the Code of Ordinances, providing for the establishment of a police department. Thus, an amendment to Chapter 66 of the Code Ordinances for the establishment of a reserve police force is necessary to assist in preserving public safety of the City. Therefore, the Schertz Police Department is requesting authorization of a six member police reserve force and to authorize the Chief of Police to appoint reserve force members, subject to the approval of the City Council. All reserve officers must meet minimum Texas Commission on Law Enforcement standards and complete the same hiring process as required for full-time officers.

GOAL

Creation of a Reserve Police Officer program, maximum of six members, to assist the regularly constituted police force in the active and efficient civil defense program in the City. Reserve Police Officers will serve in such capacity without pay.

COMMUNITY BENEFIT

Enhancement of availability of certified and trained peace officer availability to assist with daily and/or special events at a substantial salary savings as reserve police officer work on a voluntary basis of pay.

SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDED ACTION

The Schertz Police Department has determined the use of reserve police officers would assist in daily and special event incidents, which inlcudes augmenting security details at school events. Members of the reserve police force must at all times conform to rules and regulations of the police department, as approved by the City Council. Reserve police officers serve at the pleasure of the Chief of Police and may be dismissed from service with or without cause. The decision of the Chief of Police regarding dismissal is final, and there is no appeal process for reserve officers. Budgeted public funds for the reserve police force will be acquired from within the Police Department approved budget.

RECOMMENDATION

Approval of resolution to codify the creation and implementation of a police reserve force in Chapter 66 of Code of Ordinance in compliance with Texas Government Code 341.012.

Attachments
Ord. 23-G-30