Beach patrol unit at St. George Island State Park. |
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In 1980, the Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP)
Division of Law Enforcement created a part-time, volunteer affiliate program to augment its full-time work force known as the
Park Police Reserve Officer Program. The Park Police Reserve Officer
Program provides those citizens with law enforcement backgrounds the
opportunity to use their skills and experience as volunteer law
enforcement officers in the Florida State Parks.
Reserve Officers are fully certified law enforcement officers as
required under Chapter 943, Florida Statutes and the Criminal
Justice Standards and Training Commission's standards. They
are authorized to bear arms and make arrests, operating
in the same capacity as full-time officers, protecting both the
visitors and the natural resources within Florida's award-winning state park
system. Reserve Officers are welcome additions to DEP's law
enforcement team. With their expertise, the Division of Law
Enforcement is better able to protect the millions of visitors who
come to enjoy the state's parks and natural and cultural resources
each year.
In addition to patrol duties, Reserve Officers sometimes serve as
instructors with the Division’s Office of Training and Professional
Standards, teaching the necessary skills and knowledge to the next
generation of officers dedicated to safeguarding Florida’s citizens
and our environment.
Applicants for the Reserve Officer Program will be required to
complete a thorough background investigation, and psychological,
medical, and drug screening exams. A Field Training
Program must be completed within an 18 month period of
affiliation, and participation in division activities a minimum
of 16 hours per month is mandatory.
If you are interested in becoming affiliated with our Reserve
Officer Program, please contact
Captain Stewart
Romack for additional information prior to
submitting an application packet. Currently, the division has
some limited regional needs, and
Captain Romack will be able to assess the division's needs in your
area.
Reserve Officer Program Links
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2012 State of Florida