police@williamsburgva.gov
Phone: (757)220-2331
Emergency: 911
Auxiliary Police Unit
Dedicated Professionals
Protecting and Serving Williamsburg's
Past...Present...and Future
- GENERAL
- Powers & Authority
- PROCEDURES
- Application for Membership Selection Process Assignment and Supervision Training Suspension or Termination from the Program Uniforms and Equipment Fitness for Duty Medical Insurance Coverage Liability Insurance Coverage
- JOB DESCRIPTION
- General Description Responsibilities / Essential Job Functions
- Minimum Qualifications
-
GENERAL
The Williamsburg Police Department will equip and maintain an Auxiliary Police Officer Unit according to the provision of City Code, concurrent with State Code 15.2-1731. Virginia Code provides for Auxiliary Police Officers and the term "Auxiliary" is synonymous with "Reserve" for CALEA Standards.
Powers and Authority
Auxiliary police officers serving the City of Williamsburg will generally perform the same duties as paid full time police officers and possess equivalent authority under the conditions as set forth in State Code 15.2-1731 when called into duty.
Auxiliary officers may be called into service according to State Code 15.2-1731 for the following reasons:
When there is an insufficient number of regular police officers to preserve the peace, safety and good order of the community;
At any time for the purpose of training;
To aid and assist regular officers in the performance of their duties.
When called into service, auxiliary officers shall have all the powers, authority and all the immunities of full-time law enforcement officers.
When not called into service, auxiliary officers shall have no arrest powers or police authority other than those granted to ordinary citizens. This includes the carrying of concealed weapons. No auxiliary officer, when not called into service, shall carry a concealed weapon unless authorized by a permit from the Court.
Williamsburg Police Department auxiliary officers are considered called into service under the following circumstances:
To attend scheduled training and meetings;
During scheduled work assignments with the department; or
While attending court to give testimony in cases arising out of their duties as auxiliary officers; or
When assigned to extra-duty events. Auxiliaries will be assigned to extra-duty events to augment required staffing when normal staffing methods are not sufficient to meet policing needs. Extra duty assignments will be in addition to the required minimum time.
Auxiliary officers are not considered called into service when traveling to the Police Department to report for duty or when traveling to court to give testimony.
Auxiliary officers will be expected to serve a minimum number of hours that will equate to at least 12 hours within a one month period.
Auxiliary officers shall not engage in secondary employment that involves the use of their sworn police powers.
- PROCEDURES
Application for Membership
Persons desiring to join the Auxiliary Officer Unit must meet the same qualifications as those seeking full time paid positions.
Applications will be submitted to Support Services Bureau.
The Uniform Bureau will be responsible for the training of auxiliary officers.
Selection Process
The Support Services Bureau will be responsible for the Selection Process. Preference, to include lateral entry, may be given to currently certified persons and those that can be recertified with minimal training. Perspective applicants will submit to a written examination, undergo a background investigation, medical and psychological examination, and Oral Review Board.
Assignment and Supervision
Upon completion of the Basic Academy, auxiliary officers will be assigned as recommended by the Uniform Bureau Commander.
Squad Lieutenants are responsible for general supervision and accountability of auxiliary police officers assigned to their squad.
Auxiliary officers qualified for independent patrol must be evaluated annually under the guidelines used to assess full time paid officers.
Auxiliary officers in the Field Training Program will be evaluated at 40 hour intervals during the required 320 hour Field Training Program period.
Where performance problems become significant, interim evaluations may be conducted if necessary.
Training
Field training of auxiliary police officers will be conducted in the manner applied to new full time officers under the following guidelines:
Each auxiliary officer will be assigned a primary and secondary Field Training Officer (F.T.O.) during field training.
A minimum of 320 hours on-duty service must be completed. Auxiliary officers will be assigned to their FTO for a minimum of eight (8) weeks prior to being given responsibilities for regular assignments.
Auxiliary trainees will be responsible for notifying their assigned F.T.O.'s when each 40 hour block is completed for evaluation purposes.
Auxiliary trainees will maintain possession of their Field Training Manuals, surrendering them to their assigned F.T.O. or substitute F.T.O. upon reporting for duty or when requested.
Auxiliary officers will complete their training within 18 months. Upon completion of field training, appropriate recommendations for release to independent patrol will be made by the auxiliary officer's primary F.T.O. and respective immediate supervisor.
Before being approved for independent patrol, Auxiliary officers, after completing all required Academy and F.T.O. training, must serve for 12 months as a Certified Police Officer. Auxiliary officers qualifying for independent patrol must appear before a Review Board to confirm readiness. The Board will be selected by the Chief of Police.
Auxiliary officers must meet the annual training requirements, equivalent to those required of full time officers, to include In-Service and Firearm Training.
Training on the Department's use of force, to include demonstration of proficiency in the use of any weapons the auxiliary officer is authorized to carry and use
Issuance of Department's use of force policies, and receiving instruction on the application of the policies, prior to the carry of issued weapons. Auxiliary Officers will sign these policies after review, acknowledging their understanding.
Suspension or Termination from the Program
Auxiliary police officers must conform to the policies and procedures of the department and may be suspended or terminated for any of the following reasons:
Violations of Departmental Policy and Procedure
Unexcused absences from three scheduled work days during a twelve month period
Failure to meet the monthly service requirement for three months during the calendar year without obtaining a waiver from the Uniform Bureau Commander.
For cause as determined by the Chief of Police.
Auxiliary officers may be relieved of their duties for failure to maintain standards required of regular officers (In-Service training, firearms qualification, etc.).
The Uniform Bureau Commander may grant an extension of time to meet requirements based on good cause or reason.
Recommendations for disciplinary action against auxiliary officers will be reviewed by the Uniform Bureau Commander and will be handled according to departmental policy.
Auxiliary officers are not eligible for participation in the grievance procedure but may request a hearing before the Chief of Police for disciplinary action resulting in suspension or termination.
Uniforms and Equipment
Auxiliary police officers will wear the same uniform and equipment as issued to full time officers. Officers will be issued clothing and equipment as outlines in Administrative Order Chapter 41 except that;
Two long sleeve and two short sleeve shirts and two pairs of pants will be issued;
Auxiliary officers will provide their own black uniform shoes.
Fitness for Duty
Auxiliary police officers must meet annual fitness requirements applied to full time officers.
Each Auxiliary officer must be declared fit for duty by a physical examination provided by the department.
Medical Insurance Coverage
Auxiliary police officers are not subject to Workers' Compensation, however, the Department will provide medical insurance to cover injuries sustained in the performance of duties.
Injury claims will be made to the Shift Supervisor, who will forward same through the Chain of Command.
Liability Insurance Coverage
Auxiliary police officers are provided with public liability protection equal to that provided to full time officers.
- JOB DESCRIPTION
General Description
Responsible for enforcement of laws of the Commonwealth and the City government, taking reports of citizen complaints, traffic escorts, assisting citizens in need, calming domestic disturbances, aid motorist, provide local information and directions to tourists, processing crime scenes, rendering emergency first aid, assisting the fire department, assisting social services, the public, during natural or precipitated disasters, investigating missing persons, parking enforcement, serving legal documents, assisting other law enforcement agencies.
Responsibilities / Essential Job Functions
Effect an arrest, forcibly if necessary, using handcuffs and other restraints; subdue resisting suspects using maneuvers and weapons and resort to the use of hands and feet and other approved weapons in self-defense. Prepare investigative and other reports, including sketches, using appropriate grammar, symbols and mathematical computations.
Exercise independent judgement in determining when there is reasonable suspicion to detain and question, when probable cause exists to search and arrest and when force may be used and to what degree.
Operate a law enforcement vehicle during both the day and night; in emergency situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits, in congested traffic and in unsafe road conditions caused by factors such as fog, smoke, rain, ice and snow.
Communicate effectively and coherently over law enforcement radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications.
Gather information in criminal investigations by interviewing and obtaining the statements of victims, witnesses, suspects and confidential informers.
Pursue fleeing suspects and perform rescue operations which may involve quickly entering and exiting law enforcement patrol vehicles; lifting, carrying and dragging heavy objects; climbing over and pulling up oneself over obstacles; jumping down from elevated surfaces; climbing through openings, jumping over obstacles, ditches and streams; crawling in confined areas; balancing on uneven or narrow surfaces and using bodily force to gain entrance through barriers.
Load, unload, aim and fire using either hand from a variety of body positions handguns, shotguns and other agency firearms under conditions of stress that justify the use of deadly force and at levels of proficiency mandated by State certification standards.
Perform search of people, vehicles, buildings and large outdoor areas which may involve feeling and detecting objects, walking for long periods of time, detaining people and stopping suspicious vehicles and persons. Conduct visual and audio surveillance for extended periods.
Engage in law enforcement patrol functions that include such things as working rotating shifts, walking on foot patrol and physically checking the doors and windows of buildings to ensure they are secure.
Effectively communicate with people, including juveniles, giving information and directions, mediating disputes and advising of rights and processes.
Demonstrate communication skills in court and other formal settings
Detect and collect evidence and substances that provide the basis of criminal offenses and infractions that indicate the presence of dangerous conditions. Endure verbal and mental abuse when confronted with the hostile views and opinions of suspects and other people encountered in an antagonistic environment.
Perform rescue functions at accidents, emergencies and disasters to include directing traffic for long periods of time, administering emergency medical aid, lifting, dragging and carrying people away from dangerous situations and securing and evacuating people from particular areas.
Process and transport prisoners and mental patients using handcuffs and other appropriate restraints. Put on and operate a gas mask in situations where chemical agents are being deployed. Extinguishing small fires by using a fire extinguisher and other appropriate means.
Read and comprehend legal and non-legal documents, including the preparation and processing of such documents as citations, affidavits and warrants. Process arrested suspects to include taking their photographs and obtaining a legible set of inked fingerprints impressions.
Minimum QualificationsMust be at least 21 years of age; Good mental and physical health; Vision correctable to 20/30 and no color blindness; High school diploma or equivalent; College preferred; Valid Virginia Operator's License; Be of good moral character; Have no felony or misdemeanor conviction involving moral turpitude; Have no convictions of a crime involving Domestic Violence; Have an acceptable driving record.