I wonder if he had to take a polygraph.  Hmm... 

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-officershaq&prov=ap&type=lgns ;

I do not know about Florida or California.  In Arizona a reserve officer is certified just the same as a full time officer.  There is no differentiation between the two in the eyes of the state.  However there is a difference in academy training.  Full time officers receive academy instruction on a full time basis for 4-5 months, depending on the academy.  Reserve officers will generally attend an academy through a community college (two semesters).  They receive like training with the time factor being the only difference of which I am aware.

The duties of reserve officers vary greatly from state to state. Like Brandon said, in some places, they essentially have full police powers. 

In others--most notably where the police unions are strongest--they wear police-style uniforms, but are relegated to "rent-a-cop" duties like crossing guard, traffic control at parades, etc. In these areas, they also tend to be detested by "regular" officers who view them as a threat to overtime availability.

Regardless of the scope of duty, the motivation for reserve guys seems to be the same. They are people who had a true calling  to become a cop, but had life's path take them elsewhere. There is probably no better example of this than Shaq.

As far as the polygraph, if it is a requirement for other reserve officers, I am willing to bet that he took one. However, you can be sure that the outcome of his “test” was pre-ordained. The polygrapher conducting such a test is put into a similar predicament to examiners “testing” directors and other major intelligence agency officials. He knows that there are severe career repercussions for him if the examinee fails. 

mustbaliar wrote on Dec 9^th, 2005 at 9:54pm:


We have a "celebrity" at our Agency.  They paid their own way through the Academy and went through the same BI that others endured.  Our reserves ride the road, work the jail etc just like everyone else.  They just do it for free

Have a great '06

Dippity,

Sorry, I meant to say that Level II and III officers have limited authority.  Non-designated Level I reserve officers have the same authority as regular, full-time officers, but only while on duty.  These officers have no off-duty peace officer authority.  Designated Level I reserve officers have the same authority, on and off duty, as full-time officers.  Most Level I officers are non-designated.