Rent-a-Shaq?

[mustbaliar]

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

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

[mustbaliar]

After reading this article a second time I have some questions about "reserve" officers that maybe someone can answer.  Obviously, Shaquille O'neal is a "big" celebrity and can do or buy just about whatever he wants because of his status in American sports and culture, but did he still have to go through the same rigors and procedures that a "normal" police applicant is required to accomplish?  The article said he was a reserve police officer in Los Angeles and is now a reserve officer in Miami, even allowed to carry a gun, a badge, and make arrests (after a year of training, supposedly).  Can just anyone walk in off the street and become a "reserve" officer?  Anyone have any experience with this?  Just wondering.

[polyscam]

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.

[mustbaliar]

Thanks for the response, Brandon.  Good info.  I had never heard of a reserve police officer before.

[G Scalabr]

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.

[rcop]

In California, there are three levels of reserve officer (Levels I, II and III).  Although all reserve officers are considered peace officers regardless of level the officer has attained, Level I and Level II officers are limited in their authority as peace officers.  Level I reserve officers must have the same academy and FTO training as full-time officers, and while on-duty have the same exact peace officer authority as full-time officers.  All reserve officers must undergo the same hiring process as full-time officers.  Shaq when he played for the Lakers was a Level I reserve officer for the Los Angeles Harbor Police.

[DippityShurff]

After reading this article a second time I have some questions about "reserve" officers that maybe someone can answer.  Obviously, Shaquille O'neal is a "big" celebrity and can do or buy just about whatever he wants because of his status in American sports and culture, but did he still have to go through the same rigors and procedures that a "normal" police applicant is required to accomplish?  The article said he was a reserve police officer in Los Angeles and is now a reserve officer in Miami, even allowed to carry a gun, a badge, and make arrests (after a year of training, supposedly).  Can just anyone walk in off the street and become a "reserve" officer?  Anyone have any experience with this?  Just wondering.

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

[DippityShurff]

In California, there are three levels of reserve officer (Levels I, II and III).  Although all reserve officers are considered peace officers regardless of level the officer has attained, Level I and Level II officers are limited in their authority as peace officers.  Level I reserve officers must have the same academy and FTO training as full-time officers, and while on-duty have the same exact peace officer authority as full-time officers.  All reserve officers must undergo the same hiring process as full-time officers.  Shaq when he played for the Lakers was a Level I reserve officer for the Los Angeles Harbor Police.

Just for my information, what is the specific difference in a level I, II and III. I thought I understood that even the level I had the same arrest authority that full timers have.  As usual, I probably missed something.

Have a great '06

[rcop]

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.

[rcop]

Level II reserve officers can perform general law enforcement activities, but only when under the immediate supervision of a regular or Level I reserve officer.   level II's are usually the second officer in a two man unit.  Level III reserve officers perform support roles (i.e., parade security, prisoner transport etc) and are not allowed to perform general law enforcement activities.  Each level has its own specific training requirements.