Reserves

The Selah Police Department Reserve Unit was started in 1985. The Reserve Unit is a total volunteer force comprised of eleven Reserve Officers.  Each Reserve Officer graduated from the Yakima County Police Reserve Academy and are state certified and possess full arrest powers when on duty status. .

In 2002, the Reserve Unit took over the duties of court security and prisoner transport to keep Line Officers free to handle priority calls for service. Members of the Reserve Unit provide traffic and crowd control for major community events and school sporting events. 

A new innovated crime prevention program was implemented in May of this year. A Police Scooter Unit was formed. With public donations and with the assistance from the city of Selah, two fully marked Suzuki Bergman 400 cc scooters were purchased. The Scooter unit is fully manned and solely operated by members of the Selah Police Reserve Unit.  Scooter Officers patrol in pairs and conduct security checks of all Selah School District property, city parks and the business district. Scooter Officers  provide traffic control during Selah Community Days Parade activities and participate in all  lower valley parade activities.

The Selah Police Department Reserve Unit is looking for a few good men and women to join our team. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Selah Police Department Reserve Unit, applications are available Monday through Friday between 8am-4pm at the Selah Police Department. All candidates undergo the same selection process as a full time officer. All applications are reviewed by one command officer, the  reserve coordinator, one line officer and one reserve officer. After grading the applications, and those who pass, continue forward with the selection process which consists of the following. Physical fitness test, background investigation, interview, polygraph examination, psychological examination and medical.  Once the candidate has completed all of his/her testing requirements, the candidate must attend the Yakima County Reserve Officer Academy. The 12 week course consists of  written and practical testing, criminal and traffic laws, criminal law and procedures, defensive tactics, first aid & CPR, Emergency vehicle operations course EVOC, firearms, active shooter response training  and much much more.

After graduation the Reserve Officer receives his/her commission and gets sworn in by the Selah City Clerk Treasurer. The Reserve Officer is then assigned to a FTO Field Training Officer for additional training covering topics such as, department rules and regulations, department  policies and procedures and daily police operations protocol.  Each Reserve Officer is required to work 16 hours per month. If the process sounds too long and difficult, you’re right. It is. We want the best qualified people to join our ranks. Over the years, 7 Selah Police Reserve Officers have been hired full time by several Yakima area police departments. The on the job training and experience as a Reserve Officer, is the first step towards a successful and rewarding career in law enforcement. Ride-a longs are welcomed.