Bonney Lake and Sumner police departments are made up of more than just full-time officers. A select few volunteer their time and talents, working as reserve officers, offering them a means of giving back to the communities they serve.

Reserve officers take many of the same exams required of full-time, professional police officers.

“It’s a police academy,” Field Training Officer and Reserve Coordinator James Keller said. “Basically they are getting the exact same information but just doing it as a reserve.”

Keller has served with the Bonney Lake Police Department for two years. He and Sgt. Ken McDonough handle the reserve program.

Bonney Lake received 14 applicants for the current session.

Keller explained that reserves usually take about four months to complete the 220-hour minimum requirement. Candidates from Bonney Lake, Sumner and other police departments around the county are sent to the designated Reserve Academy sponsored by the Fife Police Department.

Keller lectures during some classroom sessions and said he is impressed by the level of training each student receives.

“I was really surprised by the quality of training these guys get,” he said. “The instructors are top-notch guys who have a lot of experience.”

Reserve trainees complete a variety of tests including patrol procedures, criminal investigations, defense tactics, and emergency vehicle operations training.

Sumner Police Administrative Manager Jason Wilson said students must also pass multiple examinations such as a polygraph test, psychological exam, full background and criminal history check, reference check and physical agility test just as regular officers complete.

Each reserve is appointed a field training officer with whom a majority of their training will be conducted. Keller said that this allows the FTO to become well acquainted with the reserve officer and learn his or her strengths and weaknesses.

After testing is completed, candidates are narrowed down to the top five graduates recommended by each FTO. Police Chief Mike Mitchell then makes the final hiring decision for the Bonney Lake department. Reserves are issued firearms by the department but must purchase their own additional gear and jumpsuit, an expenditure of $150, Keller estimated.

Training continues for reserve officers beyond completion of the academy. Reserves must accumulate 600 hours on patrol with their designated FTO before being permitted to act alone.

“Reserves can help out on events, what we have in the city,” Keller said. “In King County I know that we had a couple reserves who worked as detectives. There is a lot these guys can do.”

Bonney Lake does not offer compensation to reserve officers though some agencies do provide benefits. In Keller’s opinion, the experience alone makes up the difference.

“You get all this free field training which you can’t get anywhere else,” he said. “When we go to hire, we are going to look at reserves. They have already proven themselves to be good, honest, hard-working people.”

Keller said that unlike himself, a majority of officers in his department began their careers as reserves.

Most reserve officers fit into one of two groups, Keller explained: People who want to serve their community or prospective employees.

The Sumner Police Department currently has no active reserve officer program and is not accepting any applications. Wilson said the department is unsure when the program will be reinstated.

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