Be a Topeka Police Reserve Officer... Topeka Police Reserves - a GREAT way to serve!

A challenging and fascinating experience is awaiting men and women desiring to serve their community by becoming a member of the Topeka Police Reserve Program.

This is a opportunity to be of service to your community as a member of a professional law enforcement organization dedicated to protecting the lives and property of the citizens of Topeka Persons of imagination with a keen interest in service to others are urged to contact our Reserve Coordinator by calling Lt. Kris Kramer, Reserve Coordinator, 785-368-9097

The police officer of today must be:

• physically fit
• mentally alert
• people-oriented

Prerequisites to Appointment
Standards have been set to insure that the applicants are of the highest quality and are able to perform the duties of the job.

Character and Condition
Must be of good moral character, temperate, emotionally stable, in good health and sound physical condition

Adaptability
Must be adaptable for police service as determined by the Civil Service Commission board and pass examinations that are ordered by the board

Education
Must have a high school education or a G.E.D. Recognized by the State of Kansas College is recommended but not required

Age
Must have attained the age of 21 at the time of appointment

Vision
Correctable vision to 20/30 both eyes, with glasses or contact lenses. Must have normal peripheral vision and depth perception. Uncorrected vision of 20/100 in either eye, color blindness, crossed eyes, permanent abnormalities and loss of either eye are cause for rejection

Height and Weight
Determined individually by the medical examiner and subject to approval by the Civil Service Board

Citizenship
Must be a citizen of the United States of America

Police Record
Any individual convicted of a felony cannot be considered for employment

Drivers License
Must have or be able to obtain a valid Kansas Drivers License

Training
The Topeka Police Reserve School is one of the highest caliber in law enforcement training. Hours of academic presentation are designed to impart the basic knowledge required of law enforcement officers. Throughout their association with the Topeka Police Reserves, our officers receive continuing training and education

The basic training is presented in a quasi-military manner with emphasis on radio car patrol. The training is of a caliber to assure the trainee of being fully capable of performing the duties of the position. To this end, each trainee is observed, counseled and evaluated to determine his or her readiness to assist the Department in the various law enforcement assignments.

Material presented in the school is with the objective of providing training that is both thorough and interesting. This is accomplished by scheduling classes to provide variety and enriching presentations with visual aids and discussions. To assure that trainees are able to apply the techniques learned in the classroom, they participate in actual field problems and are assigned to regular patrol officers for additional training.

The Position
The Topeka Police Department is now offering eligible men and women interesting positions as Reserve Police Officers in one of the best law enforcement agencies in the United States. This volunteer position requires no special background in the field of law enforcement, only a willingness to serve the community.

Badge and Equipment
The Chief of Police, at the expense of the City of Topeka, supplies each Reserve Officer with a suitable badge and such other equipment and supplies as the Chief finds necessary.

The City of Topeka provides Workers Compensation for injuries and illness incurred in the line of duty.

Craig Johnson
Interest in law enforcement for me began because of my association with a newly retired patrol major and a patrol sergeant during high school. They interacted and lived in the neighborhood. Often they would bring a team of police officers to play teams in the neighborhood. This enabled officers who did not patrol our neighborhood to interact and get to know the associated of our neighborhood.

The key is that they had enough insight to bring officers out of their cultures and environments and introduce them to different cultures and environments. Not only did this assist the officers, it was equally beneficial to the associates of the neighborhoods.

After high school I had constant contact with these officers. I was asked to try the Reserve Unit. At the time I was currently an associate with SW Bell Telephone Co. They advised me that I could continue my career with SW Bell and be a Reserve.

In 1984 I was honored to be selected to attend the Topeka Police Reserve academy. After completion I was assigned to a field training officer. This officer was excellent in his professional and personal behaviors. He treated me with dignity and cared about me personally.

Sixteen years later I am still an active member of the Topeka Police Reserves. In all honesty and sincerely, this association has enhanced the quality of my life.

Dawn Cummings
I have been a Reserve Police Officer with the Topeka Police Department since October of 2001. I consider this to be one of the highest privileges of my career. I serve amongst some of the Topeka’s finest law enforcement individuals and consider the opportunity to serve my community and support the department to be one of the greatest honors possible.

I had the opportunity to obtain a greater appreciation and understanding for the department in 1998 when I completed the Citizens Academy. The exposure to the department, the commitment exhibited by the officers, and the critical role that the Topeka Police department plays in our community made me want to do more to support the demands that are placed on these dedicated officers daily as well as become as active in my community in taking a proactive approach to reducing crime as possible.

The education and training provided was exceptional and provided a solid foundation for my ability to feel competent to work alongside officers that have dedicated their lives in a career to protect and serve citizens in our community. The ongoing training provides me with the opportunity to remain active and effective in my role as a Topeka Police Reserve Officer.

How To Apply
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a member of the Topeka Police Reserves and have an interest in the law enforcement field, write:

The Topeka Police Department
320 South Kansas Ave, Suite 100
Topeka, KS 66603-3640
Attn: Reserve Coordinator

Or call Lt. Kris Kramer, Reserve Coordinator, 785-368-9451.