In 2022, the National Police is launching a campaign to recruit 30,000 reservists. Far less well known than the Gendarmerie reserve, the police reserve is nonetheless extremely useful, especially in the context of the 2024 Olympic Games.
What is a police reservist?
So, what exactly is the police reserve? It is made up of civilian citizens trained in arrest techniques and in handling a handgun, alongside their studies or their job. Extremely useful for reinforcing police services, the human side of the operational reserve is essential: in a society where citizens are increasingly wary of the police, the police must remain in contact with them and at their service.
How do you become a police operational reservist?
Does this experience appeal to you? So how do you become a police operational reservist? First of all, all the eligibility requirements must be met.
What criteria must be met to become an operational reservist
- Be of French nationality
- Be between 18 and 65 years old
- Have fulfilled your national service obligations
- Be of good character
- Be deemed physically fit during the medical examination with an approved doctor
Once these conditions are met and the formalities completed, you can begin training. For civilians, this training lasts 10 days. It takes place at the National Police Academy and will train you in the safety rules to follow during interventions, in the organization and operation of the police, as well as in the information and instructions relating to weapons and your missions! This training is then completed by a second 10-day training course in the police service to which you are assigned. Note that the assigned service is the police station closest to your home.
Equipment and assignments of a police reservist
You will be equipped in the same way as active police officers: trousers, accessory carrier, safety shoes and ballistic vest. Please note that as a police reservist you carry the service weapon, so you will have to complete your annual shooting sessions. However, unlike active police officers, you will not be able to carry your weapon outside of duty.
Choosing your assignment schedule: your timetable will be chosen and organized with the head of service at your police station. Of course, you are only a reservist during your free time.
FDO duty trousers
Medium-carry retention holster
What are the missions and terms once you have signed up?
The reserve is an institution designed to be flexible. You can therefore choose your length of commitment (from a minimum of 1 year up to 5 years). You will have a maximum of 90 shifts to carry out per year, all of them paid.
The missions are highly varied and are mainly support missions (the "holiday peace of mind" operation, crime prevention, reception duties, driving vehicles, etc.). However, you will not be able to carry out BAC (anti-crime brigade) missions or riot control missions.
Feel free to visit the official police website for more information.