Reserve History

On December 7, 1941 the United States entered into World War II with the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Many regular officers of the Wichita Police Department were called to military duty. In order to compensate for the loss of officers, the Police Department called upon civilian volunteers to perform general police duties. On September 1, 1942, 1,063 Auxiliary Police Officers were sworn in and given arm bands. In May of 1957 the Wichita Civil Defense Auxiliary members were sworn in as active Reserve Officers. The name of the unit was changed to the and the unit was placed under the command and control of the Police Chief. Police Reserves received full police powers on December 18, 1958.

Today the Wichita Police Department's Reserve Unit falls under the Support Services Division, Special Operations Bureau. The non-paying position of Reserve Police Officer is one of the most rewarding opportunities for concerned citizens, because it provides genuine service to all of our citizens. Reserve Police Officers are fully commissioned law enforcement officers and are required to work a minimum of twenty hours a month. Responsibilities of Reserve Officers include patrol, traffic enforcement and many other support functions.