Help wanted: Minnehaha County Police Reservisits

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - The Minnehaha County Police Reserve is accepting application for the volunteer force that backs up full time officers, deputies and troopers.

Doug Blomker with Emergency Management says reservists are armed and have arrest powers. Blomker adds that the position is volunteer and reservists are not paid.  They also have to go through a mini police academy before being sworn in early January.

Blomker compare the reserves to a second set of eyes and hands for full time law enforcement personnel.  They can help at accident scenes, directing traffic and collecting evidence and have the same basic powers with that officer             

Blomker says applications are available at Minnehaha County Emergency office on Sigler Avenue. He says the force needs about 12 volunteers to flesh out the contingent at close to 55 members.