A Colorado department could bring back a reserve police force after disbanding the program in 2005.
Aurora's city council voted 9-1 on Monday to pass the first reading of a bill that would reinstate a reserve police officer program, KDVR-TV reports. The bill was conceived after the Aurora Police Department asked to revive the program.
Under the program, medics who work with the police department's SWAT unit could take a six-week training program to become a certified reserve officer. Some of these medics are already allowed to carry concealed weapons, and this bill could protect the city from liability.
Other applicants could volunteer for the reserve program, as well. Former police officers in good standing from other departments, city employees and retirees in good standing could also possibly be considered as reserved officers.
The bill still awaits a second reading and possible passage.
