Volunteer Opportunities

The Ramsey Police Department has two volunteer programs. If you are a student interested in law enforcement and are between the ages of 14 to 20, you may be interested in the Police Explorers Program.

If you are over the age of 18 and are looking for a way to serve the community and have an interest in the working with the police, the Reserve Unit is a great way to get involved.

Police Reserves and Explorer

Police Explorers

Police Exploring is a "Learning for Life" career education program that is affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America. It is open to young women and men who are interested in careers in the law enforcement field. Explorers will be trained in numerous police-related aspects and then use their knowledge to compete in statewide and possibly national competitions. Police Explorers assist the Ramsey Police Department with crowd and traffic control, police officer training, and during special events.

Minimum RequirementsVolunteers

  • Be between 14 and 21 years old
  • Maintain at least a C grade point average
  • Attend weekly meetings and yearly competitions

Required Training

Explorers are trained in command presence, interview techniques, burglary response, traffic stops, crime prevention, traffic accidents, bomb scenes, white-collar crime, search and arrest, domestics, hostage negotiations, street decisions, first aid, firearms training, and participate in ride-a-longs with police officers.

Application Process

Applications for the program are accepted when vacancies occur. For more information or questions about the program, please contact Officer Laura Lohse at 763-576-4330. 

Explorer Application

Explorer Position Description.

Police Reserves

This is a uniformed (unarmed) volunteer unit that provides thousands of volunteer hours annually assisting the police department with neighborhood patrols, business checks, community events, and helping licensed officers on patrol as needed.

Minimum RequirementsReserves 2023

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Possess a high school diploma or GED
  • Possess a valid MN driver’s license and have a good driving record
  • Pass a thorough background check, including a criminal history check. Felony and Gross Misdemeanor convictions will render an applicant ineligible. Certain Petty Misdemeanor and Misdemeanor convictions may make a person ineligible.
  • Not use prohibited drugs or engage in excessive use of alcohol.

Required Training

Ramsey Reserve Officers are trained in first aid, use of force, taser, vehicle lockouts, report writing, use of a squad car, and other police equipment. They receive scenario-based training and have an opportunity to be role players in the full-time staff training. Reserve Officers must attend monthly meetings (usually held the 3rd Monday of the month), volunteer at Ramsey's Happy Days Festival (in September) and complete a combination of 10 squad duties and community events in a calendar year. 

Application Process

Applications for the Reserve Officer position are accepted on an ongoing basis and filled when vacancies occur. Applicants will be contacted for an interview when there is an opening. For more information or questions, please contact Sgt. Nick Dahlberg at 763-433-9897. 

Reserve Officer Job Description 

Reserve Officer Application