Auxiliary

The Des Plaines Police Department has utilized the Auxiliary Police Force’s services for over 59 years.  As an equal opportunity organization, we actively recruit from all ethnic groups who reside in the Des Plaines area. Auxiliary Officers are non-paid volunteers who provide law enforcement support services to the Patrol Division.

Applicants must be individuals who have a genuine interest in the City of Des Plaines, the Police Department, and in improving our community’s quality of life.  The Department thoroughly screens applicants, conducting an extensive background investigation, including fingerprinting and criminal history checks with local, State, and Federal law enforcement agencies.  Since Auxiliary Officers are Peace Officers and can carry firearms and make arrests, the Selection Committee only accepts those persons they deem to be reliable and responsible.

Training

Once accepted, the Auxiliary Officer receives basic training, which includes an overview of the Criminal Justice System and constitutional (criminal) law and procedures.  In addition, the Department provides training in Complaint Desk operations, traffic control methods, first aid application, and weapon safety and usage.  In addition, the Department provides each new Auxiliary Officer with a copy of the Des Plaines Police Auxiliary rules, which explains the Department’s structure, the minimum requirements of the Auxiliary Program, and general rules/regulations.

The Police Department Training Officer supervises the Program including providing training, organizing meetings, and coordinating scheduling.  Other Des Plaines Police Officers, with specialized training, assist the Training Officer in the training. Auxiliary Officers must attend an Illinois mandated forty-hour firearms training course, which is conducted by a multi-regional training group and must maintain a valid Firearm Owner Identification Card.

Duties

Upon receiving this basic training, the Auxiliary Officer is ready to perform regular assignments, which involve working the desk area or being teamed with a sworn officer during our busiest times. Auxiliary Officers also perform traffic and crowd control functions during parades and other local events.

By Ordinance and State Statute, a Auxiliary Police Officer has full police authority while on duty, including power to arrest.  The Des Plaines Police Department has chosen to restrict our Auxiliary Police Officers’ authority to be in effect only while under the guidance of the full-time sworn Officer to whom they are assigned.

In the event of a disaster or emergency, the Chief may grant Auxiliary Unit members the authority to perform normal and regular police duties independent of full-time officers.  Full time officers can then handle assignments requiring their greater degree of proficiency.

Under our current policy, Auxiliary Officers may, while not under the direct supervision of a full time Officer, direct traffic and conduct crowd control. Auxiliary Officers are forbidden to carry weapons off duty or while not in full police uniform.

Costs-Benefits

The Department does expended monies and personnel commitments to ensure the success and continuation of the program.  The Department, for example, furnishes Auxiliary Officers with their uniforms, but the Auxiliary Officers must buy their own leather goods and weapons.  In-house personnel conduct most of the training, which significantly reduces cost.  Although the Department expended some of its valuable resources on the Program, the return benefit to the Department and community is of immeasurable value.

The Auxiliary Program benefits the Police Department by providing additional personnel, who are used during high incident hours.  Their presence in a marked squad car, along with a regular Police Officer, allows officers to handle many calls without the need of additional backup units.  As a result, more officers are available for other calls during peak hours.  In addition, the Department realizes monetary savings in using non-paid Auxiliary Officers for parade duty and other special events or emergencies.

Auxiliary Officers provided over 1,000 hours of service to the City of Des Plaines each year. Their role is not only a cost savings item to the City, but also a great assistance to the Patrol Division.  The City of Des Plaines has recently expanded the Auxiliary Officer Program to 22 officers. 

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