Albert Lea reserve police officers were sworn in Monday night at the Albert Lea City Council meeting to assist the public and law enforcement.

Seven volunteer reserve officers were given the oath of office: Michael Johannsen, Wyatt Manges, Andy Nelson, Chris Schroeder, Rodney Steele, Shaun Willaby and Jamie Williamson.

Director of Public Safety Dwaine Winkels said the group is the first of its kind in Albert Lea since he can remember.

The volunteers will be required to work at least 10 hours a month, said Lt. Darin Palmer of the Albert Lea Police Department, who oversees the program.

Winkels expects the unpaid reserve officers to work at junk and reserve cleanups, the Third of July Parade and other events, including Wind Down Wednesday, to provide assistance for the public.

The reserve officers have monthly meetings, ride-along training and a task list aimed at increasing their proficiency.

Winkels emphasized reserve officers are not replacing police officers. He said they can’t arrest people and are not licensed police officers. He said they can enforce city ordinances. The reserve officers won’t be armed and will only engage in confrontation as a last option.

Palmer said the reserve officers are trained in the use of self-defense and will receive additional training. They help the Police Department with building community partnerships and collaboration with the community.

He said the Police Department will work around the schedule of the reservists.

The reserve officer position will give residents the opportunity to volunteer, Winkels said.

”I think there’s a lot of untapped potential in this community for volunteering,” he said.

According to Winkels, the Police Department has discussed having the reserves over the last 10 years, but resistance came over concern that the reserve officers would be taking the licensed police officer’s spots.

He said the idea heated up in the last three years, and meetings were conducted that found the department wanted to have a reserve group.

A study group was formed that presented the department with options of what they could have.

The Police Department began advertising for the positions earlier this year.

Winkels said the corps will lay the groundwork for what the department does with the positions moving forward.

“We’ll see how it goes,” he said.

Palmer hopes the opportunity will open again in fall 2016 and advised anyone with questions on the program to call him at 377-5200.