Was Dan Wilson a Real Cop?

Feb 15, 2024 | Media, Press Release, Special Information

Media Source: The Idaho Sheriff

It’s easy to misunderstand the role of a Reserve Police Officer which can lead to false assumptions and misleading statements regarding Dan Wilson’s 12 years of service as a fully commissioned Reserve Police Officer. A Reserve Police Officer is a 100% real Officer of the Law who works part time and, in some cases, for no pay. The devotion and commitment of time by a Reserve Police Officer does not in any way diminish the quality or integrity of the police department nor the community that they serve. In fact, the commitment of a Reserve Police Officer bolsters the police department, can help alleviate the need for increased funding to the police department, and helps to relieve the financial burden from taxpayers in the community that utilizes Reserve Police Officers.

Here are the facts regarding Dan Wilson’s tenure as a Reserve Police Officer:

  • Dan Wilson was certified in 2011 as a Reserve Officer by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission. In Idaho, the equivalent would be POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training)
  • Reserve Officer is a “Specially Commissioned Peace Officer” meaning that he was not a Full Time General Authority Peace Officer, but rather only had full authority as a Commissioned Peace Officer when he was on duty.
  • As a Specially Commissioned Peace Officer, when Dan worked for Spokane Police and Liberty Lake Police Departments, he had the same FULL Authority as a Full Time General Authority Officer does. Specifically – He drove his own patrol car by himself, responded to calls, and self-initiated calls.
  • When Dan responded to or initiated calls, there was no difference in his knowledge, authority, or ability to act as a Police Officer. From the purview of citizens in the moment he made contact as a fully Commissioned Officer of the Law, he was to them a Police Officer with full authority. He was a Police Officer.
  • His uniform was identical to all full-time patrolmen.
  • In the state of Washington, during each shift, patrol officers have a Sergeant that supervises all patrol persons including reserve officers. The supervising sergeant is responsible for full, part-time, and reserve officers. There is no overseer,  babysitter, or seperate advisor for a Reserve Police Officer. The supervision is the same for all persons on patrol during any given shift.
  • Dan was required by law to work a minimum number of shifts per month. Additionally, he attended 4 hours per month of training with the “full time” cops as required by law.
  • Dan made his own arrests and completed his own paperwork of reports, arrest affidavits, evidence bookings and has written warrants that were signed by a judge.
  • He has made traffic stops, responded to Deaths (DOA), Domestic Violence, Assaults, kidnappings, murders, rapes, child abuse, arsons, armed robberies, vehicle collisions, missing children, and welfare calls just to name a few of his police duties.
  • He has been involved in vehicle and foot pursuits and has tazered suspects and been in knock-down drag out fights.
  • Dan his testified in court as a fully commissioned Police Officer.
  • He has completed numerous certifications relating to law enforcement duties such as DUI Certification, Active Shooter Response, Patrol Rifle, Shotgun and Handgun Courses, EVOC, Domestic Abuse, Strangulation, NARCAN Administration, Combat Casualty Care, Les Lethal, Impact Weapons and Taser Certification, and others.

Dan was in every way a “real” police officer who served part time and for no pay. He donated his time, education, skill, and expertise to the community. He was highly trusted, relied on, and valued by fellow officers, served for 12 years without blemish, and was commended by his department.

Many agencies in small towns and counties rely on Reserve Officers to fulfill coverage, like volunteer fire and medics.

The General Election is on November 5, 2024.

For more information on voter registration in Kootenai County, Idaho or to register to vote visit https://www.kcgov.us/329/Registration-Voting.

Dan Wilson for Kootenai County Sheriff 2024
285 W Prairie Shopping Ctr, #530
Hayden, ID 83835
info@theidahosheriff.com

Paid for by Dan Wilson for Kootenai County Sheriff, Luann Hopkins treasurer. © 2023 Dan Wilson for Kootenai County Sheriff. All rights reserved.