Become a Royal Oak Auxiliary Police Officer

The Royal Oak Police Department wants residents to be aware that volunteers are needed to serve as members of the Auxiliary Police Unit. 

Auxiliary police provide extra eyes and ears for the police department, according to Sgt. Al Carter.

"They are a huge asset to the city," Carter said. "The service our 16 auxiliary officers provide is incredible."

Duties of the auxiliary unit include assisting the police department at parades, concerts, street fairs and park patrols. Officers also perform crime prevention activities and residential vacation checks.

"The unit was a big help to the police department after the Cooper Avenue explosion," Carter said. "We were able to rely on them to block streets and assist the neighborhood around the clock."

Royal Oak resident Rob Winter has been a member of the unit for two decades and recommends it for people of all ages.

"It's not a job. And we're not the police. But I would recommend this to anyone who wants to feel like they are part of the community," Winter said. "We enjoy great camaraderie."

There are a few perks, too, Winter said. Occasionally, he bumps into celebrities while patrolling. He once met the singer Meatloaf while patrolling a parking lot, he said.

Consider joining today

The police department is looking for civic-minded men and women of all ages willing to volunteer. Members of the Auxiliary Police Unit average approximately 100 hours of service per year.

Members are required to participate in a 30-hour in-service training program. The unit meets once a month and is overseen by Chief Corrigan O'Donohue.

Members receive uniforms and identification badges.

Click here to fill out an application or see the attached PDF. The completed application should be mailed to:

Auxiliary Police Program Coordinator
221 E. Third St.
Royal Oak, MI 48067