Resource
In 1956, the City of Ferndale established its first unit of the Police Auxiliary. The mission of the Police Auxiliary is to relieve regular line officers from performing auxiliary tasks and other functions that deplete the number of regular officers on the street.
The Auxiliary unit is used in a variety of functions ranging from crowd and traffic control to assisting regular officers search a crime scene for evidence. The unit also provides important assistance during disasters (i.e., to secure areas and direct traffic because of downed power lines, flood areas and many other disaster situations).
The Auxiliary unit is a group of dedicated volunteers striving for the betterment and safety of the entire Ferndale community. Visit our Community Partners page to view other organizations that are dedicated to the betterment of the Ferndale community.
The Ferndale Police Department provides uniforms, name badges, and bullet resistant vests. Auxiliary members are required to purchase a department-approved firearm and all leather gear (belts, holsters, belt keepers and cuff case). Other equipment includes whistles, flashlights, rain hat covers, and radio holsters. Equipment costs can exceed $1,500.
State Fair pedestrian crosswalkMemorial Day Parade directing traffic and security at the paradeDream Cruise traffic and crowd controlArt Fair & Pride FairHalloween PatrolEvidence searches at crime scenes (assisting the Detective Bureau)SurveillanceProjects (capacity of observation and reporting via radio)Many other city functions
Have a high school diploma, Be subjected to a background check, Have no criminal record, Pass an oral board interview, Approval and acceptance by the command staff of the Ferndale Police Department
Ferndale Police Auxiliary members receive a great deal of training, both ongoing as well as formal training. Formal training is conducted at Oakland Community College, Oakland Police Academy. The Auxiliary receives 120 hours of classroom and range time, covering 14 topics in the classroom. Topics include: duties & responsibilities public relations, criminal law, civil liability, vehicle stops, mechanics of arrest, patrol techniques, police communication, report writing, drunk driving enforcement, traffic direction and control, first aid, narcotics and dangerous drugs, firearms training, defensive tactics.