RESOURCE:
Auxiliary Unit
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 in searching a crime scene for evidence. The unit also provides important assistance during disasters, such as, securing areas and directing traffic due to downed power lines, flood areas, and many more.
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.
If you are interested in applying for the Auxiliary Unit, please contact Detective Paul Simpson at 248-546-2390 or psimpson@ferndalepolice.com.
FAQs
Are uniforms and equipment provided by the Ferndale Police Department?
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.
What are some of the functions performed by the auxiliary unit?
- Emergency response (storms, floods, blocked roadways, and other catastrophic events)
- Memorial Day Parade directing traffic and security at the parade
- Dream Cruise traffic and crowd control
- Art Fair & Pride Fair
- Halloween Patrol
- Evidence searches at crime scenes (assisting the Detective Bureau)
- Surveillance Projects (capacity of observation and reporting via radio)
- Many other city functions
What are the requirements to become an auxiliary officer for Ferndale Police?
- 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
What kind of training do auxiliary officers receive?
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