content: These aren't police there to serve and protect you  Most of them aren't even 'Police Officers'. They are Reserve and Aux.  These are people who signed up to make minimum wage for ride-alongs or directing traffic during 4H. Now they are given a 6 hour "Crash Course" in Riot Prevention, suited up, and shitting their pants. In my County, to become a Reserve Deputy, all you have to do is pass a background check. Pass an insanely easy physical test (Like 20 Push-ups in 1 minute, or run 1.5 miles in 20 minutes). Then you are just in. That is it. After that you need to volunteer at least 8 hours a month, and go to at least 4 training sessions a year to keep your status.