The Reserves are also
utilized for many special events within the city. Many of these events
are quite large in scope, with an attendance of several thousand people.
Memorial Day Parade
The Reserve Unit, in conjunction with the Police Explorers and a small
contingent of sworn police officers, work at the Madison Heights annual
Memorial Day Parade. The parade route runs approximately two miles,
necessitating the closing of several roads and driveways and directing
traffic.
Fairs & Carnivals
The Reserve Unit works at the Festival in the Park, providing crowd
control and traffic direction. This Festival is an event drawing nearly
10,000 people.
School Functions
Members of the Reserve Unit work several school functions and sporting
events for Madison Heights' three high schools. These events are
numerous and last throughout the school year, creating a need for
advance scheduling of volunteer personnel.
Pre-Halloween
Reserves, working with the other members of the Police Department's
Auxiliary Services Unit, patrol schools and parks to minimize vandalism
on the night before Halloween. This tremendous undertaking requires that
nearly all members of the Auxiliary Services Unit volunteer their time
for the evening.
Emergencies
Many Reserves have been utilized to assist the police department during
severe weather conditions. A Reserve officer's duties in these
circumstances usually involve directing traffic at major intersections
during power outages and standing by for utility repair personnel.
