I. HISTORY

The Wisconsin Rapids Police Department Auxiliary Unit was created on February 24, 1964 as a Civil Defense Unit. On this date, Police Chief R. J. Exner appointed Richard Kromm as the Chief of Staff of the unit. This also made Kromm the first president of the unit. The original 22 members of the unit were trained in civil defense, first aid and radiology. Around the end of 1965 the Auxiliary changed its focus to that of supplementing the Wisconsin Rapids Police Department at special events and occasions. Officers were trained in the use of batons, various pre-DAAT techniques, and firearms.

II. TODAYS UNIT

The present day Wisconsin Rapids Auxiliary Police Unit consists of civilians from a variety of backgrounds. For the most part, the unit consists of those people wanting to use this as a stepping stone to full time law enforcement work and those who wish to give something back to the community. A Wisconsin Rapids Police Department Sergeant acts as the Liaison Officer for the unit. The unit is a volunteer, non-sworn organization. The unit donates thousands of hours every year working a myriad of events. The unit also assists the police department with extra patrol, property protection and assistance at major crime scenes. Some of the events that the unit patrols are carnivals and picnics, the fireworks on the 4th of July, the River Blues Fest, River Cities Fun Fest Parade, and Halloween Patrol. Along with these events the Unit also has a weekend patrol that focuses on extra patrol in the areas of the city that are having problems. This program also does property protection, checking area businesses and areas requesting extra patrol. The unit has the authority to write city ordinance violations and parking tickets. They are certified in DAAT (Defense And Arrest Tactics), Emergency Vehicle Operations, receive firearms familiarity training and other job related training. The Auxiliary also has a Bicycle Patrol Unit. These auxiliary officers patrol on bicycles. They supplement the department bike unit.

III. RECRUITMENT

The unit recruits once a year usually around November. The process involves filling out an application and completing an oral interview. The new officer then has to successfully complete a probation period of one year.

Anybody interested in applying for a position on the auxiliary should get an application from:

Human Resources, City of Wisconsin Rapids
444 W. Grand Ave. Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495
The application should then be returned to:
Wisconsin Rapids Police Department
444 W. Grand Ave. Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495
ATTN: Auxiliary