Weaponless Reserve Police?

Question

Why is that Reserve Police are not concidered police? Some are allowed to be armed and some not (different cities), but they wear almost the same uniform and can be mistaken for a "real" cop and do almost everything the police do, Even take courses to become a Reserve, take the same risks, but yet some cities do not "allow" them to carry weapons while on duty.
It doesnt make sense to dress and act like a cop, take the mandatory courses in law and firearms, drive a patrol car, serve supoenas, and assist the "real" police and not be allowed to defend yourself if need be.

Answer 1

Most departments nowadays have eliminated the "reserve" police because the qualifications to become a police officer as well as to remain certified as one have become much more complicated. Reserve officers were used for extra duty details, traffic assignments and the occasional "fill-in" for a regular officer. In light of the fact that any person who is dressed as a policeman, acts under the authority and color of his and her badge but is unarmed is insane. Another reason why this has rapidly disappeared.
Now some places let retired cops work as Auxilliary or Relief officers. But they still must maintain their certification and these men and women would be armed.
I know of no police department that would employ the use of unarmed officers unless they were assigned strictly to traffic duties and usually while there are plenty of Regulars around to handle anything that may come up.

Answer 2

Our city doesn't allow them to be armed but they also don't put them in harms way. Our reserves handle traffic control or people who lock themselves out of their cars; nothing dangerous.

Answer 3

No way I wear a target and not be armed.

Answer 4

It has to do with liability and the fact that unless they are POST certified most states will not allow them to carry weapons.

Answer 5

they are not qualified.