Policy Text
Policy
409Fremont Police Department
Ride-Along Policy
409.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The Ride-Along Program provides an opportunity for citizens to experience the law enforcement
function first hand. This policy provides the requirements, approval process, and hours of operation
for the Ride-Along Program.
409.1.1 ELIGIBILITY
The Fremont Police Department Ride-Along Program is offered to residents, students and those
employed within the City. Every attempt will be made to accommodate interested persons however
any applicant may be disqualified without cause.
The following factors may be considered in disqualifying an applicant and are not limited to:
•Being under 15 years of age
•Prior criminal history
•Pending criminal action
•Pending lawsuit against the Department
•Denial by any supervisor
409.1.2 AVAILABILITY
The Ride-Along Program is available on most days of the week, with certain exceptions. The
ride-along times are from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Exceptions to this schedule may be made as
approved by the Chief of Police, Division Commander, or Watch Commander.
409.2 PROCEDURE TO REQUEST A RIDE-ALONG
Generally, ride-along requests will be scheduled by the Community Engagement Unit. The
participant will complete a ride-along waiver form. Information requested will include a valid ID or
California driver's license, address, and telephone number. If the participant is under 18 years of
age, a parent/guardian must be present to complete the Ride-Along Form.
Citizens requesting to ride with a field unit will be advised to pick up the brochure/application and
waiver at the Fremont Police Department or go online to . Upon completion of the application and
waiver, the citizen must mail or return the forms to the Fremont Police Department Community
Engagement Unit.
The Support Specialist in the Community Engagement Unit will conduct a records check on the
individual.
The Community Engagement Unit will schedule a date, based on availability, at least one week
after the date of application. If approved, a copy will be forwarded to the respective Watch
Commander as soon as possible for his/her scheduling considerations.
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Ride-Along Policy
If the ride-along is denied after the request has been made, a representative of the Department
will contact the applicant and advise him/her of the denial by mail.
409.2.1 PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Once approved, civilian ride-alongs will be allowed to ride no more than once every six months.
An exception would apply to the following: Cadets, Explorers, RSVP, Chaplains, Reserves, police
applicants, and all others with approval of the Watch Commander.
An effort will be made to ensure that no more than one citizen will participate in a ride-along during
any given time period. Normally, no more than one ride-along will be allowed in the officer's vehicle
at a given time.
Ride-along requirements for police cadets are covered in the Police Cadets Policy.
409.2.2 SUITABLE ATTIRE
Any person approved to ride along is required to be suitably dressed in collared shirt, blouse or
jacket, slacks and shoes. Sandals, T-shirts, tank tops, shorts and ripped or torn blue jeans are
not permitted. Hats and ball caps will not be worn in the police vehicle. The Watch Commander
or field supervisor may refuse a ride along to anyone not properly dressed.
409.2.3 PEACE OFFICER RIDE-ALONGS
Off-duty members of this department or any other law enforcement agency will not be permitted
to ride-along with on-duty officers without the expressed consent of the Watch Commander. In
the event that such a ride-along is permitted, the off-duty employee shall not be considered on-
duty and shall not represent themselves as a peace officer or participate in any law enforcement
activity except as emergency circumstances may require.
Riders are prohibited from possessing any type of weapon. This includes firearms, chemical
agents, knives, stun guns, or any weapon deemed inappropriate by an on-duty Watch Commander
or Patrol Sergeant. Sworn Peace Officers authorized by their employing agency to carry firearms
off-duty may possess a firearm under the following conditions:
(a)Sworn Peace Officer riders will carry, and have easily accessible, a badge or
identification card readily identifying their authorization to possess and carry a firearm.
(b)Sworn Peace Officer riders will comply with the ride-along dress code. (410.2.2)
(c)Information will be provided in Patrol Briefings and via CAD announcement whenever
there is an armed rider. This information will include the name of the host officer, his/
her call sign, name of the ride along and a clothing description of the rider.
(d)Armed ride officers should never be assigned to cover or assist in any way, unless
their own safety or the safety of the other officers is in jeopardy.
(e)Ride officer firearms shall be carried concealed on their person or in a device similar
to a fanny pack.
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Published with permission by Fremont Police DepartmentRide-Along Policy - 2
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Ride-Along Policy
409.2.4 RIDE-ALONG CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECK
All Ride-along applicants are subject to a criminal history check. The criminal history check may
include a local records check and a Department of Justice Automated Criminal