Policy Text
Policy
405Garden Grove Police Department
Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/09/07, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Garden Grove Police
DepartmentRide-Along Policy - 1Ride-Along Policy
405.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The Garden Grove Police Department does not offer ride-alongs or have an official Citizen
Observer Program. Because patrol officers have the responsibility of training new officers, reserve
officers, and frequently have Cadet and Police Explorer ride-alongs, Citizen Observers should be
discouraged. This policy does not prevent department employees from making special requests
for ride-alongs. All ride-alongs and/or Citizen Observers shall be approved by a Division Lieutenant
or designee.
405.1.1 WAIVER OF LIABILITY
Everyone except permanent city employees who ride in a police vehicle must first sign a Waiver of
Liability. This will include emergency notification information, name, address, and phone number.
This waiver must be signed and in cases where the ride along is under eighteen years of age,
a parent or legal guardian must sign it. Completed waivers will be forwarded to the Sergeant's
Office for review and filing.
405.2 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, Chaplains, Reserves, police applicants,
and all others with approval of the Division Lieutenant or designee.
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.
405.3 SUITABLE ATTIRE
Observers must be neat, clean and properly attired. The ride-along should be canceled if the
individual's appearance is not appropriate. Men's shirts shall have collars and sleeves. Pants shall
be neat and clean full length without holes or tears. Ladies' shirts or blouses shall not have low
necks or backs, expose the midriff or appear see-through. Ladies may not wear shirts or dresses
with spaghetti straps or tank top style unless covered by a professional-looking sweater, blouse or
jacket. Pants (including capri-style pants) shall be neat and clean without holes or tears. Skirts or
dresses that are knee-length while standing may be worn. Clothing shall not be excessively tight
or overly baggy. Sandals, shorts, gym wear, and T-shirts are unacceptable attire for a ride-along.
Levis or denim jeans are not acceptable. A spouse, relative, or significant other shall not ride with
the officer with whom they have a relationship unless specifically authorized by the employee's
Division Lieutenant.
Garden Grove Police Department
Policy Manual
Ride-Along Policy
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/09/07, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Garden Grove Police
DepartmentRide-Along Policy - 2405.4 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 Division Lieutenant. 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.
405.5 OFFICER’S RESPONSIBILITY
The officer shall advise the dispatcher that a ride-along is present in the vehicle before going into
service. Officers shall consider the safety of the ride-along at all times. Officers should use sound
discretion when encountering a potentially dangerous situation, and if feasible, let the participant
out of the vehicle in a well-lighted place of safety. The dispatcher will be advised of the situation
and as soon as practical have another police unit respond to pick up the participant at that location.
The ride-along may be continued or terminated at this time.
405.6 CONTROL OF RIDE-ALONG
The assigned employee shall maintain control over the ride-along at all times and instruct him/her
in the conditions that necessarily limit their participation. These instructions should include:
(a) The ride-along will follow the directions of the officer
(b) The ride-along will not become involved in any investigation, handling of evidence,
discussions with victims or suspects, or handling any police equipment
(c) The ride-along may terminate the ride at any time and the officer may return the
observer to their home or to the station if the ride-along interferes with the performance
of the officer's duties
(d) Ride-alongs may be allowed to continue riding during the transportation and booking
process provided this does not jeopardize their safety
(e) Officers will not allow any ride-alongs to be present in any residences or situations
that would jeopardize their safety or cause undue stress or embarrassment to a victim
or any other citizen
(f) Under no circumstance shall a civilian ride along be permitted to enter a private
residence with an officer without the expressed consent of the resident or other
authorized person
(g) Ride-alongs shall be returned to the place of the ride origin or to the station when the
ride-along is terminatedThe Division Lieutenant or designee is responsible for maintaining and scheduling ride-alongs.
Upon completion of the ride-along, the wa iver form shall be returned to the Sergeant's Office with
any comments which may be offered by the officer.