405RideAlong_Policy

Policy 405San Luis Obispo Police Department San Luis Obispo PD CA Policy Manual Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/10/31, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by San Luis Obispo Police DepartmentRide-Along Policy - 1Ride-Along Policy 405.1 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. 405.1.1 ELIGIBILITY The San Luis Obispo 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 405.2 PROCEDURE TO REQUEST A RIDE-ALONG Generally, ride-along requests will be scheduled by the Watch Commander. 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. The Watch Commander 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. 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. 405.2.1 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. San Luis Obispo Police Department San Luis Obispo PD CA Policy Manual Ride-Along Policy Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/10/31, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by San Luis Obispo Police DepartmentRide-Along Policy - 2Ride-along requirements for police cadets are covered in the Police Cadets Policy. 405.2.2 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. 405.2.3 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. 405.2.4 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 History System check through CLETS prior to their approval as a ride-along with a law enforcement officer (provided that the ride-along is not an employee of the San Luis Obispo Police Department) (CLETS Policies, Practices and Procedures Manual § 1.6.1.F.2.). 405.3 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. The Watch Commander is responsible for maintaining and scheduling ride-alongs. Upon completion of the ride-along, the ride-along form shall be returned to the Watch Commander with any comments which may be offered by the officer. 405.4 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 San Luis Obispo Police Department San Luis Obispo PD CA Policy Manual Ride-Along Policy Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/10/31, All Rights Reserved. Published