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Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2017/11/28, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Santa Monica Police Department Ride-Along Policy - 1 Santa Monica Police Department Santa Monica Police Department Policy Manual Ride -Along Policy 405.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE The Ride -Along Program provides an opportunity for community members 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 Santa Monica Police Department Ride -Along Program is offer ed to community academy participants, police officer applicants, police explorers, those employed within the City, and those authorized by the Chief of Police. 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 supe rvisor 405.1.2 AVAILABILITY The Ride -Along Program is available on most days of the week, with certain exceptions. Exceptions to this schedule may be made as approved by the Chief of Police, Division Commander, or Watch Commander. 405.2 PROCEDURE TO REQUEST A RIDE -ALONG Generally, ride -along requests will be scheduled by the Community Affairs Unit in coordination with the Watch Commander. The participant will complete a Ride -Along waiver Form and Ride - Along Program Form. Information requested will include a va lid 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 Community Affairs 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. 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. Policy 405 Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2017/11/28, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Santa Monica Police Department Ride-Along Policy - 2 Santa Monica Police Department Santa Monica Police Department Policy Manual Ride-Along Policy 405.2.1 PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS Once approved, civilian ride-alongs will be allowed to ride no more than once every twelve months. An exception would apply to the following: Cadets, Explorers, Chaplains, police applicants, and all others with approval of the Watch Commander. An effort will be made to ensure that no more than one community member participates in a ride- along during any given shift. No more than one ride-along participant will be allowed in the officer's vehicle. Ride-along requ irements for police cadets are covered in the Police Cadets Policy. 405.2.2 SUITABLE ATTIRE Any person approved for a ride -along is required to be suitably dressed in casual business attire consisting of a collared shirt or blouse (at least 1/4 sleeve long); jacket, slacks, and flat, close - toed shoes. Sandals, high heels, tennis shoes, T -shirts, tank tops, shorts, mini -skirts 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 or who does not otherwise present an appropriate, professional appearanc e. 405.2.3 POLICE APPLICANT RIDE ALONGS Ride-along requests by police applicants will be scheduled by the Professional Standards Section in coordination with the Field Training Officer Program. The Professional Standards Section will schedule a date, based on FTO availability, and if approved, the Watch Commander will be notified as soon as possible for his/her scheduling considerations. Upon completion of the ride -along, the FTO, as soon as practicable, will make contact with the Background Investigator (if one has been assigned to the applicant) or the Training Sergeant. The Ride-Along Waiver and Ride -Along Program Form shall be turned into the Training Sergeant. 405.2.4 PEACE OFFICER RIDE -ALONGS Off-duty members of this Department or any other law enforcement agency wi ll 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 p eace officer or participate in any law enforcement activity except as emergency circumstances may require. 405.2.5 EXPLORER RIDE -ALONG Explorers who have graduated from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Explorer Academy are restricted to one (1) ride -along every t hree (3) months. An explorer shall be accommodated as a walk -in