Policy Text
CATEGORY DATE ADOPTED LAST REVIEW NEXT REVIEW
4 01/24/2011 10/01/201 8 10/01/20 20
TUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDERS
____ ____________
410 - Ride-Along Po licy 1 POLICY 410 RIDE -ALONG POLICY
410.1 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 t he Ride -Along Program.
410.1.1 ELIGIBILITY
The Tustin Police Department Ride -Along Program is offered to citizens who may b e interested in
law enforcement . Every attempt will be made to accommodate interested persons ; however , any
applicant may be disqual ified without cause.
The following factors may be considered in disqualifying an applicant and are not limited to:
a) Being under 15 years of age ;
b) Prior criminal history ;
c) Pending criminal action ;
d) Pending lawsuit against the Department ;
e) Denial by any supervi sor;
410.1.2 AVAILABILITY
The Ride -along Program is available every day of the week . A ride -along may not extend past
midnight. Exceptions to this schedule may be made as approved by the Chief of Police, Bureau
Commander, Division Commander, or Watch Co mmander.
410.1.3 ACCREDITATION STANDARDS
This section pertains to the following CALEA Standards: N/A
410.2 PROCEDURE TO REQUEST A RIDE -ALONG
Generally, ride -along requests will be scheduled by the Management Assistant . The participant
will complete a ride -along application and waiver. 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 c omplete the Ride -Along Form.
For ride -along requests by current applicants, prior to a formal background process, the
Management Assistant will forward the application to the Records Supervisor. The Records
Supervisor will be solely responsible for the app licants records check. If disqualifying information
is discovered, the Records Supervisor will contact the applicant reference the denial of the ride -
along. The reason for the denial will not be shared with any other persons.
CATEGORY DATE ADOPTED LAST REVIEW NEXT REVIEW
4 01/24/2011 10/01/201 8 10/01/20 20
TUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDERS
____ ____________
410 - Ride-Along Po licy 2 The Management Assistant 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 aft er the request has been made, the Department Personnel Officer
will contact the applicant and advise him/her of the denial. City of Tustin employees ma y ride-
along by contacting the Watch Commander.
410.2.1 PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Once approved, civilian r ide-along ’s will be allowed to ride no more than once every six months.
An exception would apply to the following: Explorers, Volunteers, Chaplains, Reserves and all
others with approval of the Watch Commander.
An effort will be made to ensure that no mor e 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.
410.2.2 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 Superviso r may refuse a ride -along to anyone not properly dressed.
410.2.3 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 o f 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 circumst ances may require.
410.2.4 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 Tustin Police Department ). CLETS
Policies, Practices and Procedures Manual § 1.6.1.D.3.
410.3 OFFICER’S RE SPONSIBILITY
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