107 OBSERVERS

POLICY 107.0OBSERVER RIDING PROCEDURES REVISED: 11 /2011 REVISED: 4/2019RELATED POLICIES: Reviewed and Revised by Chief David Magnusson 4/2019 A.PURPOSE The purpose of this policy is to create guidelines for the control and administration of civilian requests to ride as observers with members of the El Portal Police Department. B.POLICY The El Portal Police Department recognizes the educational benefit in allowing civilians to ride as observers with officers. Civilians will be allowed to ride as observers and will be required to adhere to the guidelines and criteria established in this policy. C.PROCEDURE 1.Age: Civilian observers must be at least 18 years of age. Active L.E.T.'s and civilians currently enrolled in an accredited program of study directly associated with or aligned with a criminal justice career, are exempt but must be at least 16 years of age. Documentation of enrollment in such a program must accompany the request. Any other requests by under age individuals must be approved by the Supervisor. 2.Authorization: Permission MUST be obtained at least TWO DAYS in advance from the Supervisor. A completed request for ”Permission To Ride As An Observer" form must be submitted at that time. 3.Background Check: All observers will be required to submit to a NCIC/FCIC and Criminal History (part 1 and 2) review prior to riding as an observer. Any felony record or misdemeanor record involving crimes of moral turpitude will disqualify the observer. 4. Limits: a.Observers are limited to one ride in any six month period. Exceptions may be granted by the Supervisor or higher authority for reasonable cause. Examples include, but are not limited to prospective employees, homeowner association members, student interns, educational projects or surveys. b.A computer file will be established and maintained in the Supervisor to track all observers. This file will contain the names of observers and the assigned officers as well as the date of the ride. A copy of all completed observer forms will be forwarded to the Chief’s office to accomplish this task. Page 1 of 4 c.Family members of Department employees are prohibited from riding as an observer with that employee, but may be assigned to ride with other officers. 5.Assignment of Observers: Observers will be assigned to officers on a volunteer basis, when possible. During the two day advance notice, every effort will be made to assign the observer to a shift/area which both satisfies the need/objective of the observation and assists in locating a volunteer officer. If volunteers are not located, observers will be assigned by supervisors. Officer’s assigned observers will advise Communications that an observer will be riding with the officer for the shift or portion of the shift. 6.Dress Code: All observers will be required to be attired in appropriate dress. Collared shirt and slacks are suggested. Tee shirts, shorts, leggings and other inappropriate clothing are prohibited. Permission to ride as an observer may be withdrawn by a supervisor, if the observer is dressed inappropriately. 7.Activity: All observers will remain under the direct supervision of the assigned officer. Observers will remain in the vehicle unless authorized by the officer to exit the vehicle. As permitted under F.S.S. 901.18, police officers making lawful arrests may command the aid of persons he deems necessary to make the arrest. However, observers will not take active roles in the apprehension of suspects unless circumstances dictate that the offender will be able to successfully resist the arrest without such aid. Observers are prohibited from taking an active role in in-progress calls or the searching of suspects. Observers are prohibited from entering crime scenes without the consent of a supervisor. Observers will not handle evidence or establish any dialog with suspects, witnesses, arrestees or victims. Any violation by the observer can result in the immediate termination of the authorization to ride as an observer. Termination of authorization can be initiated by any supervisor. D.EXCEPTIONS Any deviation from the established criteria and procedures of this policy must be with the authorization of a lieutenant or higher authority. 106.5 - Page 2 of 4 Page 3 of 4 REQUEST FOR PERMISSION TO RIDE AS OBSERVER AND HOLD-HARMLESS / INDEMNITY AGREEMENT The undersigned, being over the age of eighteen, does hereby request the North Bay Village Police Department for permission to ride, as an observer only, in an authorized North Bay Village Police Department motor vehicle. This observation is for the purpose of educational benefit. If permission is granted, I hereby agree to obey at all times all instructions, orders, and commands given me by the officer or officers in command of any vehicle in which I may be riding. I fully realize and appreciate the basic nature of law enforcement work and the possibility that situations will arise which might result in my being exposed to the danger of physical or emotional harm or injury, including, but not limited to, motor vehicle accidents. I knowingly and voluntarily accept these risks. I understand that my observation may be terminated at any time without notice by the North Bay Village Police Department. WHEREFORE, in consideration of the educational benefit to the below named person and the granting of the above request, the undersigned