doc_1835943

WINDERMERE POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDER Effective Date: September 1 , 2022  New Policy Amends 6.10 (October 1, 2013) Number: 6.10 SUBJECT: Ride Along Program Print Date: 0 9/01/22 Distribution: All Personnel Review Month: September This order consists of the following: 1. Purpose 2. Policy 3. Procedures 1. Purpose The purpose of this policy is to establish procedures whereby civilian personnel can ride along with uniformed Windermere Police Department officers. Civilians riding with officers while the officers are on duty enables them to get a real life perspective of what law enforcement is all about. 2. Policy A. While participating in the program the rider must o bey any lawful order, direction or instruction from the officer and will remain in the Windermere Police Department vehicle unless otherwise directed. B. All riders are under the command and control of the officer they are riding with. C. All riders must follow the Windermere Police Department's rules, regulations, policies and procedures. D. No rider will take any enforcement action without the consent of the off icer they are riding with. E. No uniforms of any type will be worn by riders. 6.10, Page 2 F. Failure to comply with (A) through (E) abo ve will result in the immediate termination of the ride. 3. Procedures A. Requirements [14.15M -(A)] The Windermere Police Department's Ride Along Program is open to all citizens who meet the following requirements. 1. At least 18 (eighteen) years of age. 2. Completion of Rider Release Waiver and Privacy Form. 3. Completion of the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security awareness Training. 4. No pending felony charges or felony convictions. 5. No pending misdemeanor charges. Any other violations will be independently reviewed. 6. Failure to disclose any and all pending criminal charges or arrests will automatically disqualify applicant from participating in the Ride Along Program. B. Limitations [14.15M -(E)] The following limitations are placed on the Ride Along Program. 1. Town employees are permitted to ride only one time per month with the permission of the Deputy Chief. 2. Civilian riders must be approved by the Deputy Chief or above. 3. The applicant dress for civilian riders shall be business casual (no t -shirts, shorts, p ants with holes, revealing attire, sandals, backless or thong type shoes, etc.). 4. No firearms or weapons of any type will be carried by any rider, unless authorized by the Deputy Chief or above. 5. Husbands, wives, girlfriends or boyfriends will not be allow ed to ride with their counterparts. 6.10, Page 3 6. Riders will not be permitted to attend shift briefings, or be allowed to view law enforcement sensitive material. 7. Officers have the authority to refuse any rider if appearance or attitude is unacceptable. C. Police Clerk Responsibilities [14.15M -(B)] 1. Requests to participate in the Ride Along Program shall be directed to the Police Clerk , who will be responsible for providing the required documentation to the individual requesting to ride. 2. The Police Clerk shall send an email to the rider with directions on completing the CJIS Security Awareness Training. 3. Upon completion of the training, the Police Clerk shall turn the paperwork over to a supervisor. D. Supervisor Responsibilities [14.15M -(B,D)] 1. Contact dispatch and request a background check on the rider. 2. Submit all completed documentation to the Police Clerk via the Deputy Chief for retention. 3. Complete the Rider Release Waiver and Privacy Form for any Town Employee who request t o participate in the Ride Along Program . E. Officer Responsibilities [14.15M -(C)] 1. Ensure that the rider is, in fact, the person authorized to ride. 2. Ensure that the rider signs in at the front office. 3. Ensure that the rider is appropriately dressed to ride. E. Deputy Chief Responsibilities 1. The Deputy Chief is responsible for the implementation of the Ride Along Program. 2. The Deputy Chief , or his/her designee , will ensure that the Rider Release Waive r, Privacy Form , and Criminal Justice Information Services Security Awareness Training are completed by each rider prior to the rider entering the officer's vehicle. 6.10, Page 4 F. Community participation in the Ride Along Program is an important philosophy of the Wi ndermere Police Department. These guidelines are an effort to provide for the safety, as much as possible, of the officer and the rider and to ensure that a professional image is maintained. Chief David A. Ogden ___________ _______ _