Ordinance #189
Police
Police Ride Along Policy - City of Adams

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ADAMS, WISCONSIN ADOPTING A "RIDE ALONG OBSERVER"

WHEREAS, it is the intention of the City to provide a ride along observer program within the Police Department; and

WHEREAS, it is recognized that from time to time citizens will make requests to ride along with on-duty Police Officers for observation purposes; and

WHEREAS, it is recognized that riding in a police vehicle with an on-duty Officer is a privilege not a right; and

WHEREAS, it is recognized that this privilege should be subject to the controls of the Police Department and granted only by said department; and

WHEREAS, such a policy allowing and regulating a ride along observer program must have a formal procedure for granting this privilege;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ADAMS adopts the following "Ride Along / Observer Policy":

RIDE ALONG/OBSERVER

PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy and the procedure set forth herein is to establish regulations regarding civilians riding in police vehicles with an on-duty Officer for observation purposes.

POLICY

It is recognized that from time to time citizens will make requests to ride along with on-duty Police Officers for observation purposes. It is further recognized that riding in a police vehicle with an on-duty Officer is a privilege granted only by the police Department. Since it is privilege and not a right, it is subject to control by the Department. It is the Policy of the Adams Police Department that civilians will be allowed to ride along with on-duty Police Officers provided the following procedure is adhered to.

PROCEDURE

A. A City of Adams Police Officer initiates all ride along requests.

B. Persons under eighteen (18) years of age are generally excluded from riding in a police vehicle as an observer. Under special circumstances, the Chief of Police may consider and approve a juvenile observer.

C. This policy does not exclude elected officials of the City of Adams who may have intrinsic interest in the operation of the police department. In all cases, however, the Chief of Police shall have knowledge of the presence of a ride along observer.

D. All applications or observer privilege must be submitted to the Chief of Police by filling out and signing the Ride Along/Observer Rules, the Statement of Release from Liability Agreement, and the Ride Along/Observer Application; each totally and completely.

E. Applications or observer privilege must be submitted to the Chief of Police no less than two (2) days prior to the requested date of observation. The Chief of Police will then consider the request and approve or deny it as soon as possible.

F. Any individual who is a convicted felon, suspected to be involved in criminal activity, or under supervision by Probation and Parole, will not be allowed to participate in this program.

OBSERVER/RIDE ALONG PROGRAM RULES

1. Observers shall be under the immediate and direct control of the officer to which they are assigned and must obey that officer's direction at all times.

2. Observers must wear a seat belt at all times while in the police vehicle.

3. Observers must dress appropriately: avoid jeans, sweatshirts, sandals, etc.

4. Observers are not to engage in any police activity unless expressly directed to do so by an officer.

5. Observers are not to be armed with any manner of weapon.

6. Observers are to be identified upon request as observers and in no way are to be identified as having any police power.

7. If at any time during an observation period, the responsible officer or the officer in charge determines that it is appropriate to terminate the observer's participation; the observer must immediately comply.

I have read and agree to all of the above stated rules.

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Observers signature

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Date

STATEMENT OF RELEASE FROM LIABILITY AGREEMENT

I DO HEREBY RELEASE AND ABSOLVE the Adams Police Department, the City of Adams, and any Police Officer of the City of Adams from any liability in the performance of their duty while I am an observer as a rider in any vehicle belonging to the City of Adams.

I ftirther understand that, although I am volunteering my time to engage in said activity, I will not participate in any potentially dangerous situations.

It is of my own free will that I sign this legal document and that I will keep everything I see and hear in the strictest of confidence.

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Date / Time

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Observers Signature

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Officer Signature

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Chief of Police

RIDE ALONG/OBSERVER APPLICATION

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NAME

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ADDRESS

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PHONE#

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DRIVERS LICENSE

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TIME AND DATE YOU WISH TO RIDE

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DATE OF BIRTH / AGE

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REASON YOU WOULD LIKE TO RIDE