Ride Along Program Policy & Procedures
1. The Lieutenant, Captain or Sheriff must approve participants
in the ride-along program who are over the age of 18.2. The
Sheriff must approve participants who are under the age of 18.
3. Ride-along requests must be submitted in writing, stating
the purpose for the ride-along and must be accompanied by a written
waiver. If the participant is under the age of 18, the waiver and
application must be signed by a parent/guardian. If the participant
is representing an educational program, a representative of the
program must also sign the application.
4. Participants, other than those who are students and doing
the ride-along as a required portion of their studies, are limited
to a maximum of 8 hours in any calendar year. Exceptions to the
maximum ride-along hours may be made by the Sheriff if deemed appropriate.
5. Ride-along participants will be assigned to a Deputy by
supervisory personnel. Ride-along participants shall not be assigned
to accompany provisional or Special Deputies at any time. At no
time shall more than one ride-along participant be in one cruiser.
6. Prior to the ride-along experience, the participant shall
be provided a copy of this policy. The waiver shall include an acknowledgment
that they have received, reviewed, understand, and agree to abide
by the provisions of this policy.
7. The ride-along participant is under the direct command,
authority, and responsibility of the Deputy to whom he/she is assigned
and shall comply with all directions given.
8. Participants are OBSERVERS only and have no police authority.
They are not to be used in place of another Deputy or expected to
perform duties requiring law enforcement authority.
9. The participant shall:
a. Report promptly to the Franklin County Sheriff's Office
or other predetermined meeting location at the pre-arranged date
and time.
b. Be appropriately dressed, groomed and prepared for the
ride-along:
1. Males: Dress pants, dress shirt, tie.
2. Females: Dress pants, blouse/sweater. No dresses or skirts
permitted.
3. Appropriate attire for weather (cold weather jacket, raincoat,
etc.)
c. Wear the identification badge on the outermost garment,
clearly visible to the public.
d. Comply with all directions and lawful requests of the Deputy
in a prompt and courteous manner.
e. Call for assistance when necessary and/or as directed by
the Deputy.
f. Stay with the Deputy and not wander, as the Deputy is responsible
for the participant at all times.
10. The participant shall not:
a. Carry a firearm, edged weapon (knives), or chemical weapon
(pepper spray) during a ride-along.
b. Carry a purse, knapsack, bookbag, or other personal items
during the ride-along. Writing instruments and paper/pad are permitted.
c. Interfere with, or hamper in any way, the Deputy in the
performance of their duties.
d. Handle evidence or discuss a case with a victim, witness,
complainant or suspect. The content of all discussions, observations
and action is to be considered confidential in nature and shall
not be disclosed to, or discussed with anyone outside the Franklin
County Sheriff's Office without approval.
e. Drive a departmental vehicle unless an emergency arises
and/or directed to do so by the Deputy.
f. Use the radio, except as directed, or in an emergency.
g. Exit the cruiser unless directed to do so by the Deputy.
For questions or more information on the Ride-along Program, please
contact the Sheriff's office by telephone
or e-mail.
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