GARFIELD COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE POLICY / PROCEDURE PATROL SUBJECT: RIDER / OBSERVER PROCEDURES EFFECTIVE DATE: January 01, 2004 POLICY: The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office will accommodate reasonable requests for observation of the agency’s functions by permitting members of the community to ride with Deputies while on patrol. PURPOSE: The nature of law enforcement activities is not widely understood by the general public and as a result, misconceptions about police procedures often arise. In order to promote better understanding and exchange of views with the community that we serve, the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office encourages members of our community to observe our methods of operation. METHOD: Suitable for Ridealong: Any individuals in good standing with the law including, but not limited to, community members, visitors, media representatives, students (at least 14 years old), or other law enforcement professionals are suitable to be a rider/observer. Establishing a Ridealong: Being a Rider/Observer with the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office is a benefit to the community, and as such, a Rider/Observer may be denied the opportunity to ride along for any reason. If approved, a rider/observer will be required to follow the procedures as outlined below: • Present acceptable identification • Complete and sign a Garfield County Sheriff’s Office waiver of liability form (parent/guardian signature required for minors) • Allow for a criminal records check through the CCIC/NCIC system • Set a time and date to ride along through a Patrol Sergeant Restrictions for Certain Ridealongs: Certain individuals will be allowed to ride along with the following restrictions: • Students attending a Colorado Law Enforcement Training Academy (CLETA) or enrolled in a Criminal Justice Degree program: 2 per academy / semester intervals • Juveniles who are at least 14 years old : 1 per calendar year unless associated with a school activity / course of study • Members of the general public: 4 per calendar year unless otherwise approved by the Undersheriff Unsuitable for Ridealong: The following individuals will not be allowed to ride along: • Juveniles under the age of 14, unless specially authorized by the Sheriff • Individuals on Parole, Probation or Sex Offender status • Individuals with pending criminal court procedures in any jurisdiction • Individuals who are subjects of a Protection Order (Restraining Order) • Individuals who, as a result of their criminal history, bring their character into question • Former law enforcement officers who were not voluntarily separated from their employment • Individuals with physical or mental infirmities that could endanger themselves, a member of the community or a Deputy Safety Considerations: During the course of a law enforcement shift, a variety of dangerous situations may occur. The Deputy responsible for the ridealong will be expected to exercise good judgment when exposing their passenger to these dangers. Certain situations may require terminating the ridealong. Termination of Ridealong: If a ridealong is terminated for any reason, the Deputy shall be responsible for determining a safe method of ending the ride. Passengers shall, at a minimum, be taken to a safe public place or open business so that the Deputy may return to pick up the observer at a later time, or so that the observer may make arrangements to return to their vehicle and/or residence. Prior to beginning any ridealong term, the Deputy will advise the observer of the possibility of termination and provide for an alternate plan.