HCSD — Standard Operating Procedures

406.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE

The Ride-Along Program provides an opportunity for citizens to experience the law enforcement function first hand. This policy provides the requirements, approval process, and hours of operation for the Ride-Along Program.

406.1.1 ELIGIBILITY

The Hartwell County Sheriff’s Department Ride-Along Program is offered to citizens, denizens, residents, students and those employed within Hartwell County. Every attempt will be made to accommodate interested persons however any applicant may be disqualified without cause.

The following factors may be considered in disqualifying an applicant and are not limited to:

• Being under 18 years of age
• Prior criminal history
• Pending criminal action
• Pending lawsuit against the Office/Department
• Denial by any supervisor

406.1.2 AVAILABILITY

The Ride-Along Program is available on most days of the week, with certain exceptions. The ride-along times are from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Exceptions to this schedule may be made as approved by the Sheriff, Undersheriff, Division Commander, or Bureau Commander.

406.2 PROCEDURE TO REQUEST A RIDE-ALONG

Generally, ride-along requests will be authorized by the Administrative Bureau. The participant will complete a ride-along waiver form. Information requested will include a valid ID or California driver’s license, address, and telephone number. If the participant is under 18 years of age, a parent/guardian must be present to complete the Ride-Along Form.

A supervisor may schedule a date, based on availability, at least one week after the date of application. If approved, a copy will be forwarded to the respective Administrative Bureau as soon as possible for his/her scheduling considerations.

If the ride-along is denied after the request has been made, a representative of the Office of The Sheriff will contact the applicant and advise him/her of the denial.

406.2.1 PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Once approved, civilian ride-alongs will be allowed to ride no more than once every six months. An exception would apply to the following: ROTC, Cadets, Explorers, RSVP, Chaplains, Reserves, Sheriff's applicants, and all others with approval of the Administrative Bureau, Bureau Commanders.

Ride-Along Policy An effort will be made to ensure that no more than one citizen will participate in a ride-along during any given time period. Normally, no more than one ride-along will be allowed in the deputy's vehicle at a given time.

406.2.2 SUITABLE ATTIRE

Any person approved to ride along is required to be suitably dressed and a deputy sheriff may refuse a ride along to anyone not properly dressed.

406.2.3 PEACE OFFICER RIDE-ALONGS

Off-duty members of this office or any other law enforcement agency will not be permitted to ride-along with on-duty deputies without the expressed consent of a supervisor or the Administrative Bureau. In the event that such a ride-along is permitted, the off-duty employee shall not be considered on-duty and shall not represent themselves as a peace officer or participate in any law enforcement activity except as emergency circumstances may require.

406.2.4 RIDE-ALONG CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECK

All Ride-along applicants are subject to a criminal history check. The criminal history check may include a local records check and a Department of Justice Automated Criminal History System check through CLETS prior to their approval as a ride-along with a law enforcement officer (provided that the ride-along is not an employee of the Hartwell County Sheriff’s Department) (CLETS Policies, Practices and Procedures Manual § 1.6.1.F.2.).

406.3 DEPUTY’S RESPONSIBILITY

The deputy shall advise the dispatcher that a ride-along is present in the vehicle before going into service. Deputies shall consider the safety of the ride-along at all times.

Deputies should use sound discretion when encountering a potentially dangerous situation, and if feasible, let the participant out of the vehicle in a well-lighted place of safety. The dispatcher will be advised of the situation and as soon as practical have another sheriff's unit respond to pick up the participant at that location. The ride-along may be continued or terminated at this time.

The Administrative Bureau is responsible for maintaining and scheduling ride-alongs. Upon completion of the ride-along, the yellow form shall be returned to the Administrative Bureau with any comments which may be offered by the deputy.

406.4 CONTROL OF RIDE-ALONG

The assigned employee shall maintain control over the ride-along at all times and instruct him/her in the conditions that necessarily limit their participation. These instructions should include:

• The ride-along will follow the directions of the deputy
• The ride-along will not become involved in any investigation, handling of evidence, discussions with victims or suspects, or handling any sheriff's equipment Ride-Along Policy
• The ride-along may terminate the ride at any time and the deputy may return the observer to their home or to the station if the ride-along interferes with the performance of the deputy’s duties
• Ride-alongs may be allowed to continue riding during the transportation and booking process provided this does not jeopardize their safety
• Deputies will not allow any ride-alongs to be present in any residences or situations that would jeopardize their safety or cause undue stress or embarrassment to a victim or any other citizen
• Under no circumstance shall a civilian ride along be permitted to enter a private residence with a deputy without the expressed consent of the resident or other authorized person Hazmat Response Hazardous Material Response