- Purpose: The purpose of this order is to prescribe guidelines and procedures to allow authorized individuals to participate in a Ride-Along Program using Denver Sheriff Department ("DSD" or the "Department") vehicles.
- Policy: It is the policy of the DSD to allow authorized community members and citizens the opportunity to observe the duties and responsibilities of a deputy sheriff by accompanying them on a ride-along.
- Cancellation: This order supersedes and cancels previous versions of Department Order 1.00.8002.
- Guidelines and Implementation:
- General:
- Individuals who wish to participate in the DSD Ride-Along Program shall complete all the necessary forms, meet all the established criteria, and adhere to all the rules and conditions as set forth by the Department.
- While every effort will be made to ensure the safety of the ride-along participant, the deputy’s first responsibility is to carry out their assigned duties.
- Deputies shall ensure ride-along participants provide a written statement when they witness an incident.
- Ride Duration:
- All rides shall be for the duration of the entire shift, beginning and ending at the DSD work unit providing the ride-along experience.
- A partial shift may be scheduled with prior supervisor approval.
- The unit commander, supervisor, or assigned deputy may, at any time, terminate the ride-along.
- If the ride along is terminated, a report indicating the specific reason for the termination shall be filed by the end of the shift.
- Participant Application and Approval to Participate:
- All applicants must be twenty-one (21) years of age or older. The only exception shall apply to Denver Department of Safety cadets under the age of twenty-one (21).
- All requests shall be submitted using the DSD's Ride-Along Program application. In addition to the Ride-Along Program application, applicants shall also receive a hold-harmless agreement to fill out, as well as a list of participant guidelines.
- Before the request is considered, all forms must be completed in full, signed by the applicant, appropriately witnessed by a sworn DSD deputy, and submitted to the proper authority for approval.
- Incomplete paperwork will not be considered.
- Submission must be completed at least one (1) week prior to the requested date.
- Applicants shall present a legal photo identification card (i.e., valid driver license, state, military, or other appropriate identification card) upon application and again when reporting for the ride-along.
- All applicants shall undergo a criminal history background evaluation through the National Crime Information Center/Colorado Crime Information Center (NCIC/CCIC).
- Individuals possessing a felony conviction shall automatically be denied authorization.
- Denial of authorization to participate in a ride-along for other criminal histories shall be at the discretion of the unit commander or designee.
- Upon approval of the application, the unit commander or designee shall assign a supervisor to schedule and notify the applicant, as well as to assign a deputy for the approved date.
- All ride authorizations for representatives of the media shall require prior approval from the Sheriff or designee, in addition to the routine approvals.
- All participant applications shall be maintained in accordance with Department Order 1.00.11003 – Records Retention and Destruction.
- Rider Restrictions:
- In addition to any other restrictions mentioned in or as a part of this order, the following rider restrictions apply:
- All riders/participants shall dress in appropriate business or casual attire. Jeans will not be permitted.
- All riders/participants shall use their seat belt at all times when the vehicle is moving.
- The rider/participant will not be permitted to take photographs or any other type of recordings during the ride unless prior approval has been obtained from the unit commander.
- Riders/participants are not permitted to carry firearms or other weapons, unless they are sworn officers or officials authorized to carry such weapons.
- Unit commanders or designees must authorize the carrying of firearms or any other weapons prior to the ride-along.
- Riders/participants shall immediately comply with all orders or directions given by the accompanied deputy.
- With the exception of DSD deputies, riders/participants shall not be permitted to ride more frequently than once every six (6) months unless the commander or designee gives prior approval.
- Accountability:
- It shall be the responsibility of the command staff to ensure the applicant has complied with all conditions set forth in this order prior to the commencement of the ride.
- Responsibility:
- Training:
- The Training Academy will ensure that the curriculum of all currently existing classes and any newly developed classes are compliant with this order.
- Management:
- The division chief/unit commander or unit manager of any division or unit affected by this policy will:
- ensure that existing procedures and all newly developed orders are in compliance with this order;
- ensure that all affected personnel are made aware of this policy; and
- ensure this policy is reviewed annually for compliance with all federal, state and local laws and standards.
- Supervisors:
- All supervisors will ensure that the provisions of this policy are followed.
- Staff:
- All employees will comply with the provisions of this policy.
- Effective Date: This order will become effective on April 1st, 2022.
- Approval: This document has been reviewed, approved, and electronically signed by the Sheriff of the City and County of Denver prior to its publication.
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