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RIDE-A-LONG PROGRAM
"Ride-Along" means to be an
official passenger in a patrol vehicle, accompanying a police
officer during part of a normal tour of duty. The primary
purpose of a police Ride-Along is to provide an opportunity for
the community to see firsthand the day-to-day workings of law
enforcement in Palatka, the Ride-Along guest receives important
insight into what it means to be a police officer. Criminal
Justice students and people interested in a career in law
enforcement have found it particularly useful. The Ride-Along
program fosters a better understanding of the challenges,
hazards and rewards of the police officer's role in the
community.
Other Ride-Along Goals
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to provide an opportunity for citizens to get to know
their police officers
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to provide citizens interested in a career in law
enforcement an opportunity to examine the job
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to educate the community about the responsibilities of
police officers
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to educate the community about what to expect and why,
if they ever have a need to call for police assistance
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to provide an opportunity for police officers to get to
know their community
General Procedures
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Ride-Along requests must be submitted at least one month
before the desired Ride-Along date.
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No one shall ride until approval has been granted and a
properly completed waiver has been signed. The Volunteer
Coordinator will make notification.
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No observer will accompany the officer while
transporting or booking prisoners.
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At no time shall an officer, while accompanied by an
observer, engage in pursuit driving, respond to a
violent crime in progress, or perform a felony traffic
stop, unless they deposit the observer at a safe
location.
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A
records check should be made of the potential Ride-Along
candidate.
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Ride-Along participants are only permitted to ride four
hours per week.
How do you sign up for a
Ride-Along?
You must complete and sign an
application form and return it to the Palatka Police
Department. As an applicant for Palatka Police Departments
Ride-Along program, you must authorize the Police Department
to conduct a background investigation to determine your
qualifications. All information is confidential as required
by South Carolina and Federal statutes.
The following are requirements
for being considered for The Palatka Police Departments
Ride-Along Program:
- Citizens 18 years of age and older
may ride; unless special authorization is obtained from the
Chief of Police or the Assistant Chief of Police, and a
liability waiver is signed by the parent of the minor
applicant indicating approval of their participation in the
Ride Along Program.
- Department employees in civilian
support are eligible with the approval of the Chief of
Police.
- Area colleges and other educational
institutions conducting intern educational programs are
eligible as a part of course work (not limited).
- Members of an officer's family or
acquaintances are eligible, however they shall be assigned
to ride with an officer other than their relation or
significant other. They must also meet all other
requirements of participants.
The Ride-Along participant must
agree to abide by the following rules of conduct
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Observers shall, at all times,
remain under the complete control of the assigned
officer and comply with all directions.
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Observers shall not interfere with
investigations in any way by conversing with victims,
suspects, or witnesses unless directed by the assigned
officer.
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The observer must be of good
character, not likely to endanger the safety of the
public or the officer.
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Minors must have a waiver form
signed by parent or guardian.
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The participants attire must be
neat, clean and conservative. The observer shall not
wear any type of clothing, jacket, or baseball cap with
a logo that might suggest the he or she was a police
officer.
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No alcoholic beverages on breath or
consumption of same while participating in the
Ride-Along program.
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All cameras and recording devices
are prohibited unless prior approval has been given by
the Shift Supervisor.
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The observer shall be in good
health. No persons with severe colds or illnesses will
be permitted to Ride-Along.
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Observers must remain n the patrol
car at all times unless told to do otherwise by the host
officer.
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Observers must wear a seat belt
when the vehicle is in motion.
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Observers must not become
physically or verbally involved in any incident.
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Bring a meal, or money to purchase
a meal.
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In the event of a serious
situation, the officer will ask you to wait in a secure
and safe place.
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Any information overheard regarding
a criminal investigation is confidential in nature and
the observer shall not discuss that information with
anyone.
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To receive an application or for
further information, contact the Palatka Police
Department at 386-329-0115.
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