skiatook police Ride-along form

403.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for a ride-along with members of the Skiatook Police Department. This policy provides the requirements, approval process, hours of operation and member responsibilities for ride-along.

403.2 POLICY Ride-along opportunities will be provided to the members of the public, City employees and members of this department to observe and experience, first-hand, various functions of the Skiatook Police Department. The term “ride-along” includes riding as a passenger with an officer on patrol or observing the work day of members engaged in other functions within the Department, such as the Communication Center. 

403.3 ELIGIBILITY A ride-along is available to Skiatook residents and business owners, students currently attending class in Skiatook and those employed within the City of Skiatook. Efforts will be made to accommodate all interested persons. However, any applicant may be disqualified without cause from participating. Factors that may be considered in disqualifying an applicant include, but are not limited to: • Being under 18 years of age. • Prior criminal history. • Pending criminal action. • Pending lawsuit against this department or the City • Denial by any supervisor. 

403.4 AVAILABILITY A ride-along or job observation is available most days of the week, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Exceptions to this schedule may be made as approved by the Chief of Police or Shift Supervisor.

403.5 REQUESTS TO PARTICIPATE Generally, ride-along and job observation requests will be maintained and scheduled by the Shift Supervisor. The applicant will complete and sign a ride-along or job observation waiver form. The Shift Supervisor will schedule a date, based on availability, generally one week after the date of application. If approved, a copy of the waiver form will be forwarded to the appropriate division as soon as possible for scheduling considerations. If the request is denied, a representative of this department will advise the applicant of the denial. 

403.6 PROCEDURES Once approved, ride-along applicants will be allowed to participate no more than once every six months. An exception may apply to the following law enforcement-involved participants: 

• Volunteers • Chaplains • Reserves • Skiatook Police Department applicants • Any others with approval of the Shift Supervisor • Students enrolled in any department-approved dispatcher training course An effort will be made to ensure that no more than one member of the public will participate in a ride-along or job observation during any given time period. Normally, no more than one ride-along participant will be allowed in department vehicles at a given time. Ride-along requirements for department Explorers are covered in the Explorers Policy. 

403.6.1 OFF-DUTY PARTICIPATION Off-duty members of this department or any other law enforcement agency, and employees of the City, will not be permitted to participate in a ride-along with on-duty members of this department without the express consent of the Shift Supervisor. In the event that such participation is permitted, the off-duty department member, other law enforcement agency personnel or City employee shall not: (a) Be considered on-duty. (b) Represent him/herself as a member of this department or any other law enforcement agency. (c) Participate in any law enforcement activity except as emergency circumstances may require. 

403.6.2 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 an Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation criminal history check prior to approval of the ride-along. 

403.6.3 SUITABLE ATTIRE Any person approved to participate in a ride-along is required to be suitably dressed in a collared shirt, blouse or jacket, slacks and shoes. Sandals, t-shirts, tank tops, shorts and ripped or torn pants are not permitted. Hats and ball caps will not be worn without the express consent of the Shift Supervisor. The Shift Supervisor or a supervisor may refuse a ride-along to anyone who is not dressed appropriately.