WEST LIBERTY POLICE DEPARTMENT RIDE-ALONG GUIDELINES & WAIVER

 

Riders will be allowed to ride with members of the West Liberty Police Department under the following conditions:

Rider will be limited to an eight-hour day per event, unless circumstances otherwise prevent the enforcement of this rule.

Civilians: May ride with the approval of the Chief of Police or designee. At least three working days of notice will be provided so that the proper administrative procedures (approval) can be made. This may be waived by the Chief of Police or designee at their discretion. Students who wish to participate must have completed the 8th grade and be a minimum of 14 years of age. Students under the age of 18 are prohibited from participating in the ride-along program between 12 midnight and 6 a.m.

Liability: Adults will sign a waiver form absolving the City of West Liberty of any liability. Juveniles will be required to have a parent/guardian sign the waiver form as well as signing the form themselves. Parent/Guardian must come into the Police Department to sign waiver. Those persons riding will not be utilized in a manner to provide the officer with a patrol partner. The rider will remain as an observer only, unless summoned by the officer to assist him/her in an emergency situation as provided in Iowa Code Section 719.2.

Those persons wishing to ride more than once will be subject to approval each time by the Chief of Police or designee.

The following rules shall be adhered to when riding with the West Liberty Police Department:

• Riders are required to wear clean, well-maintained clothing. Blue jeans will be allowed, shirts must have a collar. Shoes need to be closed toe, clean and/or neatly polished. These are general guidelines as to appropriate attire. Final discretion will rest with the Chief.
• Persons riding in the capacity of an observer are under the control of the Officer at all times.
• Observers shall not leave the patrol vehicle unless directed to do so by the Officer.
• Observers shall not converse with prisoners, suspects, witnesses or other parties contacted on police business unless directed by the Officer.
• Observers shall not interfere with the Officer's activities at any time but are encouraged to ask questions regarding procedures and activities, at an appropriate time.
• Observers will not carry a firearm or handle any police equipment without prior approval.

Other Law Enforcement Personnel: Law enforcement officers from other jurisdictions may ride provided they give sufficient time for prior approval, a period of at least three working days unless otherwise waived by a supervisor or Chief of Police. Each rider must sign a waiver form and the dress code is the same as those outlined for civilians. Other law enforcement personnel may carry a handgun or other firearm when riding with the West Liberty Police Department, with proper identification, as outlined in the department policy. Any other law enforcement personnel riding with the West Liberty Police Department will act as an observer and shall not act in the capacity of a law enforcement official unless requested to do so by a West Liberty Police Officer. This discretionary power should only be utilized in an emergency situation as determined by the West Liberty Police Officer.

 

The undersigned does authorize a criminal background check of themselves prior to a ride-along.

The undersigned does hereby release and discharge the City of West Liberty, Iowa, its officers, agents and employees from any and all liability, claims or demands for injuries which may be suffered or property damage in the course of, or arising out of the presence of the said undersigned in the police vehicle during the time of such ride or presence of the undersigned during police patrol activities.

THE UNDERSIGNED DOES ACKNOWLEDGE THAT SHE/HE UNDERSTANDS AND IS FULLY AWARE OF THE POTENTIAL DANGERS WHICH CAN OR MAY OCCUR DURING THE PATROL VEHICLE RIDE OR AS A RESULT OF THE RIDE.

JUVENILE: