Ride-Along Program
The Hotchkiss Police Department is pleased to provide the opportunity for citizens to observe patrol operations. Due to our concerns for your safety and the safety of our officers, and to assure that we can continue to deliver outstanding service to all our citizens, we must place certain restrictions on this privilege. These restrictions are listed here. Please remember that while participating in this program, your host officer has the right and responsibility to add additional restrictions, if needed.
- To participate in the program, you must be 18 years of age or older. Exceptions for younger participants will be determined on a case-by-case basis. All application paperwork must be turned into the Police Department a minimum of three working days before the requested Ride-Along date.
- You must be physically able to participate in the observation without assistance from your host officer.
- Under no circumstances may you be armed with a weapon.
- The United States Supreme Court has ruled that, under most circumstances, civilian observers may not accompany police officers into private residences or businesses without the permission of the occupant(s). When circumstances permit, your host officer will introduce you to the occupants and ask for permission; however, you may not enter the premises unless it is granted.
- As this is an observational program, you shall not participate in any police activity or converse with any prisoner, suspect, witness, or any other person contacted on police business without the permission of your host officer. You shall not discuss the handling of a complaint until the completion of the call. You shall not make any audio or video recordings during your Ride-Along without the prior knowledge and permission of your host officer with the understanding that these recordings may be taken as evidence.
- Your host officer will give you an idea of the expectations he/she will have for you. To ensure your safety and the safety of your host officer, you will be expected to follow all instructions from your host officer. Failure to do so will result in the immediate termination of your Ride-Along.
- Enjoy yourself. We hope this will be a learning experience for you and gives you an insight into the duties of police officers. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to demonstrate the services performed by our Police Department.