600-32 Ride-Along Program

Question 1

The Houston Police Department’s Ride-Along Program shall provide opportunities for citizens, civilian employees, and law enforcement personnel to _____

Answer 1

accompany Houston police officers on duty.

Question 2

Individuals requesting to participate in the Ride-Along Program must obtain approval from the _____ before participating in a ride-along. Additional approval requirements are noted in this General Order for annual ride-along authorizations and for select Air Support Division ride-alongs. All ride-along approvals shall be made on a _____ basis.

Answer 2

1) concerned host division commander

2) case-by-case

Question 3

Guest participation in the Ride-Along Program is dependent upon the availability of qualified host officers. If host officer participation is limited, requests shall be prioritized in the following order:

a. Individuals with a _____
b. Employees who need the experience to _____ (e.g., emergency communications personnel).
c. Criminal justice students and potential _____.
d. Citizens or volunteers involved with _____ such as the Positive Interaction Program (PIP), Houston Citizens’ Police Academy, Police and Clergy Alliance, Independent Police Oversight Board, or Grand Jury, as well as members of the media.
e. _____.

Answer 3

1) mission specific need.
2) better perform their job function in the department
3) police recruits
4) criminal justice activities
5) All other requests

Question 4

To participate in the Ride-Along Program, guests must meet all program criteria and complete all pertinent forms. Officers (host or participant) and civilian employees participating in the RideAlong Program shall not have any pending or sustained disciplinary actions classified as category ___ or higher within the last _____.

Answer 4

1) B

2) three years

Question 5

Age

No person less than ___ years of age shall participate in the program. See section 2, Ride-Along Authorization, of this General Order for restrictions if the participant is less than 18 years of age.
Permission to ride in a Houston Police Department helicopter or other aircraft shall not be granted
to persons less than ___ years of age.

Answer 5

1) 16

2) 18

Question 6

Citizen Attire

_____ attire is required (neckties are not recommended). No shorts, jeans, tank tops, beach clothing, or similar attire are allowed.

Answer 6

Comfortable business

Question 7

Citizen Observer Card

Each citizen ride-along guest shall be issued a Citizen Observer card. The card shall be worn by each guest and shall be visible to the front at all times. Cards can be obtained from the _____.

Guests who are approved for ride-alongs in an _____are not required to display a Citizen Observer card.

Answer 7

1) host division shift lieutenant

2) HPD helicopter or other aircraft

Question 8

Citizen Observer Card

The host officer is responsible for:

a. _____ for the guest before the ride.
b. Returning the card to the _____ after the ride is completed.
c. Reporting a Citizen Observer card that is lost or damaged during the ride as if it were an ____

Answer 8

1) Obtaining a Citizen Observer card
2) host lieutenant
3) official police identification card.

Question 9

Criminal History Check

All persons requesting to participate in the Ride-Along Program as guests shall be checked through NCIC, TCIC, SETCIC, and local records for criminal and warrant history. Citizens who are ___ years of age shall be checked by the Juvenile Division.

Persons having a final conviction of a _____ or higher offense shall not be allowed to participate in the program. Any person with outstanding warrants shall be handled as required by law

Answer 9

1) 16

2) Class B misdemeanor

Question 10

Implied Police Authority

No police powers, implied or real, shall be given to civilian employees or citizens unless _____

Answer 10

normally granted by federal or state laws.

Question 11

Ride-Along Originations

All ride-alongs, including those with the Air Support Division, shall originate and end at the _____. No other location shall be accepted unless _____ or exigent circumstances exist.

Answer 11

1) host officer’s police station

2) approved by the host commander

Question 12

RIDE-ALONG AUTHORIZATION

Ride-Along Form

Citizens and off-duty civilians participating in the Ride-Along Program shall complete the _____ (Ride-Along form) available on the department’s Intranet Portal. Only Houston police officers and on-duty civilians are exempt from filling out this form. Once approved, this form shall be valid only for the dates specified on the form.

The Ride-Along form, if required, shall be completed by the guest and notarized at least _____ prior to the scheduled ride-along. After the form has been notarized, the Police Department Information section of the form shall be completed and signed by the _____. If approved, the _____ shall sign the form.

Answer 12

1) Houston Police Department Authorization to Participate in the Ride-Along Program and Release of Liability form
2) 48 hours
3) host division shift sergeant and lieutenant
4) host division commander

Question 13

RIDE-ALONG AUTHORIZATION

Ride-Along Form

If the participant is less than 18 years of age, a parent or legal guardian must also participate in the ride-along. The parent or legal guardian must complete both:

a. _____ section of the guest’s Ride-Along form.
b. A _____ form for themselves, signed, notarized, and authorized as stated above.

These parents or guardians shall be under all requirements and restrictions as if they alone were participating in the program.

Answer 13

1) The Parent or Legal Guardian Information

2) separate Ride-Along

Question 14

RIDE-ALONG AUTHORIZATION

Distribution of the Ride-Along Form

The Ride-Along form shall be distributed in the following manner:

a. The original form shall be maintained by the _____
b. A copy of the completed form shall be provided to the _____.

Answer 14

a. The original form shall be maintained by the division hosting the ride.
b. A copy of the completed form shall be provided to the guest.

Question 15

Annual Ride-Along Form

The following persons may apply to participate in the Ride-Along Program on an annual basis by completing the Houston Police Department Annual Authorization to Participate in the Ride-Along Program and Release of Liability form (Annual Ride-Along form) available on the department’s Intranet Portal:

a. _____ members
b. _____ members
c. Other persons as authorized by _____

If approved, the _____ shall sign the form. The form shall be valid for one year from the date the form is approved.

Answer 15

1) Police and Clergy Alliance (PACA)
2) Independent Police Oversight Board (IPOB)
3) the Chief of Police
4) executive assistant chief of Field & Support Operations

Question 16

Distribution of the Annual Ride-Along Form

The Annual Ride-Along form shall be distributed in the following manner:

a. The original form shall be maintained by _____.
b. A copy of the completed form shall be _____.
c. The guest shall provide a copy of the completed form to each _____ at which the participant performs a ride-along. These forms shall be maintained by each division hosting the ride-along.
d. PACA ride-along participants shall also deliver a copy of the completed form to the _____in the Employee Services Division.
e. IPOB ride-along participants shall also deliver a copy of the completed form to the _____

Answer 16

1) Field & Support Operations
2) provided to the guest
3) police station
4) Clergy Liaison Unit
5) department’s liaison for the Independent Police Oversight Board.

Question 17

WEAPONS AND FIREARMS

_____, even if they hold a license to carry a handgun, are prohibited from carrying any weapon or firearm while participating in the Ride-Along Program.

Answer 17

Civilian employees and citizens

Question 18

HOST OFFICERS

Officer participation in the Ride-Along Program is voluntary. To participate in the program as hosts, officers must have at least ___ years seniority.

Officers with a ride-along guest shall notify the _____ they are a host unit when they sign on duty. They shall also indicate what type of guest is riding with them (e.g., officer, civilian, citizen, volunteer, PACA or IPOB member, minor with parent or legal guardian).

Host officers shall not volunteer for an overtime assignment unless an _____. Host officers shall not exchange ride-along guests during their shift. Guests shall remain with their host officer for the length of the ride-along assignment (see section 10 of this General Order for exceptions).

Answer 18

1) two
2) dispatcher
3) emergency exists

Question 19

HOUSTON POLICE OFFICERS AS GUESTS

Houston police officers who want to ride as guests shall make arrangements with and obtain the authorization of _____. Officers shall wear the department’s official uniform when participating in the Ride-Along Program, regardless of assignment, with the exception that no conducted energy device (CED) shall be allowed in any HPD helicopter or other aircraft for any reason.

Any Houston police officers authorized to ride as guests while on duty shall be considered on _____

Answer 19

1) both their commander and the host division commander

2) temporary assignment.

Question 20

REQUIREMENTS FOR HONORABLY RETIRED OFFICERS AND ACTIVE OR RETIRED JUDGES

Ride-along guests who are honorably retired police officers or active or retired judges shall complete the appropriate Ride-Along form. During a ride-along, these participants may _____ except as restricted by section 12, Air Support Division Ride-Alongs, of this General Order or unless prohibited by state or federal law.

Answer 20

carry a weapon

Question 21

REQUIREMENTS FOR OFFICERS FROM OTHER AGENCIES

The approval of the_____ is required for officers from other agencies to participate in the Ride-Along Program. Guests who are certified, full-time peace officers from other agencies must complete the Ride-Along form. Such participants shall be considered citizens and are subject to the guidelines and restrictions outlined in this General Order.

It is requested that guest peace officers from other agencies within the state of Texas _____, but it is not mandatory. If, however, these officers wear their official uniform when participating in an HPD Air Support Division ride-along, they shall not carry a CED on any HPD aircraft for any reason. These officers shall retain all their powers and privileges as peace officers unless prohibited by state or federal law.

Answer 21

1) host division commander

2) wear their official uniform

Question 22

REQUIREMENTS FOR OFFICERS FROM OTHER AGENCIES

Unless it is necessary, Houston police personnel shall refrain from using other agency personnel in a manner that shall require them to return at a later date to appear in a judicial proceeding.

When a peace officer from another agency wants to participate in the Ride-Along Program, the host division commander shall ensure a courtesy call is made to that officer’s supervisor to obtain both of the following:

a. Verbal permission from the _____ to participate in the program.
b. Verbal confirmation that the officer does not have any _____.

Answer 22

1) officer’s supervisor

2) serious pending or sustained disciplinary actions

Question 23

CIVILIAN EMPLOYEE RESTRICTIONS

Civilian employees who are directed to participate in the Ride-Along Program for the benefit of the department (e.g., improvement of job performance) shall be considered on _____. They shall follow the same instructions listed for Houston police officers in section 5 of this General Order. Civilians not assigned a uniform shall dress according to section 1, subsection “Citizen Attire” of this General Order.

Civilian employees who volunteer to participate in the Ride-Along Program shall be considered _____. Off-duty civilians shall not wear their assigned uniform, but shall dress according to section 1, subsection “Citizen Attire” of this General Order. Off-duty civilians shall be considered citizens for the purpose of this General Order.

Answer 23

1) duty and on temporary assignment

2) off duty and shall not be compensated or entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for the ride-along

Question 24

DUTIES AND RESTRICTIONS

Civilian and citizen ride-along participants are required to obey lawful orders of police officers and may be denied access to crime scenes. Civilian and citizen ride-along participants are subject to the following duties and restrictions.

Duties

Ride-along guests may be used to fulfill various duties as determined by the host officer. These duties may include:

a. Traffic or crowd control (if _____).
b. _____operation.
c. _____assistance.
d. Gathering information or completing routine paperwork that _____.
e. Protection of a crime scene (if _____).
f. Acting as an _____.
g. Being listed as a _____to an offense.

Answer 24

1) the ride-along participant is in a uniform
2) Radio
3) Motorist
4) shall not be used in any court action
5) the ride-along participant is in a uniform
6) interpreter
7) witness

Question 25

DUTIES AND RESTRICTIONS

Civilian and citizen ride-along participants are required to obey lawful orders of police officers and may be denied access to crime scenes. Civilian and citizen ride-along participants are subject to the following duties and restrictions.

Restrictions
Unless an unavoidable emergency exists, civilian and citizen ride-along guests shall not be allowed to:
a. Conduct _____ interrogations or interviews.
b. Participate in an arrest or be left in charge of _____.
c. Accompany an officer inside any structure where _____.
d. _____ unless otherwise directed by an officer.
e. Assist at a crime scene except _____.
f. ____ any report (e.g., arrest, incident, crash), traffic citation, or other legal document.
g. Provide _____.
h. _____any City of Houston vehicle.
i. Ride with any _____ personnel.
j. Ride in the prisoner compartment with _____.
k. Receive any information concerning the timing or details of a _____.
I. Utilize an _____ unless authorized by the host officer or another section of this General Order.

Officers shall deny ride-along participants access to scenes or situations inappropriate for their age (e.g., bar raids and scenes of violent acts).

Answer 25

1) criminal or witness
2) a prisoner
3) a suspect may still be hiding
4) Leave the police vehicle
5) as specifically directed by an officer
6) Sign
7) cover or back-up
8) Drive
9) Vice, Narcotics, or Criminal Intelligence
10) a prisoner being transported in a vehicle
11) warrant execution
12) audio/visual recording device

Question 26

HIGH-RISK SITUATIONS DURING RIDE-ALONGS WITH CIVILIAN OR CITIZEN GUESTS

In the event of a high-risk call during a ride-along, the host officer shall leave a civilian or citizen guest at the _____. If the incident warrants an immediate response, the host officer shall leave the guest at the first _____. If the guest is released, the host officer shall promptly notify the dispatcher of the situation. The dispatcher shall immediately assign a unit to retrieve and transport the guest back to the host officer’s police station. After the incident has ended, the host officer and the guest can resume the ride-along.

If a high-risk situation is unavoidable, the guest shall _____ until police personnel advise the situation is safe. The host officer shall make every effort to ensure the safety of the ride-along participant.

Answer 26

1) nearest police facility
2) convenient and safe location
3) remain in the police vehicle

Question 27

MEDIA GUEST REQUIREMENTS

Authorization for members of the media to participate in any aspect of the Ride-Along Program may be granted by only_____ and must be coordinated through the department’s Office of Public Affairs. Additionally, in order to participate in the Ride-Along Program, members of the media shall complete a Ride-Along form.

Persons presenting credentials identifying themselves as members of the media are permitted to _____ during any authorized ride-along.

Answer 27

1) the Chief of Police

2) utilize audio/visual recording devices

Question 28

AIR SUPPORT DIVISION RIDE-ALONGS

The division commander of the department’s Air Support Division may authorize helicopter or other air support ride-alongs requested for any of the following:

a. Classified or civilian employees with a _____.
b. Other law enforcement agency officers with a _____.

Additional written authorization is required from the assistant chief over the Air Support Division when the air support ride-along is requested for any of the following persons:

c. Classified or civilian employees _____
d. Other law enforcement agency personnel _____
e. _____.

Answer 28

1) mission specific need
2) mission specific need
3) without a mission specific need.
4) without a mission specific need.
5) Citizens

Question 29

AIR SUPPORT DIVISION RIDE-ALONGS

Once a helicopter or other air support ride-along has been approved, personnel and passengers shall follow the detailed Air Support Division standard operating procedures (SOPs) regarding the requirements for passengers prior to any flight.

Unless otherwise restricted by the host division, all ride-along participants are allowed to _____ during helicopter or other air support ride-alongs.

No _____ shall be allowed in any HPD helicopter or other aircraft for any reason.

Answer 29

1) utilize audio/visual recording devices

2) CED or incendiary or spark-emitting device