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Applicable To:  All sworn employees

Approval Authority:  Chief George N. Turner

Signature:  Signed by GNT

Date Signed:  6/27/11

1.               PURPOSE

To provide citizens with an opportunity to experience the Atlanta Police Department’s operations and gain a better understanding of the law enforcement profession.

2.               POLICY

The Atlanta Police Department shall give Section commanders discretionary authority to allow civilians to ride as observers in police vehicles and to allow officers under certain situations to give courtesy rides to civilians.

3.               RESPONSIBILITIES

3.1              Section commanders may approve applications for Civilian observers, except for news media representative, who must submit their applications to the Chief of Police for Approval in accordance with Section 4.1.2 of this Standard Operating Procedure.

3.2              Watch Commanders and Supervisors shall ensure that Officers and Civilian observers comply with this directive.

3.3              Escorting Police Officers shall be responsible for the general safety of the observer, ensuring that their ID is properly displayed, and that they follow reasonable orders designed to keep them safe and prevent interference with police operations.

3.4              Civilian observers shall be responsible for complying with this procedure and following appropriate directions of the escorting Police Officer.

4.               ACTION

4.1              Civilian observers        

4.1.1           Qualifications for Riding as an Observer

1.    Individuals do not have an unqualified right or privilege to participate as a Civilian observer.  The Section commander has discretionary authority to approve or deny each request based on the needs of the command and the desire of the applicant.

2.    Minors (under 18 years old), mentally incompetent persons, convicted felons, persons with medical conditions that could create hazards, an Officer’s spouse or immediate family member may not ride as observers with that Police Officer. Youth enrolled in the Law Enforcement Explorers Program (APD.CM.05.07 “Law Enforcement Explorers Program”) or the APD Junior Police Cadet Program (APD.SOP.2200, “APD Junior Police Cadet Program”) shall be excluded from this rule, and shall be permitted to participate as a Civilian observer.

3.    Applicants must complete the Civilian observer Application and Waiver form (APD 639) and submit a copy of a photo ID, such as Driver’s license, school ID, passport, etc. to the approving authority five working days before the date of ride along.  The completed form and accompanying documentation shall be kept on file for three years.

4.    The Section commander shall select Officers or Supervisors within their command to escort Civilian observers.  It is understood that a certain degree of danger is inherent with law enforcement duties but the escorting Officer or Supervisor shall show due regard in the performance of those duties.

5.    Watch Commanders shall maintain a supply of Civilian Observer identification cards.  Civilian observers must wear the identification card on the upper left side of their outer garment.  The escorting Officer shall return the card to their Supervisor at the end of the observation ride.

6.    If a Civilian observer interferes with police operations, the escorting Officer shall notify their Supervisor and return the Civilian observer to the place of departure.  A written report shall be completed and the Supervisor shall conduct an investigation.  The Civilian observer's privileges may be suspended pending a review by the approving authority.  The escorting Officer shall attach to the Civilian observer’s “Application and Wavier Form” (Form APD 639) his or her report and the investigative findings of their Supervisor.

4.1.2           Members of the news media must submit their applications to the Chief of Police for approval. They shall wear their media identification card and comply with all other provisions of this written directive.

4.1.3           Section commanders shall limit the number of Civilian observers to avoid interference with operations and the number of times an individual may ride.

4.2              Courtesy Rides

4.2.1           Determining the Need for a Courtesy Ride

1.    Courtesy rides are appropriate when a citizen is a victim of a crime or involved in a motor vehicle accident and has no reasonable transportation available.

2.    Courtesy rides may be appropriate when a citizen is found stranded without money for transportation and no other reasonable transportation is available.

3.    Generally courtesy rides shall be limited to the officer’s beat or the immediately adjacent beat. Travel outside the zone is not desirable. Travel outside the City is not authorized, except to meet an officer from another jurisdiction who shall continue the courtesy ride.

4.2.2           Procedures

1.    Prior to giving someone a courtesy ride, an officer shall obtain permission from his or her supervisor and briefly explain the facts that justify the courtesy ride and the destination.

2.    Once approval is given, an officer shall advise Radio to hold them out on a courtesy ride and give the beginning mileage and receive a time check.  Upon completion of the courtesy ride, an officer shall give the ending mileage, receive a time check, and advise radio that they are back in service.

3.    Officers shall record on his or her Daily Activity Sheet (Form APD 607) all courtesy rides during their tour of duty.

5.               DEFINITIONS

                  N/A

6.               CANCELLATIONS

                  APD.SOP.3087 Civilians in Patrol Vehicles, November 1, 2006

7.               REFERENCES

                  APD.SOP.2200 APD Junior Police Cadet Program

                  APD.CM.05.07, Section 4.3 - 2 Law Enforcement Explorers Program

                  CALEA 5th Edition 61.4.1c