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Request a Ride Along or Observation Shift
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Sheriff's Office
Physical Address
405 Argentine Street
P.O. Box 2000
Georgetown, CO 80444
As a courtesy, the Clear Creek County Sheriff allows persons to observe patrol operations by participating in a ride-along. Ride-along participants will be under the control of their host deputy at all times. Likewise, observing an employee at the Sheriff's Office requires participants to be under the control of the host staff member at all times.
To ensure the safety of our deputies and the participant (hereby known as "riders or observers"), the following restrictions must be followed:
• With a few exceptions, riders or observers must be 18 years of age or older.
• Riders or observers are required to sign a liability waiver. This waiver is intended to release Clear Creek County, the Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office, and any individual deputy or staff member from civil liability for any and all injuries that may be sustained by the rider or observer as a result of their participation. In the case of persons between the ages of 16 and 18 years, this waiver must be signed by both the participant and a parent or legal guardian.
• Riders or observers shall be physically able to observe without assistance from the host deputy or staff member.
• Riders and observers shall maintain a neat, clean, and businesslike appearance. Appearance while in the company of our deputies is a reflection upon the Sheriff’s Office. If a question arises about the suitability of a participant's appearance, the supervisor will decide whether the participant shall continue in the program and his/her decision is final.
• Under no circumstances can a participant 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, the host deputy will introduce the rider to the occupant(s) and ask for permission; however, a rider may not enter the premises unless permission is granted. Otherwise, the rider will remain in the patrol vehicle or other safe location.
• Participants may accompany the deputy during prisoner transport and booking processes if, in the officer's opinion, it would not constitute a hazard to any of the persons involved or interfere with an investigation.
• Participants shall not participate in any law enforcement activity or converse with any prisoner, suspect, witness, or any other person contacted on police business unless the host deputy has granted permission.
• Riders shall not inquire as to why a deputy handled a complaint as he/she did until after the deputy clears the call.
• Participants shall not make any audio or video recordings during the shift without the prior knowledge and permission of the host deputy or staff member. Although the deputy will not demand to review or edit any recording(s) made with their permission, participants should be aware that the recording(s) could be taken as evidence if it contains information important to an open criminal case.
Riders in a Patrol Ride-along are encouraged to do the following, as it may enhance their and the deputy's safety:
• Become familiar with the dispatch radio. Know the deputy's call sign or at the very least his name. In case the deputy becomes incapacitated, the rider should know how to use the radio to call for help.
• Know location by street name and approximate hundred block. Street signs and landmarks, such as major businesses, which help will pinpoint exact location should the need arise.
• Be self-sufficient and do not become a liability for the host deputy, who has important duties and cannot be constantly concerned for the rider's welfare.
• Establish a rapport with the host deputy and know what is expected, including whether to stay in the patrol vehicle on particular calls or incidents.
• Think ahead. For example, the host deputy might ask the rider to jot down a license plate number, the time, and other pertinent details while he/she is making initial contact on a traffic stop. Double check the license number for accuracy. This small contribution might help if something unexpected happens.
• Have fun. Ride-alongs and observations are a learning experience and the Sheriff's Office hopes riders gain a better understanding of, and appreciation for, law enforcement duties and the work deputies do.
If you are interested in a Ride Along or Observation Shift, please fill out the form below, or print it out here and return it to Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office. Observing a staff member whether in the office or in the Detention Facility have similar rules and requirements and will be considered on a case by case basis. Please fill out the same form for an Observation and list the division or staff member you would like to observe in the "Requested Deputy" field.