The Civilian Rider Program is for public/community education to allow civilians to gain insight into the operations of the Town of Camillus Police Department.
There are inherent dangers in the law enforcement profession, and we take every precaution to ensure the safety of our officers. The men and women of the Town of Camillus Police Department are trained professionals and take great pride in the work they do for our citizens. You are requested to follow the instructions given to you by the police officers for your safety and the safety of the officers. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. Therefore, these guidelines must be followed whenever a rider, other than a police department employee, request permission to accompany a police officer while on duty.
- Only one civilian rider is permitted per shift for no more than one eight-hour tour of duty in any 24-hour period. Unless special circumstances and permission from the Chief of Police or his designee is provided, a rider may only ride once within a six-month period.
- No person under the age of sixteen will be allowed to ride.
- Persons between the ages of sixteen and eighteen must have parental permission. The waiver and Release of Liability form must be completed with a notarized signature of at least one parent or parent’s signature witnessed by a Sergeant or higher-ranking officer of this department who is not related to the rider. When the form is witnessed by other than a Notary Public, cross out Notary Public, and print your title.
- A Personal Information Form, a Waiver and Release of Liability form, and Criminal History Authorization form must be completed before anyone is allowed to participate in the Civilian Rider Program. The completed forms will be submitted for review and approval at least five days prior to a scheduled ride.
- Permission to participate in the program will be authorized by the Chief of Police or his designee. The Shift Sergeant will finalize the arrangement and make the assignment.
- A civilian ride-a-long may be cancelled or the ride-a-long discontinued at any time when circumstances are such that it is in the best interest of the department, or there are special circumstances, or for the safety of the rider, the public, and/or officers.
- A civilian rider will not be permitted unless there is a Shift Sergeant working during the time of the scheduled ride. If circumstances occur that a Sergeant is unavailable or must leave during the ride-a-long, the rider program will be discontinued, cancelled, or rescheduled.
- Waiver and Personal Information forms must be completed each time a civilian rider requests to ride unless the ride-a-long is for a continuous period of time. e.g., Student Internship Program.
- Civilian riders are required to wear suitable attire. Shorts, jeans, jogging, or sweat suits are not permitted. A dress shirt with collar and dress pants are recommended for males, pants and blouse are recommended for females.
- At no time is a civilian permitted to carry any weapons during the rider program. Regardless of a valid pistol permit, handguns, and or rifles are strictly prohibited. Anyone refusing to comply with this directive will not be permitted to participate in the program.
- Civilian riders will remain in the vehicle at all times unless authorized to exit by the police officer.
- Civilian riders are required to follow the instructions of a police officer at all times.
- Civilians are not permitted to use the police radio, or any police equipment, except in an extreme emergency and directed to do so.
- Civilian riders are to adhere to safety standards set by this department and the Vehicle and Traffic law. They will wear a seatbelt when riding in a Town owned vehicle.
- Non-departmental owned electronic or other devices are not allowed in/on any police vehicles while riding in this program unless authorized by the Chief of Police or his designee. Prohibited devices include recording devices, tape players, televisions, radios and cameras (still or video).
Individuals interested in participating in the civilian rider program must complete the Civilian Rider Waiver and submit it in person to the Camillus Police Department.