TO: ALL POLICE DEPARTMENTS

FROM: JAMES N. RAMSEY
DISTRICT ATTORNEY GENERAL

RE: RIDE-ALONGS

DATE: MAY 30, 2001

Because of blatant violation of my due process instructions regarding police reports and "ride alongs", a case has been dismissed, (State vs. Catie Elizabeth Wilson, 01ST0987 enclosed).

Read and heed.

It is the opinion of this office that for the police to include anyone in a "ride-along" makes the "ride-along" a material witness in any case arising from the experience. If any "ride-along" is doing video or audio-taping, police should obtain this tape as evidence (video or audio-taping by ride-alongs is not a good idea) and under no circumstances should any officer allow a "tag-along" to accompany police in serving warrants (arrest or search) in non-public places. Federal courts have used this to be a civil rights violation.

You may even be making ride-alongs police agents so that their notes and "reports" should be turned in to the State.

JAMES N. RAMSEY
DISTRICT ATTORNEY GENERAL

References:

Request for Nolle Prosequi, or, in the Alternative, Motion to Dismiss

Memorandum and Argument in Support of Request for Nolle Prosequi, or, in the Alternative, Motion to Dismiss

Factual Basis for Request for Nolle Prosequi, or, in the Alternative, Motion to Dismiss

Notice of Nolle Prosequi

Order of Nolle Prosequi and Dismissal