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Tampa Police Citizen Observer Program Participation Request

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Tampa Police Department Citizen Observer Form

The purpose of the City of Tampa Police Department Citizen Observer Program is to encourage community involvement in law enforcement and to educate the public by allowing interested residents to ride as observers with patrol officers. The program promotes a better understanding of the challenges, risks, and rewards of the police officer’s role in the community. We thank you for your interest in our Citizen Observer program and encourage questions, comments, and suggestions about it.

Citizen Observer Information
Address
Specific District
Agreement

Whereas, the undersigned has voluntarily elected to ride as a passenger in a vehicle of the City of Tampa, Police Department and to accompany officers of said Police Department while engaged in the performance of their duties, to study and observe for his/her own benefit the functions and operations of the Tampa Police Department and its personnel, and 
Whereas, the undersigned desires to do so at his/her own risk and recognizing the possible and inherent danger to his/her person and property resulting therefrom, and 
Whereas, the Tampa Police Department and the City of Tampa do not wish to be liable for any damages arising from personal injuries and/or property damage sustained. 
Therefore, in consideration of the premises and other good and valuable considerations, the undersigned does hereby, for himself/herself, spouse, heirs, executor or administrator, and personal representatives:

  1. Assume full responsibility for any personal injury or damage to his/her person or property which may occur directly, or indirectly while in, on, or about any such Tampa Police Department vehicle, the Tampa Police Department Headquarters, or any of the district offices of the Police Department, or while accompanying any officer of the Tampa Police Department while in the performance of his/her duties.
  2. Fully and forever release and discharge the Tampa Police Department and City of Tampa, its agents and employees in both their official and individual capacities, from any and all claims, demands, damages, rights of actions, or causes of action, present or future, whether the same be known, anticipated or unanticipated, resulting from or arising out of the undersigned’s being in, on or about any such Tampa Police Department vehicle, or at any or all of the premises and places aforesaid, or while accompanying any officer of the Police Department as aforesaid.
  3. Indemnify and hold harmless the Tampa Police Department and the City of Tampa, its agents and employees in both their official and individual capacities for acts or conduct of the undersigned of whatever kind or nature whatsoever, while in, on or about any such Tampa Police Department vehicle, or at any or all of the premises and places aforesaid, or while accompanying any such officer as aforesaid.
  4. Agree to defend and to pay any costs or attorney’s fees as a result of any action brought by or against the City of Tampa Police Department and/or City of Tampa, its agents and employees, for any acts or conduct of the undersigned of whatever kind or nature whatsoever, while in, on or about any such Tampa Police Department vehicles, or at any or all of the premises and places aforesaid, or while accompanying any such officer as aforesaid.
  5. Agree not to post or blog(s) any commentary, information or photographs about the Tampa Police Department or City of Tampa, which were obtained during the aforesaid activities, on any social networking sites including, but not limited to, Facebook, Linked In, Twitter and Instagram. The Undersigned agrees that he/she has been made aware that any such post or blog(s) may violate Florida’s public records laws, interfere or obstruct an ongoing criminal investigation and may subject the poster to criminal and/or civil sanctions.
  6. Agree that it is the intent of the undersigned that this Release and Indemnity Agreement be in full force and effect at any time after the execution hereof.
  7. Agree to adhere to the department’s dress code guidelines, e.g., sport coat combinations and suits worn with dress shirt and tie will be acceptable attire for men. Conservative feminine attire includes such items as dresses, skirt and blouse combinations, and pantsuits or jackets with dress slacks. Casual clothing such as athletic clothing, jeans, sundresses, T-shirts, shirts with graphics or writing, or ultra-dressy apparel will not be worn.
  8. Agree not to possess a weapon or firearm while participating in the Citizen Observer Program.

Security Awareness Acknowledgement

My duties require me to work or be present in areas where Criminal Justice Information (CJI) may be seen. I realize that this information is sensitive in nature and will not discuss or reveal any CJI to anyone. CJI refers to state and federal criminal justice data, which may include case/incident information, identity information (including fingerprints and other forms of biometric data), and property (such as vehicle or firearm) data. Access to or use of CJI (such as viewing, reading, copying, sharing) is strictly limited to official purposes, specifically the administration of criminal justice. The term “administration of criminal justice” is defined in state law, at Section 943.045(2), Florida Statutes, as follows:

“Administration of criminal justice” means performing functions of detection, apprehension, detention, pretrial release, post-trial release, prosecution, adjudication, correctional supervision, or rehabilitation of accused persons or criminal offenders by governmental agencies. The administration of criminal justice includes criminal identification activities and the collection, processing, storage, and dissemination of criminal justice information by governmental agencies. 
My work-related duties, as defined by my employer and understood by me, do not in any way involve the administration of criminal justice, as defined above. 
In the course of my work-related duties, I may see or learn of (as by hearing mention of) CJI. 
Because I have no responsibility or authority for handling CJI, I will not access, use, view, copy, disseminate, or disclose (in writing or in conversation) CJI, nor will I take part in the physical destruction of CJI. I am aware that doing so would be considered misuse of CJI. 
I further understand that misuse of CJI is not limited to situations in which the CJI is used by me or others for purposes or in a manner that could be punished under the criminal laws of Florida or of the United States. 
I acknowledge that misuse of CJI may subject me to administrative action (such as termination of employment or contract), civil penalties and/or criminal penalties. 
I agree and commit that if I hear, see, or otherwise become aware of actual or potential misuse of CJI, or of a situation that may cause or contribute to the misuse of CJI, I will promptly report same to my supervisor or the appropriate designee. 
I agree and commit that I will not allow, by action or inaction, the unescorted entry into any secure (protected) area by anyone who is not known to me to be authorized to enter such area.

I have read, or have had it read and explained to me, and understand and agree the information above regarding the importance of protecting CJI, and have asked and received a satisfactory answer to any questions I had concerning the duties and restrictions imposed on me with respect to CJI.