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Ripon Officers Continue A Green-Policing Tradition.

The Ripon Police Department has a developed a unique reputation for adopting innovative technology to meet the policing needs of our citizens. Ripon officers have worked with the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs on a number of technology demonstration issues during the last decade.

From the testing and evaluation of prototype firearms simulators, to field testing body worn cameras years before they were adopted as mainstream technology, to pioneering the use of low cost aviation assets to patrol the skies of Ripon, to innovative uses of zero emission vehicles, the Ripon Police Department has been a pioneer in acquiring low cost and at times no-cost high tech law enforcement equipment.

For over a dozen years, officers have been utilizing green-technology to patrol the lush streets of Ripon. Officers have utilized electric bicycles, electric scooters, zero emissions electric GEM cars, zero emissions electrically powered police motorcycles and innovative compressed natural gas powered patrol cars in their efforts to help keep Ripon safe and clean.

A number of these environmentally friendly, zero emissions modes of transportation were obtained with grants, at no cost to the city. The Ripon Police Department is continuing to adopt innovative green-technology to meet the needs of our citizens.

The latest example of green-policing in Ripon was attained this week with the delivery of two Can Am Commander electrically powered low speed vehicles (LSV). The Can Am Commanders were obtained through a grant from the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, Public Benefit Grant Program for alternative fuel vehicles.

These zero emissions vehicles are expected to replace the departments aging gas powered ATVs. Department spokesperson, Lt. Steve Merchant said the department wants their citizens to know these vehicles were obtained on a grant, so the city didn’t spend local funds to purchase them.

Merchant also said the ultra-quiet, zero emissions nature of these vehicles will be welcomed by the large number of outdoor enthusiast who utilize Ripon’s unique riparian parks along the Stanislaus River. Merchant said during frequent patrols of the Stanislaus River, officers often contact walkers, joggers, bicyclists, riders on horseback, kayakers, canoeist and rafters who appreciate the police presence in this unique natural setting.

PIO-Lieutenant Steve Merchant Ripon Police Department 259 N. Wilma Ave. Ripon, CA 95366 209-599-2102 Business 209-599-0262 Desk 209-599-4034 FAX [email protected]