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Columbus police department puts civilian ride-alongs on hold

columbus-policeCOLUMBUS, Neb. (AP) — Columbus police say they no longer plan to offer voluntary ride-alongs for civilians, at least for now.

The police department made the decision in after learning its insurance provider put a suspension on the rides.

Columbus Police Capt. Chuck Sherer says most people interested in riding with an officer are from the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Columbus class, the department’s Citizen’s Police Academy and criminal justice programs through Central Community College.

The department averaged 16 ride-alongs annually in 2014 and 2015, but only eight this year.

Sherer says he has to deny all requests until the suspension is lifted.

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