Ripon Police Department

Ripon Police Department This is the official page of The Ripon Police Department (Ripon, CA). This page is not monitored on a 24 hour basis.
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This page is used to post general information, answer questions, and address concerns within our community. All incidents that require police response should be reported immediately to The Ripon Police Department Dispatch Center by calling 209-599-2102 for non-emergencies and 911 for all emergencies.

Law and Order Reward ProgramThe Ripon Police Department is proud to continue our Law and Order Reward Program, which rec...
05/22/2026

Law and Order Reward Program

The Ripon Police Department is proud to continue our Law and Order Reward Program, which recognizes youth in our community for making safe and responsible choices.

Officers will be rewarding children who are observed practicing safe behaviors such as wearing helmets while riding bicycles, scooters, skateboards, or e-bikes, obeying traffic laws, and riding safely in appropriate areas. While the program primarily focuses on children under 12 years old, officers may also recognize older youth who demonstrate positive and safe behavior.

Let’s be honest — what kid doesn’t enjoy earning a free slice of pizza, ice cream, or a treat from a local coffee shop for doing the right thing? Our goal is to make safety fun while encouraging positive habits and interactions with law enforcement.

This program is designed to encourage safe riding habits, strengthen positive interactions between officers and local families, and promote a safer community for everyone. Through programs like this, we hope to continue building strong relationships with the youth and families of Ripon.

We would also like to thank our local business partners who have generously donated certificates and rewards to support this program.

If you or your business would like to contribute or participate in supporting positive youth engagement within our community, please contact:

CSO Supervisor Liz Ries
(209) 599-0271
[email protected]

Know the Rules: Motorized Scooters in California A motorized scooter is defined as a two-wheeled device with a floorboar...
05/22/2026

Know the Rules: Motorized Scooters in California

A motorized scooter is defined as a two-wheeled device with a floorboard, handlebars, and an electric motor, designed to be stood upon while riding.

Basic requirements:

• Riders must be at least 16 years old.
• Riders must have a valid driver’s license or instruction permit.
• Motorized scooters do not require DMV registration or license plates.
• All basic traffic laws that apply to motor vehicles also apply to scooter riders.

Where you can ride:

• Motorized scooters may be operated on roads with a speed limit of 25 mph or less.
• Riders must travel in the same direction as traffic.
• Riders should stay as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge when moving slower than traffic.
• Bike lanes must be used when available.
• Riding on sidewalks is prohibited.

Speed and safety:

• The maximum speed for a motorized scooter is 15 mph.
• Only one rider is allowed per scooter.
• Proper lighting is required during low-light conditions, including a white front light, a red rear reflector, and side reflectors.
• Riders under 18 must wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet.

As summer approaches, we want to remind our community about the laws and safety guidelines for e-bike use.Since May 2025...
05/21/2026

As summer approaches, we want to remind our community about the laws and safety guidelines for e-bike use.

Since May 2025, we’ve focused on education and outreach to help riders and parents better understand the rules. While many have been receptive, unsafe and unlawful riding continues to be a concern. To protect the safety of our youth and the community, officers have now begun issuing citations when violations are observed.

E-bikes are bicycles equipped with an electric motor that assists with pedaling, making it easier to travel longer distances and climb hills. Under California law, they are divided into three classes:

• Class 1: Pedal-assist only, up to 20 MPH (helmet required under 18)
• Class 2: Throttle-assisted, up to 20 MPH (helmet required under 18)
• Class 3: Pedal-assist only, up to 28 MPH (minimum age 16, helmet required for all riders)

All e-bike riders must follow the rules of the road, including obeying traffic signals, yielding to pedestrians, and riding in the same direction as traffic. Riders traveling slower than traffic must stay as far to the right as practicable and use bike lanes when available.

For pedestrian safety, e-bikes are not allowed on sidewalks in the downtown area. Additionally, anyone age 9 or older is prohibited from riding an e-bike on any sidewalk within the city.

E-bikes must have a label showing their class, top assisted speed, and motor wattage. No driver’s license, registration, or insurance is required.

Let’s work together to keep our roads and neighborhoods safe this summer.

Additional information regarding motorized scooters will be shared tomorrow.

What is a Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV)/Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV), and where can it be driven?Under California Vehic...
05/20/2026

What is a Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV)/Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV), and where can it be driven?

Under California Vehicle Code §385.5(a), a “low speed vehicle” is a motor vehicle that meets all of the following:

• Has four wheels.
• Can attain a speed of more than 20 mph but not more than 25 mph in one mile on a paved level surface.
• Has a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 3,000 pounds.
• Is also known as a “neighborhood electric vehicle” (NEV).
• Cannot be operated on any roadway with a posted speed limit greater than 35 mph.

In addition, an NEV/LSV must also:

• Have a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
• Be registered with the DMV and display valid license plates.
• Be covered by liability insurance.
• Meet applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).
• Be driven by a person holding a valid driver license.

The Ripon Police Department would like to remind the community about the proper and legal use of golf carts within city ...
05/19/2026

The Ripon Police Department would like to remind the community about the proper and legal use of golf carts within city limits.

Under California Vehicle Code 345, a golf cart is defined as a motor vehicle with at least three wheels, weighing less than 1,300 pounds, designed to travel no more than 15 mph, and intended to carry golf equipment and no more than two people, including the driver.

In the City of Ripon, golf carts may only be operated when all of the following conditions are met:

• The driver has a valid driver’s license
• No more than two persons (including the driver) are on board
• All traffic laws, signs, and signals are followed
• The cart is driven on roads with speed limits of 25 mph or less
• Roads up to 35 mph may only be used briefly to cross or connect to 25 mph roadways
• Travel occurs within one mile of a golf course
• The cart is being used to go directly to or from a golf course
• Golf equipment is being transported for play or practice
• Operation occurs during daylight hours

Officers will be proactively enforcing illegal golf cart use. These regulations are in place to improve safety and ensure smooth traffic flow throughout our community.

We appreciate your continued support as we work together to keep Ripon’s roadways safe.

Additional information regarding Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs) will be shared tomorrow.

Ripon Police Department Addresses Traffic Safety ConcernsBeginning in June, Officer Kyle Prather will serve as the depar...
05/18/2026

Ripon Police Department Addresses Traffic Safety Concerns

Beginning in June, Officer Kyle Prather will serve as the department’s full-time motor/traffic officer. Officer Prather has been with the Ripon Police Department for eight years and has previously served as a K-9 handler. He currently holds the role of Field Training Officer.

This assignment directly addresses one of the most common concerns expressed by our community—traffic safety. Resident feedback plays an important role in guiding enforcement efforts, allowing officers to focus on problem areas throughout the city.

With increasing traffic volume, this dedicated position will prioritize proactive enforcement of hazardous violations. In addition, there will be a focused effort on addressing ongoing concerns related to e-bikes, motorized scooters, and golf carts throughout the community.

Our goal is straightforward: to reduce collisions and enhance safety for all who use our roadways—drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike.

Thank you for your continued support.

Ripon PD is excited to welcome Pastor Brett Dood as our new volunteer chaplain. Brett is the Senior Pastor of Calvary Re...
05/08/2026

Ripon PD is excited to welcome Pastor Brett Dood as our new volunteer chaplain. Brett is the Senior Pastor of Calvary Reformed Church in Ripon and has been a Ripon resident for over 9 years. Pastor Brett has a strong passion for serving the community and supporting our First Responders. As a volunteer chaplain, he will be providing one-on-one spiritual care for members of the department as well as a confidential place to process vocational trauma. Please join us in welcoming Chaplain Dood to the team!

Join us TONIGHT—we look forward to connecting with our community and seeing you there!
05/06/2026

Join us TONIGHT—we look forward to connecting with our community and seeing you there!

Join us on Wednesday, May 6th at 7:00 PM at the Ripon Police Department (Emergency Operations Center/Training Room) for ...
04/29/2026

Join us on Wednesday, May 6th at 7:00 PM at the Ripon Police Department (Emergency Operations Center/Training Room) for our 2nd Quarter Community Meeting.
This quarter, we’ll focus on laws and safety concerns involving e-bikes and motorized scooters. The Ripon Police Department continues to see an increase in incidents and complaints — many involving minors.
Since May 2025, we’ve emphasized education and outreach to help riders and parents understand the laws that apply to these devices. However, unsafe and unlawful riding remains a significant concern. For the safety of our youth and community, officers have begun issuing citations when violations are observed.
To help raise awareness, we’re again sharing informational flyers in this post that outline laws and safe operating practices for e-bikes and motorized scooters.
We invite all parents, students, and community members to join us for this important conversation aimed at keeping Ripon’s roadways safe for everyone.

We're hiring for the Police Officer position.The full job description, qualifications, and application instructions are ...
04/21/2026

We're hiring for the Police Officer position.
The full job description, qualifications, and application instructions are available on our website. The first review of applicants is on May 6th.
Visit www.riponpd.org for details and to apply.

Address

259 N Wilma Avenue
Ripon, CA
95366

Telephone

+12095992102

Website

https://ca-ripon.civicplus.com/536/Police-Department

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