1. The applicant must be 18 years of age or older or be an active participant in a police department function, such as Police Explorers or Citizen Volunteers.
2. The applicant may obtain a Ride-Along Program Application Form at the Technology and Records Unit located at the Police Department Headquarters Building. Once filled out by the applicant, the form can be turned into the police facility or mailed to Technology and Records Unit at least two weeks prior to the requested ride-along date.
3. The Technology and Records Unit will conduct a background check of the applicant.
*If the Shift Sergeant approves the application, he/she will contact the applicant to schedule the ride-along. If the Shift Sergeant denies the application, he/she will indicate the reasons in the “Comments” section of the form and contact the applicant and inform the applicant that they were not approved for a ride-along.
Participation in the Ride-A-Long Program
1. Citizens whose applications are approved are allowed one ride-along opportunity with a maximum duration of eight (8) hours within a six month period, not to exceed two within a calendar year unless they are active participants in a police department function.
2. Three (3) ride-along opportunities with a maximum duration of eight (8) hours each within a three month period, not to exceed twelve (12) within a calendar year are available for police applicants, currently in the hiring process.
3. Any law enforcement officer, employed by a local, state or federal law enforcement agency, may participate in the Ride-Along Program. The officer or employee must present valid, appropriate identification prior to requesting to ride with an officer.
1. It is the applicant’s responsibility, to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled starting time.
2. The on-duty supervisor will assign the person participating in the Ride-Along Program to an officer.
3. Ride-a-long participants are not active participants; they are observers.
3. Participants are not to leave the patrol car at the scene of any police activity without first obtaining permission from the officer.
4. Participants must wear seat belts, in accordance with department policy.
5. Officers will not permit ride-along participants to engage or assist in police activities to include but not limited to: checking buildings, directing traffic, or driving a police vehicle.
6. Ride-along participants will be required to present a neat and clean appearance and wear appropriate business-like attire. Casual clothing such as jeans, shorts, and t-shirts are not permitted.
7. Participants may NOT use cameras, tape or digital recorders while riding due to the possible conflicts with evidence collection.
8. Only duly sworn law enforcement officers participating in the Ride-A-long Program may be armed. Civilians and non-sworn police personnel will not carry a weapon of any kind while participating in the Ride-A-long Program.
9. Exceptions to this policy and procedure as to who may be authorized to participate in the Ride-A-long Program may be made only with the approval of the Chief of Police or his designee.
