Ride Alongs

The Ride-Along Program provides an opportunity for potential employees to get a better understanding of an officer’s duties and the services they provide to the community. This policy provides the requirements, approval process and hours of operation for the Ride-Along Program.

Eligibility:

The Ride-Along Program is offered to individuals who are processing for employment with the department. The Chief of Police or his designee retains the right to allow or deny anyone from all participation in this program at their discretion, with or without cause or explanation.

Availability:

The Ride-Along Program is available all days of the week, with certain exceptions. Ride-along times are within 8am and 5pm or 8pm and 12am. Exceptions to this schedule may be made as approved by the Chief of Police, Captain, or Watch Commander.

Suitable Attire:

Any person approved to ride along is required to be suitably dressed in t-shirt, collared shirt, blouse or jacket, jeans or slacks and closed toe shoes. Sandals, tank tops, skirts, shorts and ripped or torn blue jeans are not permitted. Hats and ball caps will not be worn in the police vehicle. The Watch Commander or Field Supervisor may refuse a ride along to anyone not properly dressed.

Police Officer Ride-Alongs:

Off duty members of this department or any other law enforcement agency will not be permitted to ride-along with on-duty officers without the expressed consent of the Watch Commander. In the event that such a ride-along is permitted, the off-duty employee shall not be considered on-duty and shall not represent themselves as a police officer or participate in any law enforcement activity except as emergency circumstances may require.

Ride-Along Criminal History Check:

All ride-along applicants are subject to a criminal history check. The criminal history check may include a local records check and a Department of Justice Automated Criminal History System check through CLETS prior to their approval as a ride-along with a law enforcement officer