Ride-Along

• The Omaha Police Department (OPD) Ride-Along program aims to foster public support, education, and understanding through interactions with police officers.

Policy Overview

• The program offers eligible individuals (19+) the chance to experience police work.
• Participants include potential officer candidates, criminal justice students, community leaders, dignitaries, volunteers, chaplains, and other approved individuals.

General Guidelines

• Ride-Alongs typically occur with Uniform Patrol Bureau (UPB) officers, with precinct captain approval.
• Other OPD bureaus may be authorized by the Deputy Chief/Director or the Chief of Police.
  • Air Support Unit Ride-Alongs require approval from the Chief of Police or designee.
• Ride-Along hours are usually between 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm, Monday to Thursday, excluding holidays.
• Participants are prohibited from carrying weapons during Ride-Alongs.
  • Exception: Sworn law enforcement officers from other agencies may be approved to carry concealed weapons.
• Participants must adhere to the OPD's dress code ("Casual Dress" or "Business Casual").
• Seat belts are mandatory.
• Participants cannot enter crime scenes or private property without permission.
• Active involvement in police incidents is restricted.
• Reading Mobile Data Computer (MDC) screens is not allowed.
  • Exception: Behavioral Health and Wellness Unit (BHWU) interns may be allowed under supervision.
• Officers must not engage in pursuits, expedite calls, or perform high-risk traffic stops during Ride-Alongs.
• Officers should exercise caution in potentially risky situations.
  • These situations include domestic violence calls, incidents involving children, assaults, suicide calls, drug overdoses, possible deaths, and serious injury crashes.
  • BHWU interns may participate in these calls with supervision.
• Cameras and recording devices are prohibited without written approval.
• Ride-Along participants who witness a crime will be included as witnesses in reports.
• OPD supervisors can terminate Ride-Alongs for improper conduct or safety reasons.
  • Officers can instruct participants to remain in the vehicle or drop them off at a safe location, informing 911 Dispatch.

Eligibility Criteria

• The following people are usually eligible to participate in ride alongs: OPD employees, official OPD volunteers, interns, and/or Chaplains, persons who are interested in a career in law enforcement, including police officer applicants, visiting dignitaries, officials or officers from other jurisdictions/states and other persons approved by the Chief of Police or an OPD Deputy Chief / Director.
• Participants undergo a Criminal History Record Check/Background Check.
  • A local check is conducted by the precinct.
  • The OPD Backgrounds/Inspections Unit (BIU) handles more extensive checks, ensuring a waiver is completed.
• Disqualifying offenses/findings include:
  • Any felony conviction
  • Board of Mental Health committals
  • "Resisting Arrest" conviction within 10 years
  • "Assault of a Peace Officer" conviction
  • Multiple "Assault" or "DUI" convictions within specified periods
  • "Carrying Concealed Weapon" or weapons offenses convictions
  • Current court jurisdiction
  • Any Sex Offense conviction
  • Documented gang affiliations
  • Any detrimental criminal record or factor
• Participants must be at least 19 years old.

Required Forms and Procedures

• Applicants must submit an OPD "Ride-Along Request Form" (OPD Form 112J).
  • The form is available on PowerDMS for OPD employees and on the OPD website for the public.
• For OPD volunteers, interns, chaplains, or OCCP members, the form is forwarded to the OPD Volunteer Coordinator.
  • The Volunteer Coordinator checks the applicant's local criminal history record.
  • The BIU conducts broader checks if needed.
  • If the check is favorable, the applicant is informed and must sign the OPD "Ride-Along Release, Indemnity Agreement and Covenant Not to Sue" form (OPD Form 40 or 40A).
  • The original signed form is sent to the OPD Data Unit for filing and scanning.
  • Copies are kept in precinct/section files for five years.
• For other applicants, the "Ride-Along Request" form is submitted to the precinct/section captain. -Criminal history is checked -If the check is favorable, the applicant is informed and must sign the OPD "Ride-Along Release, Indemnity Agreement and Covenant Not to Sue" form (OPD Form 40 or 40A).
  • The original signed form is sent to the OPD Data Unit for filing and scanning.
  • Copies are kept in precinct/section files for five years.
• For sworn employees from outside agencies, credentials are verified.
  • Their status is noted on the "Ride-Along Request Form" (OPD Form 112J).
  • History checks are conducted -The applicant is informed and must sign the OPD "Ride-Along Release, Indemnity Agreement and Covenant Not to Sue" form (OPD Form 40 or 40A).
  • The original signed form is sent to the OPD Data Unit for filing and scanning and copies are kept.

The Omaha Police Department (OPD) Ride-Along program seeks to improve community relations through education and experience with police officers. The program is open to people 19+ and includes potential officer candidates, criminal justice students, community leaders etc. Ride-Alongs are usually between 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm, Monday to Thursday, excluding holidays.