18-03 Ride-Along Program Policy

Study Notes

The program aims to establish a closer relationship between police officers and the community, providing an opportunity for people to observe police officers performing their duties.

The desk sergeant is the approving authority for a ride-along and can make exceptions when necessary.
The division commander determines the length of time an applicant will not be allowed to participate in the Ride-Along Program.
Videotaping, photographing, and audio recording are not allowed during ride-alongs without the approval of the Media Unit Commander and the appropriate Division Commander.
Ride-alongs can only be conducted at patrol divisions, and requests to ride with another unit require the unit commander's approval.
Immediate family members or individuals involved in a personal relationship with an officer cannot ride with that officer.
Ride-along participants must dress in business attire or neat, clean casual attire.
Ride-along participants cannot carry a weapon, including sworn and non-sworn members from outside agencies and concealed carry permit holders.
Watch II desk sergeants maintain a list of applicants to their division on the appropriate network drive.

To participate, individuals must be 18 years or older and have no criminal record, except for minor traffic offenses or minor city ordinances.
Applicants must complete and return the Ride-Along Regulations, Application, and Waiver Form (462 P.D.) to the desk sergeant.
The desk sergeant checks the applicant's criminal record, completes the form, and approves or disapproves the application.
If disapproved, the form is forwarded to the division commander for review.
The desk sergeant notifies the applicant of the scheduled date and time of their ride-along and ensures they are dressed in proper attire.

Officers should ensure the safety of the ride-along participant and may use discretion when determining if the participant should remain in the police vehicle or respond with the officer.
Officers will not allow non-department, pre-employment, and Citizen Police Academy participants to enter a private residence for any reason, except at the officer's discretion.

The original form is forwarded to the Watch II desk sergeant after completion of the participant's ride-along.
The Watch II desk sergeant files the form at the division station for three years and enters the applicant's information into the Ride-Along Program folder.

Entrant officers are required to attend mandatory ride-alongs and may request voluntary ride-alongs with approval of the training academy sergeant.
The academy forwards the names of entrant officers and the requested dates and times of the ride-alongs to the affected patrol division's desk sergeant.
Entrant officers report to the appropriate patrol division, check-in with the desk sergeant, and wear the issued academy uniform, including body armor (when issued).

Police officer applicants are required to participate in one ride-along as part of the employment process.
After completing the polygraph portion of the employment process, applicants are given a Ride-Along Verification Form (5704 P.D.) to arrange for the ride-along.

Participants are required to complete one ride-along shift during the Citizen Police Academy.
Participants complete the Ride-Along Application, Regulations, and Waiver Form (462 P.D.) and submit it to the Training Unit Administrative Assistance at the Regional Police Academy.