It is the policy of the Department to encourage citizen involvement in its uniformed, day-to-day activities. To this end, the Ride-Along Program is established. Ride-along participants must be adults (18 years of age or older). Ride - Along Program participants are assigned to uniformed Officers (including Patrol Officers, K-9 Officers, School Resource Officers or DARE Officers). Department activities such as undercover operations or other Investigative Section operations are inappropriate for Ride-Along Program assignments.

The Department recognizes that the presence of a ride-along participant during official Department activities may exacerbate certain situations and constitute a safety risk to officers, ride-along participants, and other citizens. The presence of ride-along participants during law enforcement activities has been deemed a violation of a citizens reasonable expectation of privacy, in certain situations. Therefore, ride-along participants receive firsthand exposure to only those situations that may be observed by any passerby in the community during a given situation. Ride-along participants are not taken into private property areas without the prior consent of the property owner or other person with apparent authority to grant such consent.

Members of the news media may participate in the Ride-Along Program, subject to the provisions of this policy. Officer safety and the safety of ride-along participants are of primary importance. Ride-along activities are authorized only in accordance with this directive.

       Program Eligibility

  Applicants for the Ride‑Along Program must meet at least one of the following criteria:

•  A resident of the City.

•  A member of a City civic or business organization.

•  A City employee whose position would be enhanced by knowledge of Department operating procedures.

•  A current applicant for a sworn or non‑sworn position with the Department.

•  Law enforcement officers from any law enforcement agency.

•  Law Enforcement Explorer Scouts who have received prior approval from their Post Advisor.

•   Students in an accredited law enforcement program., or related field.

•   Family members of Department sworn or non-sworn members.

•  Members of the clergy, public service organizations, the news media, or victim advocate organizations.

• Other persons whose participation is determined by the approving official to be in the interest of the Department. Such authority and reason shall be specified on the application