Ride Along Program

Patrol Ride-Along Program

CSL Patrol Vehicle The purpose of the Shasta County Sheriff's Office Ride-A-Long Program is to encourage community involvement in law enforcement and to educate the public by opening up the lines of communication within the community. The Ride-A-Long Program promotes a better understanding of the challenges, risks and rewards of a Sheriff's Deputies role in the community.

The Sheriff's Office encourages community involvement in the law enforcement process and allows interested citizens and students to ride as passenger observers with patrol officers.

Requirements:

All persons wishing to participate in the Ride-Along Program must be at least 18 years of age, must have a current driver's license from the Department of Motor Vehicles, and have no outstanding warrants for their arrest. In the case of a juvenile, the participate must be at least 12 years of age and the signature of a parent or guardian is required.

Adult Ride-Along Form (PDF)
Juvenile Ride-Along Form (PDF)

Guidelines:

Submitting a request does not guarantee ride-along approval. A waiver-background investigation will be completed to determine if the applicant qualifies and is suitable for the program.

If you are approved for a patrol ride-along, the date and shift requested by the applicant will be taken into consideration at the time of scheduling.

Participants must have a valid photo id or drivers license with them when reporting for their scheduled ride-along. They must wear neat, clean, and appropriate clothing. Shorts, sweat suits, tank tops, halter tops or flipflop shoes are not acceptable. Clothing which is torn, soiled or displays offensive language or symbols will also not be allowed. No tape recordings, cameras, or similar devices are allowed without prior approval from the Sergeant on duty.

Participants shall be considered observers only, and shall be under the direct supervision of the assigned officer during the ride-along. They must conduct themselves in a civil and courteous manner at all times. They must wear their seat belts and remain in the patrol car unless instructed to leave by an officer.

For security and safety reasons, participants are not allowed to handle or use any of the officer's equipment or the equipment in the patrol vehicle. Also, participants must not become involved in any incident the officer is handling. This includes discussions of an incident with victims, witnesses, or suspects.

In the case of a potentially dangerous or hazardous call, participants may be dropped off at a safe location. If this occurs, the officer will give the participant specific instructions and arrange for transportation from another officer. Please note that this is for the rider's safety.

All rules and guidelines need to be followed during the ride-along. Failure to comply with any of the above listed rules and guidelines will result in the immediate termination of the ride-along.