It is the policy of this Department to encourage interested citizens to familiarize themselves with the facilities, equipment, and operations of this Department by riding as observers and by touring station/unit facilities.
Assignments for ride-alongs (or station/unit tours) shall be made through prior arrangements with the station/unit involved. Station/unit commanders are urged to approve requests for ride-alongs which originate within their station/unit, provided the participant meets the criteria set forth under this section. When headquarter units receive group requests for ride-alongs, they shall supply the station/unit commander with the names and phone numbers of the persons wishing to participate in ride-alongs and coordinate the date and time with the station/unit involved. Individual requests should be referred to the appropriate station/unit.
High school juniors and seniors, 16-years-old or older, shall be permitted to participate as ride-alongs. Students below the junior year should be limited to well-planned comprehensive tours of station/unit facilities.
The number of ride-alongs allowed during any given shift shall be determined by the station/unit commander.
Vehicle safety belts shall be worn by all ride-along participants while riding in county vehicles.