Policy Text
Ride-Along Policy - 1 Printed Date: 2017 /06/01
© 1995 -2015 Lexipol, LLC
Policy Oakland Police Department
405 Policy Manual
Ride -Along Policy
405.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The Ride -Along Program provides an opportunity for citizens to experience the law enforcement
function first hand. This policy provides the requirements, approval process, and hours of operation
for the Ride -Along Program.
405.1.1 ELIGIBILITY
The Oakland Police Department Ride -Along Program is offered to all interested and qualified
individuals. Every attempt will be made to accommodate interested persons however any
applicant may be disqualified without cause.
The following factors may be considered in disqualifying an applicant and are not limited to:
• Being under 15 years of age
• Prior criminal history
• Pending criminal action
• Pending lawsuit against the Department/City
• Denial by any supervisor/Desk Officer
405.1.2 AVAILABILITY
The Ride -Along Program is available on most days of the week, with certain exceptions. Ride-
alongs should be scheduled in conjuncti on with Patrol shifts. Exceptions to this schedule may
be made as approved by the Commander, Watch Commander or Supervisor .
405.2 PROCEDURE TO REQUEST A RIDE -ALONG
Generally, ride -along requests will be scheduled by the Bureau of Field Operations
Admin istration Section . The participant will complete a ride -along waiver form. Information
requested will include a valid ID or California driver’s license, address, telephone number and
Email address . If the participant is under 18 years of age, a parent/guar dian must be present to
complete the Ride -Along Form.
The Bureau of Field Operations Administration will confirm and schedule , by e mail, a date based
on availability, at least one week after the date of application. A copy will be forwarded to the
respect ive Watch Commander as soon as possible for their consideration.
If the ride -along is denied after the request has been made, a representative of the Department
will contact the applicant and advise them of the denial.
405.2.1 PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Once approved, civilian ride -alongs will be allowed to ride no more than once every six months.
An exception would apply to the following: Cadets, Explorers, Chaplains, Reserves, police
applicants, and all others with approval of the Watch Commander , Area Comma nder, or other
Oakland Police Department
Policy Manual
Ride-Along Policy
Ride-Along Policy - 2 Printed Date: 2017 /06/01
© 1995 -2015 Lexipol, LLC
appropriate command staff member.
An effort will be made to ensure that no more than one citizen will participate in a ride-along during
any given time period. Normally, no more than one ride-along will be allowed in the officer's vehic le
at a given time.
405.2.2 SUITABLE ATTIRE
Any person approved to ride along is required to be suitably dressed in collared shirt, blouse or
jacket, slacks and shoes. Sandals, athletic shoes, high -heeled shoes, T-shirts, tank tops, shorts
and ripped or torn blue jeans are not permitted. Hats and ball caps will not be worn in the police
vehicle. The Desk Officer, Watch Commander or field supervisor may refuse a ride along to
anyone not properly dressed.
405.2.3 PEACE OFFICER RIDE -ALONGS
Off-duty member s of this department or any other law enforcement agency will not be permitted
to ride -along with on -duty officers without the expressed consent of the Watch Commander. In
the event that such a ride -along is permitted, the off -duty employee shall not be co nsidered on -
duty and shall not represent themselves as a peace officer or participate in any law enforcement
activity except as emergency circumstances may require.
405.2.4 RIDE -ALONG CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECK
All Ride -along applicants are subject to a crim inal history check. The criminal history check may
include a local records check and a Department of Justice Automated Criminal History System
check through CLETS prior to their approval as a ride -along with a law enforcement officer
(provided that the ride-along is not an employee of the Oakland Police Department) (CLETS
Policies, Practices and Procedures Manual § 1.6.1.D.3.).
405.3 OFFICER’S RESPONSIBILITY
The officer shall advise the dispatcher that a ride-along is present in the vehicle before going into
service. Officers shall consider the safety of the ride-along at all times. Officers should use sound
discretion when encountering a potentially dangerous situation, and if feasible, let the participant
out of the vehicle in a well -lighted place of safety. The dispatcher will be advised of the situation
and as soon as practical have another police unit respond to pick up the participant at that location.
The ride -along may be continued or terminated at this time.
The Bureau of Field Operations Admin istration is responsible for maintaining and scheduling
ride-alongs.
405.4 CONTROL OF RIDE -ALONG
The