Ride-Along

The purpose of this policy is to establish a system for evaluating and processing ride-along requests from individuals who have a legitimate interest in gaining first‑hand exposure to police work.

Policy: Ride-Along

Author: Chief Joseph M. Hallman

WILEAG Standard: N/A

Issue Date: July 24, 2011

Reviewed Date: April 6, 2026

Revised Date: April 6, 2026

 

Purpose:

The purpose of this policy is to establish a system for evaluating and processing ride-along requests from individuals who have a legitimate interest in gaining first‑hand exposure to police work.

Policy:

It is the policy of the UW-Platteville Police Department to make every reasonable effort to honor ride-along requests from individuals having a legitimate interest in personally observing police patrol operations.  The purpose of the program is to provide an educational experience to those desiring a career in law enforcement, to promote positive community relations, and to serve as a recruitment tool for the UW-Platteville Police Department.

The ride-along policy will establish criteria to determine eligibility, and will delineate the duties and responsibilities of officers and citizens involved in the program.

Definitions:

N/A

Procedures:

1. Eligibility Requirements for Ride-alongs.
   1. Must be at least 18 years of age.  Any requests to waive this provision would need the approval of the Chief of Police or his/her designee.
   2. Must complete a background check, including, but not limited to, a local records check and criminal history check.
   3. Must complete and sign an Indemnity Agreement.  Applicants under the age of 18 must also have their parent or legal guardian sign this form.
2. Ride-Along Administration
   1. The Ride-Along Request From & Protocol will be a publicly available document and should be read by each ride-along applicant.
   2. All officers have the authority to deny a ride-along upon arrival of the applicant, or during the ride-along, based on any of the following circumstances: 
      1. Behavior of the applicant raises concern for officer’s and/or citizen's safety, i.e., intoxication.
      2. Knowledge that the applicant poses a threat to confidential or sensitive information.
      3. Emergency call-outs or other significant event that would cause concern for an applicant’s safety or interference with police operations.
      4. Applicant is inappropriately dressed based on the criteria outlined in the Ride-Along Protocol.
   3. Police officers who are assigned ride-alongs have the following responsibilities:
      1. Ensure that their passenger has completed and signed the Indemnity Agreement prior to commencing the ride-along and has attached a copy of that agreement to the University Police Records Management System.
      2. Verify the identity of the ride-along with a valid photo identification card.
      3. Ensure that the ride-along complies with the rules of conduct for ride-alongs.
      4. Whenever possible, officers should carefully consider introducing citizens, particularly younger participants, to scenes or situations that may be traumatic.
   4. A file will be maintained containing all completed ride-along Indemnity Agreements.
      1. All ride alongs will be documented in the department’s computerized record management system.