Civilian Ride Along Program

Home

Contact Info

Site Index

A Message From the Chief...
The Sylacauga Police Department Civilian Ride Along Program is designed to better educate the community on what the police department does on a day to day basis, and to familiarize you with the officers and the department in general.  This program is not intended to involve citizens in the actual law enforcement process, but to develop partnerships with the community through interaction.  Due to the nature of police work and danger involved, a list of rules and regulations is listed below.  The Sylacauga Police Department insists on strict compliance with these rules and regulations.  Failure to abide by these rules and regulations may be cause to terminate your ride along, and could prevent you from future participation in this program.  I appreciate your interest and support of YOUR police department and encourage your participation in this program.

Chief Louis Zook

Civilian Ride Along Rules and Regulations

1.  To be considered for the ride along program, you must meet one of the following criteria:

  • Be a resident or business owner within the city limits of Sylacauga.

  • Be either a spouse or other relative of a current employee of the Sylacauga Police Department.

  • Have an interest in a career at the Sylacauga Police Department.

Others, under special circumstances may be allowed to participate with approval from the Chief of Police.

2.  You must complete a civilian ride along application before being considered for a ride along.  Applications can be picked up at the Crime Prevention Office Monday thru Friday between the hours of 8:00AM and 5:00PM.  Completed applications must be submitted to the program coordinator at least forty eight (48) hours before the requested ride along.

3.  A records check may be done on each applicant through the National Criminal Justice Information Center.

4.  Assignments will be made as they meet the department's needs.  If you have a specific request as to which officer you ride with, you should address that to the patrol supervisor.

5.  You will be required to comply with all directives given to you by the officer to whom you are assigned.  Civilians MUST remain with their assigned officer unless otherwise directed.  Assigned officers will make the determination as to whether or not a civilian should leave the patrol vehicle.

6.  Civilians taking part in the civilian ride along are NOT PERMITTED to be armed regardless as to whether or not they possess a valid pistol permit.  This does not apply to certified police officers as addressed in the eligibility requirements.

7.  Police officers are assigned duties that may involve danger to human life.  These instances will NOT be avoided during a civilian ride along.  Every reasonable effort shall be made to ensure the safety of all parties, the officer's first responsibility is to carry our their assigned duties.

8.  Ride alongs are not permitted to be more than twelve (12) hours, a normal tour of duty.

9.  You may not bring cameras, tape recorders or any other kind of electronic recording device as it may conflict with evidence collection.  During your ride along you may be exposed to privileged and confidential information and must agree not to discuss such information with anyone.  Participants may, however, be required to appear as a witness and testify in court.

10.  Civilians participating in this program are required to present a neat clean appearance when they show up for their ride along.

11.  An officer may instruct you to return to the patrol vehicle at any time and for any reason, if your presence may endanger yourself or others, or if your presence may hamper an investigation or other operation of the department.

12.  Civilians shall not interfere with operations in any way by conversing with victims, suspects, or witnesses, handling evidence or equipment, or otherwise participating in any matter unless directed to do so by department personnel.

13.  Officers will immediately report to their supervisor anytime a participant refuses to comply with any directives or interferes with that officer's duty.  The supervisor shall make a determination as to whether or not the ride along should continue, be reassigned, or be terminated.

If you are interested in participating, please feel free to contact the Crime Prevention Office at:  (256)401-2460
Email dare@sylacauga-al.com