The Elk Grove Police Department's ride-along program provides members of the community with the opportunity to see firsthand how their police department handles calls for service. In order to manage the number of ride-along requests and to provide for the safety of the participants, the following rules have been established:
Who can ride along?
Ride-alongs are offered to:
- Recruitment for law enforcement positions
- Residents of Elk Grove
- Other law enforcement officers
- Students
- City of Elk Grove employees
- Every attempt will be made to accommodate interested persons; however any applicant may be disqualified without cause
How do I obtain authorization?
The Chief of Police or the Watch Commander must approve all ride-alongs.
Questions about our Ride-Along program can be directed to our Ride Along Coordinator via email at [email protected].
Apply Online
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I have to sign something?
- Yes. You are required to sign an Accident Waiver that frees our insurance carrier and the Department from liability in the unlikely even that you are injured while on a ride-along. If you are under 18, your parents also sign the waiver.
- Does that mean I could get hurt?
- Police work by its very nature is dangerous. The officer you ride with will take all reasonable precautions to minimize your exposure to dangerous events or conditions.
- When can I ride along?
- Ride-alongs are permitted on day and evening patrol shifts between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 11:30 p.m. Generally, ride-alongs last eight (8) hours.
- What should I wear?
- You may dress semi-casual but your clothes should be clean and neat. Remember to dress for the weather, officers typically drive with their windows rolled down (to hear better) regardless of temperature.
- Can I bring a camera?
- Due to constitutional rights of privacy, cameras and tape recorders are NOT allowed to be carried on ride-alongs.
- Are there things I should not do?
- Yes. Do not interfere with officers while they are performing their duties. Afterwards, the officer will be happy to answer your questions about how the incident was handled.