Ride-Along Policy

Cadets may ride-along with any trained non-probationary deputy. During the ride-along, they are to be treated as a civillian and are prohibited from operating any department equipment.

• 3-Man Ride-Along: Requires Lieutenant+ approval. Recommended minimum of 10 members in RTO.

• 4-Man Ride-Along: Requires Major+ approval. Recommended minimum of 15 members in RTO.

• The RTO numbers are guidelines and may be adjusted at command discretion based on current staffing and patrol activity.

• Exceptions may be granted by heads when circumstances justify it.

• Standard 2 man ride-alongs do not require supervisor approval.

Civilian ride-alongs must be approved by an on-duty BCSO supervisor and must adhere to the following guidelines:

• Civilians participating in a ride-along must sign a waiver that states that BCSO is not liable for any injury, disability, dismemberment, loss of personal property, or death as a result of events that occur during the ride-along.

• Deputies must avoid dangerous situations that may put a civilian ride-along at risk. This includes violent calls, vehicle pursuits, or otherwise risky situations.

• Civilians participating in a ride-along must go through a federal background check.

  • Convicted felons may not participate in ride-alongs.

• Civilians participating in a ride-along must undergo a pat-down search before the start of the ride-along.

  • Civilians may not be armed during a ride-along.

• Civilians participating in a ride-along must wear a bullet-proof vest issued by BCSO that clearly states that they are a civilian.

• Civilians participating in a ride-along whom are a member of the press/independent media outlet must adhere to additional guidelines outlined below.

Members of the press or individual media personnel may only participate in ride-alongs with BCSO supervisors. During this ride-along, the following guidelines apply:

• Ride-along participant(s) must sign a civilian ride-along waiver as outlined in the previous section.

• BCSO personnel shouldn't say anything that may be harmful to the department or themselves if shown throughout social media.

• Ride-along participant(s) must be identified and verified as members of their media organization.

• Ride-along participant(s) must wear a designated bullet-proof vest that clearly identifies them as press.

• Any film, footage, or photos collected during the ride-along must be reviewed and cleared by the BCSO PIO team prior to release.