Auburn Police Department Ride Along Program

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The Auburn Police Department offers the opportunity for citizens to ride-along with a police officer during a normal tour of duty, and experience an officer's day-to-day duties and responsibilities. This public education program gives residents a better understanding of police operations.  The Ride-Along Program serves as a mechanism for community members to personally observe patrol operations and enhance transparency between police and members of the community.

Citizens considering a career in law enforcement have found these types of programs particularly useful. The Ride-Along program offers a better understanding of the challenges, hazard, and rewards of a police officer’s role in the community. includes what they do, how long they’ve been at it, and what got them to where they are.

  General Guidelines

• Ride-alongs can occur at any time on any shift.
• Riders must be at least 16 years of age. Those under the age of 18 will need a parent’s approval prior to riding along.
• You should indicate the time and date you wish to ride in your request. The selected date should be at least 30 days from the date of application.
• We may not be able to accommodate requests to ride with specific officers or in specific parts of town.
• Those wanting to ride-along with an Auburn Police Officer must agree to have a criminal records check completed prior to the request being approved. Prior citations, arrests or convictions will not necessarily disqualify you from riding along. Each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

  Dress Code and Etiquette

Citizens who are selected for a riding along with the Auburn Police Department must dress appropriately for the duration of their ride. Business casual or professional attire is preferred. However, blue jeans, tennis-shoes, and other casual attire is acceptable as long as it is not offensive or in disrepair.

Any person riding along must agree to follow all lawful instructions provided to them by any member of the Auburn Police Department during the time the person is participating in the ride-along.

  Weapons

You are not allowed to carry or bring with you any firearm or other dangerous weapon during the time you are accompanying a sworn officer or other department employee, regardless of your status or ability to otherwise lawfully possess or carry any such firearm or dangerous weapon.

Failure to adhere to these rules and guidelines may result in the ride-along being terminated early at the discretion of the officer or supervisor.