Washington County Sheriff - Ride Along Program
If you have ever wondered what a Deputy Sheriff does while on patrol, this is your opportunity to experience a day in the life of a Deputy Sheriff.
Citizen Ride Along Program
To help foster a positive relationship with the community and to help citizens better understand what our Deputies do on a daily basis, the Sheriff’s Office has a ride along program that puts citizens in a squad car out on patrol. Citizens can get a first-hand look at the challenges Deputies face each day and hopefully come away with a better understanding of the services we provide.
Ride along participants only act as observers. They do not perform any law enforcement work that the Deputy would normally do. They do not wear a uniform or badge, operate a squad car, handle department equipment or weapons or complete any official paperwork.
If you would like to ride along with a Deputy, you must submit a written request using the form provided by our office. The form is available at the front counter at the Sheriff’s Office or you may request a form by mail. Please be aware of these additional requirements:
- Participants must be at least 18 years of age
- Participants must be approved by the Sheriff
- Ride along is normally only valid for one 8 hour shift (you may select the shift )
- Any one participant will be limited to three ride alongs per year
- No camera or recording equipment is allowed
- Participants must be appropriately dressed
Once a ride along has been approved and scheduled, you will be assigned to a shift to accompany a Deputy on patrol. You may request a ride along on any shift, but understand that it is contingent on a Deputy being available to take you out. Because of workload or scheduling demands for the Deputies, a requested day or shift may not work out for a ride along.
For your safety and protection, the hosting Deputy may end a ride along shift if at any time the Deputy determines that the ride along is no longer appropriate for the circumstances. If a dangerous circumstance should arise, you may be dropped off at a safe location and picked up later after the situation has been deemed safe again.