The Grand Isle County Sheriff’s Department Ride-Along Program encourages community involvement in the law enforcement process and allows interested citizens and students to ride as passenger observers with patrol deputies. Applicants shall apply at least one week in advance of the ride-along date so records checks and scheduling can be accommodated.
Members of the community wishing to participate in the Ride-Along Program must:
• be at least 18 years of age or 16 years old with parental consent
• not have a suspended or revoked driver’s license from the Department of Motor Vehicles
• not have any outstanding warrants for their arrest
*Please note that participants might observe occurrences or activities during the ride-along which may require them to submit a written statement and/or testify in court at a later time.
How to Apply for the Citizen Ride-Along Program
If you wish to participate in this program, print out and complete the Citizen Ride-Along Application Packet below. Do not sign the application until in front of a notary at our office. If you are under the age of 18 and over the age of 16, you must obtain signed permission from your parent or legal guardian and provide proof of your age (driver’s license or birth certificate) before you will be allowed to ride. You must submit your application during normal business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm) at the Grand Isle County Sheriff’s Department.
Program Rules & Guidelines
• All participants in the Ride-Along Program must read, agree, and abide by all rules and guidelines and complete the Ride-Along Application prior to the ride-along.
• Submitting a request does not guarantee ride-along approval.
• The date and shift requested by the applicant shall be accommodated when possible within preference guidelines.
• Participants will be given a tour of the Grand Isle County Sheriff’s Department. Please do not handle equipment, reports or go into files or records, as many of our files are confidential.
• Participants shall be considered observers only and shall be under the direct supervision of the assigned officer during the ride-along.
• Participants shall conduct themselves in a civil and courteous manner at all times.
• Participants must wear their seat belts at all times while in the patrol car.
• Participants must remain in the patrol car unless instructed to leave by a deputy.
• In the case of a potentially dangerous or hazardous call, participants may be dropped off at a safe location. If this occurs, the deputy will give the participant specific instructions.
• Participants must not become involved in any incident the deputy is handling. This includes discussions of an incident with victims, witnesses, or suspects.
• No tape recordings, cameras, or similar devices are allowed without prior approval from the Sheriff or his designee.
• We encourage questions and discussion, however questions should be asked at an appropriate time and must not interfere with the deputy’s duties.
Attire During the Ride-Along
The deputy with whom you ride takes considerable time and effort in preparing for duty. Your appearance while riding reflects upon the deputy and this department. Since our department serves all members of the community, we would appreciate you taking a conservative approach in considering your attire while riding.
Please wear neat, clean, appropriate clothing. Please do not wear jeans or inappropriate adornments.
• Males: Slacks and a sport shirt are acceptable; however, a tie and shirt or sport coat is preferred.
• Females: A blouse or sweater and skirt are acceptable; however, we would recommend slacks.
Failure to comply with any of the above listed rules and guidelines can result in the immediate termination of the ride-along.