A ride-along is an arrangement for a civilian to spend a shift in the passenger seat of a police car, observing the work day of a police officer, firefighter, or paramedic.
Ride-alongs are offered by many police departments around the world. There is a minimum age to participate in a ride-along. Depending on the department, it is often somewhere between the ages of 14 and 18. When participation of those under 18 is permitted, consent from a parent or legal guardian may be required. Those with criminal records or problems on previous ride-alongs may also be barred from participation. The most common form of ride-alongs are Law Enforcement Explorers, or Auxiliary or Volunteer Police officers.
People go on ride-alongs for various reasons. These include interest in a future career in law enforcement, personal interest in law enforcement without such a career, journalists wishing to write reports, and those interested in community relations. Regardless of the reason, all citizens who meet the department's eligibility requirements are generally welcome on a ride-along.
The television show "COPS" is made with a variety of police ride-alongs put into a half hour segment.
Read more about Ride-along: Issues With Ride-alongs, In Fiction, External Links