Ride Alongs

RideAlongs

410.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE

The UCLA Police Department ridealong program provides an opportunity for the public to experience the law enforcement function first hand. This policy provides the requirements, approval process and availability of the ridealong program.

410.1.1 ELIGIBILITY

The Department ridealong program is offered to residents, students and those employed within the University. Every attempt will be made to accommodate interested persons, however any applicant may be disqualified without cause.

The following factors may be considered in disqualifying an applicant and are not limited to:

• Being under 18 years of age.

• Prior criminal history.

• Pending criminal action.

• Pending lawsuit against the Department.

• Intent to use experience for commercial purposes.

• Denial by any supervisor.

410.1.2 AVAILABILITY

The ridealong program is available on most days of the week, with certain exceptions established by the Field Operations Captain.

410.2 PROCEDURE TO REQUEST A RIDEALONG

Generally, ridealong requests will be scheduled by the Watch Commander. The participant will complete a ridealong

waiver form. Information requested will include a valid ID or California driver’s license, address and telephone number. If the participant is under 18 years of age, a parent/guardian must be present to complete the ridealong form.

The Watch Commander will schedule a date, based on availability, at least one week after the date of request.

410.2.1 PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Once approved, civilian ridealongs will be allowed to ride no more than once every six months. An exception may be made by the Field Operations Captain. An effort will be made to ensure that no more than one person will participate in a ridealong during any given shift. Normally, no more than one ridealong will be allowed in the officer’s vehicle at a given time.

410.2.2 SUITABLE ATTIRE

Any person approved to ride along is required to be suitably dressed in collared shirt, blouse or jacket, slacks and shoes. Sandals, Tshirts,

tank tops, shorts and ripped or torn blue jeans are not permitted. Hats and ball caps will not be worn in the police vehicle. The RideAlongs

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UCLA Police Department

Policy Manual

RideAlongs

Watch Commander or patrol supervisor may refuse a ride along to anyone not properly dressed.

410.2.3 PEACE OFFICER RIDEALONGS

Offduty members of this Department or any other law enforcement agency will not be permitted to ridealong with onduty officers without the expressed consent of the Watch Commander. In the event that such a ridealong is permitted, the offduty employee shall not be considered onduty and shall not represent themselves as a peace officer or participate in any law enforcement activity except as emergency circumstances may require.

410.2.4 RIDEALONG

CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECK

All ridealong applicants are subject to a criminal history check (except if the ridealong is an employee of the Department). The criminal history check may include a local records check and a Department of Justice Automated Criminal History System check through CLETS prior to his/her approval as a ridealong with a law enforcement officer. CLETS Policies, Practices and Procedures Manual § 1.6.1.D.3.

UCLA Police Department
Email: info@ucpd.ucla.edu
Phone: (310) 825-1491
Fax: (310) 206-2550
Mail Code: 136408