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Ride Along Program

**The Lexington Police Department is temporarily suspending the Ride-Along Program due to COVID-19.**


The Lexington Police Department encourages community involvement in the law enforcement process and allows interested persons to ride as passenger observers with patrol officers. The Ride-Along Program provides an opportunity for individuals to experience the law enforcement function first hand.

Every attempt will be made to accommodate interested persons; however, any applicant may be disqualified without cause.


Application & Requirements

You must complete and sign an application form and return it to the Lexington Police Department. The following are requirements for being considered for Lexington's Ride-Along Program:

  • Minors must have a waiver form signed by a parent or guardian.

  • All cameras and recording devices are prohibited, unless prior approval is given by the Chief of Police.

  • The applicant must not have participated in a ride-along in the previous 6 months, unless prior approval by the Chief of Police.

  • All weapons are forbiden; unless the participant is a certified active police officer within the Commonwealth of Virginia.


Rules of Conduct

  • You will be in the public eye and should understand that your behavior and dress reflect on the Lexington Police Department.

  • The observer shall not wear any type of clothing, jacket, or baseball cap with a logo that might suggest that he or she is a police officer. Appropriate attire is business casual (no jeans).

  • Your position is that of a non-participating observer of the police function. Observers shall, at all times, remain under the complete control of the assigned officer and comply with all directions.

  • In the event of a serious situation, the officer will ask you to wait in a secure and safe location.

  • Appropriate and inconspicuous clothing is required. The observer shall not wear any type of clothing, jacket, or baseball cap with a logo that might suggest that he or she is a police officer.

  • Observers must not interfere with victims, suspects, or witnesses in anyway, unless directed by the assigned officer.


Availability

The Ride-Along Program is available on most days of the week, with certain exceptions established by the supervisor handling the request. The ride-along times may be approved for any time of the day deemed appropriate by the Chief of Police or his designee.

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