Police Ride-Along Program

Our program is open to qualified applicants who are at least 18 years old. Community members are scheduled by appointment only after completing the application process. Applicants are scheduled among our three patrol shifts, depending on availability.

Applicants for the Ride-Along Program must complete a written application and meet the minimum standards set by policy. A criminal background check will be completed for all applicants. Community members should submit their application at least three weeks in advance of the desired ride-along date. The application is available below or it can be obtained at the Public Safety Building.

The purpose of the Boulder Police Department Ride-Along Program is to foster a positive relationship with the community.

Criteria

• The attached forms must be submitted to allow at least two weeks to be processed.
• Ride-alongs are offered to Boulder residents, students and applicants for Boulder Police Department employment who are over 18 years of age, Boulder Police Department Explorers and those who are officer sponsored.
• No felony arrests or convictions. No misdemeanor arrests or convictions within the past 3 years.
• A criminal background check, to include a review of any contacts with the Boulder Police Department, will be conducted on all observers.
• All ride-alongs are scheduled for five hours with one ride-along per year.
• The hours of each watch are:
  • Watch 1: 6:00am to 4:00pm
  • Watch 2: 2:00pm to 12:00am
  • Watch 3: 9:00pm to 7:00am
• Observers may request to ride with a specific watch and officer if officer sponsored.
• The actual ride-along may not start for up to 30 minutes following the beginning of a watch. The Boulder Police Department reserves the right to refuse any application and terminate a ride-along at the discretion of a supervisor.
• Only Colorado commissioned law enforcement officers may be permitted to carry a firearm during a ride-along, and only with the express permission of a watch commander.
• All riders must dress appropriately. Shorts, flip flops, sandals and t-shirts are not allowed. Jeans may be worn if they are clean with no holes. All observers must present photo identification to the officer at the time of their ride-along.

You are riding in the capacity of an observer and must follow the officers’ direction. The officer’s first responsibility is to carry out his or her assigned duties. If an emergency should arise, observers follow the direction given to them by the officer.

To participate in the Ride-Along Program you must agree to the following:

• The Boulder Police Department is not assuming a special duty to me. I am participating as a civilian and strictly forbidden from performing any law enforcement functions.
• I, my heirs, executors and assigns indemnify and hold harmless the City of Boulder and any of its employees, for any claims, amounts, and/or damages that may arise from my participation in the RideAlong program.
• I will not consume alcohol or recreational marijuana within eight hours prior to the ride-along.
• I will not touch, use or adjust any firearm or equipment in any police vehicle, upon any officer or within any station.
• I will not touch any item of evidence.
• I will wear a seatbelt while the vehicle is in motion and understand that not all patrol vehicles are equipped with passenger-side airbags.
• I will always remain in the vehicle unless the officer instructs me otherwise.
• If allowed out of the vehicle, I will not enter a private residence, closed business or medical/crisis facility without the permission of the officer.
• I will not talk with victims, prisoners, suspects, witnesses or other persons.
• I understand I may be subpoenaed to appear as a witness in court related to any activity I witness during my ride-along.
• I will not divulge, unless required by law or department policy, any confidential information that I learn while participating in the Ride-Along Program.
• I will not photograph any audio or video recordings during my ride-along without prior approval of the Operations Deputy Chief.
• I understand there are inherent risks in police work as well as in my capacity as a rider.