Charleston County Sheriff's Office: Ride-Along Program

Ride-Along Program Guidelines #program_guidelines

The goal of the Ride-Along Program is for the community to have a better understanding of the risks and rewards of being a law enforcement officer in Charleston County. The program allows citizens to be an official passenger of a Charleston County Sheriff's Office vehicle during a patrol, during which they will get a better understanding of the day-to-day operations of the patrol deputy and their relationship with the citizens of Charleston County.

Participant Requirements #participant_requirements

Participants must be at least fourteen (14) years of age. Participants under eighteen (18) years of age must have the Ride-Along Waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian.
A Ride-Along Waiver must be filled out completely by the participant and a records check will be conducted by the Records Section prior to approval.
The Patrol Captain or designee will approve/disapprove all Ride-Along Waivers.
After complying with all of the requirements for participation, the applicant will be given a reporting date, time and location for the Ride-Along.

Participant Agreement #participant_agreement

Participants must agree to and abide by the following rules of conduct:

The participant will remain in the vehicle when responding to calls for service.
Tape recorders and cameras may only be utilized with permission of the participating deputy sheriff and, Patrol Captain or the Public Information Officer.
The participating deputy sheriff may terminate the ride-along if the participant hampers, interferes or otherwise hinders the deputy sheriff in the performance of their duties.
Participants will not be assigned for more than twelve (12) hours in a three-week period, unless the Patrol Captain provides permission for individuals involved in approved programs.
Participant's attire must be conservative, neat and clean. The clothing shall not display any type of logo that would suggest that they are a law enforcement officer.
No alcoholic beverages are to be consumed before or during the ride-along period.
The participant should be in good health. Persons with severe colds and illnesses will not be permitted to participate.
Seatbelts must be worn while the patrol vehicle is in motion.
Any information overheard regarding a criminal investigation is considered confidential and the observer shall not divulge that information to anyone.
For additional information contact the Patrol Division Administrative Assistant between 8AM-4PM M-F at (843) 529-6216.
Complete the Ride-Along Waiver along with required signatures and follow the sign-up procedures below to return it to the Charleston County Sheriff's Office.

Ride-Along Waiver

Participant Sign-Up #participant_signup

Sign-Up Procedures

Complete the Ride-Along Waiver along with required signatures and return it to the Charleston County Sheriff's Office.

Individuals must authorize the Sheriff's Office to conduct a background investigation to determine qualification.

All information is confidential as required by South Carolina and Federal laws.

Once downloaded, completely filled out and signed, the Ride-Along Waiver may be emailed or faxed to the Records Department* at:

(843) 554-2447

Email: RecordsI@CharlestonCounty.org

*You may mail the original form to the Charleston County Sheriff's Office, Attn: Records Department, at the address on the form.

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Ride-Along Program Guidelines #program_guidelines

Participant Requirements #participant_requirements

Participant Agreement #participant_agreement

Participant Sign-Up #participant_signup

Sign-Up Procedures