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Ride-Along Program Guidelines

Ride-Along Program

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 shift, 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.

General 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.

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 faxed to the Records Department at (843) 554-2447 or scanned and emailed to Zenda Meyers at 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.

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.