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.