Law Enforcement Exploring
Ride-Along Certification Program

1-1. Parameters

The Ride-Along program is one of the most attractive features of Law Enforcement Exploring. Explorers have the opportunity to observe law-enforcement field activity by accompanying a police officer on patrol operations. Patrol operations are defined as routine policing functions where an Explorer accompanies a law enforcement officer in a marked police vehicle, in/on special police conveyances (e.g., bike patrol, equestrian patrol, marine patrol or other police patrol conveyance with the exception of motorcycles, motorized personal watercraft or motorized personal all-terrain vehicles), or on foot patrol.

Reference is made in the Law Enforcement Exploring Program Guidelines for important information concerning program development, policy and procedures. It is understood there are inherent risks associated with youth participants (hereafter referred to as Explorers) accompanying a police officer on patrol operations; however, these risks can be minimized with the proper training of Explorers and written policy and standard operating procedures for a Law Enforcement Explorer Ride-Along program.

The purpose for Ride-Along certification is to ensure that each participating organization (hereafter referred to as agency or department) has written policy and standard operating procedures for their Law Enforcement Exploring program. Due to potential risks with the Ride-Along program, each agency must, at a minimum, adhere to the following parameters and include them in their written policy and standard operating procedures.

A statement addressing the objectives of the Ride-Along program.
A hold harmless and release form for the agency and Learning for Life executed by the parents or legal guardian and/or the Explorer if of legal age to sign such a form. (See Program/Form Section to download sample form.)
A medical release form permitting authorized agency representatives to approve emergency medical treatment for Explorers. (See Program/Form Section to download sample form.)
Prerequisite training for participating adults (hereafter referred to as Officer, Advisor, Supervising Officer, Law Enforcement Officer or volunteer) and Explorers is available. All adults and youth participating in the Ride-Along program must complete the on-line Youth Protection training. Posts that permit Ride-Alongs in/on authorized special police conveyances must include training requirements and protocols for each conveyance.
Authorized uniform and equipment for Explorer along with recommendation that, if available, a protective vest be worn by the Explorer while participating on a Ride-Along. Explorers on a Ride-Along, where authorized special police conveyances are used, must wear the same safety equipment (e.g., helmet for bike patrol, personal flotation device for marine patrol, etc.) required for law enforcement officers.
Explorers are not permitted to carry offensive or defensive weapons to include firearms, tasers, nightsticks, batons (collapsible or otherwise), saps or sap gloves, tactical flashlights (i.e. large metal or other heavy duty material flashlights that may also be used as a nightstick or baton), knives with blades in excess of four inches, chemical repellents or electrical shock devices.
Prohibition of Explorers under 18 years of age participating in the program between 12 midnight and 6 AM.
Adherence to Law Enforcement Exploring policy on driving police vehicles, bloodborne pathogens, Hepatitis B vaccination declination, covert activities and other applicable policies.
Police actions and calls for service that Explorers are permitted to be present.
Advance notice of police actions and calls for service that Explorers are excluded from being present while participating in the Ride-Along program.
Spontaneous emergency protocols and standard operating procedures for Officers and Explorers.
Whenever possible and practical, the Ride-Along officer and Explorer should be of the same gender.

1-2. Protocol

Law Enforcement Exploring Ride-Along certificates are provided at no cost to the Post. The protocol for acquiring Ride-Along certification for a Post is as follows:

Provide a completed copy of the Ride-Along Certification Application, and two sets of the agency's Law Enforcement Exploring Ride-Along policy and standard operating procedures that address the above outlined criteria. The signature of the chief executive officer of the agency indicates approval of the agency’s Law Enforcement Exploring program policies and standard operating procedures.
A panel of Learning for Life representatives will review the application, written policies and standard operating procedures.
If the policies and standard operating procedures properly address the necessary minimum criteria, the number of certificates requested will be forwarded to the Post Advisor for personalization and presentation to those individuals that have completed the mandatory training and adhered to other requirements. Additional certificates may ordered as needed by the Post Advisor providing no changes have been made to the agency Ride-Along policies and standard operating procedures approved and on file with the Law Enforcement Exploring program.
In the event it is determined the policies and standard operating procedures did not sufficiently address the above referenced criteria, the Post Advisor will be notified of what modifications or additions are needed for compliance with the previously outlined criteria.
Posts must submit a new application for certification whenever a change is made to the agency’s Law Enforcement Exploring Ride-Along policies and standard operating procedures.