[Patrol Car Ride-Along] Participation Rules and Conditions
Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2025 5:30 pm
by LSSD
LOS SANTOS COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT
RIDE-ALONG PARTICIPATION RULES AND CONDITIONS
Prior to the ride-along, you (the “observer”) agree to certain requirements. Please review a copy of the rules and conditions (see reverse) before your scheduled ride-along. If you arrive inappropriately dressed, the Watch Commander can terminate your ridealong. Questions about attire can be answered when you are called to schedule your ride-along.
ATTIRE:
Observers must wear appropriate, safe, and conservative attire for the ride-along. This consists of dress or business-casual pants/slacks, shirts/blouses with collar and sleeves, and dress or business-casual shoes. The following are NOT permitted:
- Denim jeans of any color
- Shorts of any length
- Dresses or skirts
- T-shirts, tank tops, sleeveless shirts/blouses
- Clothing that does not provide appropriate coverage (such as low-cut shirts)
- Clothing that displays graphics, pictures, or slogans
- Hats
- High-heeled or open-toed shoes, sandals, or tennis shoes
- Cameras, recording devices, video equipment (Pictures and/or video is not permitted during ride-along.)
- Backpacks, totes, bags, purses (There is nowhere in the station to store them and they are not permitted in patrol cars.)
- Weapons of any kind (including firearms license, knives, pepper spray, or any other self-defense items).
- Alcohol, illegal drugs, or controlled substances (possession or use is strictly prohibited).
- Food or beverages (except a sealed bottle of water and snack, if permitted).
- Personal Walkie-Talkie, scanners, or communication devices (not authorized for use during the ride-along).
- phone may not be used to take pictures/videos or to make/receive calls/texts. (if permitted)
THINGS YOU CAN BRING (optional):
- Cellphone (if you need communication)
- Notepad and pen/pencil if you choose to take notes (no other recording devices permitted)
- Money (if you anticipate purchasing a meal or drink during the 8-hour shift – Deputies are not responsible for
- purchasing food or drinks for observers)
Available shifts, 7 days a week, are: 03:00 PM – 5:00 PM; 06:00 AM – 08:00 PM; 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM; 11:00 PM – 12:00 AM (midnight).
ARRIVAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- You must have photo identification (state-issued driver’s license or ID) when you arrive for your scheduled ride-along. Arrive in the
- station lobby 15 minutes prior to your scheduled shift. You may park in the front parking lot. Notify the front desk personnel of
- your arrival. If the front desk is not open, use the After Hours counter phone to contact the dispatch center 5-5-5. An employee will meet
- you in the lobby to take your ID and give you an observer badge that you must wear on your person (in plain view). Your assigned
- Deputy will greet you in the lobby and give you participation guidelines for the ride-along. Your ID will be returned to you at the
- conclusion of the ride-along.
If you need to cancel for any reason, call the station at 5-5-5 non-emergency and ask for the Watch Deputy. Inform the Watch Deputy of your need to cancel. Make sure you notify the Watch Deputy first so you can be removed from the in-service report and your assigned Deputy notified. After you notify the Watch Deputy, at your convenience, you may call the Sheriff's Information Bureau office at 5-5-5, if you choose to reschedule.
UNFORESEEN DELAYS:
Occasionally, events may occur that delay your assigned Deputy from collecting you at your scheduled time. If your wait time exceeds 45 minutes past your scheduled time, contact the desk again to check on the status. If the wait time will be extensive due to emergencies or other unforeseen situations, you can choose to cancel and reschedule by notifying front desk personnel.
VESTS (OPTIONAL):
You have the option of requesting either a ballistic vest or a mesh vest. Ballistic vests must be worn over an undershirt with civilian attire over the vest. The mesh vest clearly identifies you as an observer with the word printed in large letters on the front of the vest. We strongly encourage you to take advantage of one of these options. If you are interested in wearing one of these vests during your ride-along, notify your assigned Deputy when the Deputy greets you for the ride-along.