Ride-Along Program

The purpose of our Ride-Along Program is to enhance the mutual respect of police officers and our community by allowing our fellow citizens an opportunity to observe some of what we do on a daily basis. We hope it gives participants a greater understanding of law enforcement in our community.

Note: You may be called as a witness in court if you observe a police event that becomes subject to court action.

Who may participate?

Everyone who wishes to participate is subject to these requirements:

All participants must be approved by the Chief of Police or their designee
Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age, or have parent/guardian approval
Complete both an application and waiver of liability form
Must not have pleaded guilty or been convicted of a felony
Must not have pleaded guilty or been convicted of a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or dishonesty
Only allowed to participate once every twelve (12) months unless authorized by the Chief of Police or their designee.

Media Representatives

Required to complete all documents required of any other participant.
Must have express written authorization from the Chief of Police or their designee before recording, by any means (audio, video, film, photo), any portion of the ride-along.

Application Process

Note: Applications and regulations for the Ride-Along Program are available at both our office and on this website.

Submit completed application along with photo identification
Application reviewed by Chief of Police/designee
Applicant criminal history/record check
Once approved, applicant notified and assigned Ride-Along date

Reporting for the Ride-Along

Participants should report to the Batesville Police Department office fifteen (15) minutes prior to their scheduled participation. The host officer will meet with you to review and sign the liability waiver with the officer signing as witness. Those refusing to sign the waiver will not be allowed to participate. The host officer will also review the rules of the Ride-Along Program.

Duties of the Participant

The participant shall:

Follow the instructions of the host officer at all times during the ride-along
NOT be allowed to carry any firearm or other weapon - even where authorized by law
Dress in comfortable casual, but conservative, clothing (pants, shirt/blouse, jacket); participants who are dressed inappropriately will not be allowed to participate
NOT play an active role in police function - must only act as an observer unless directed by an officer
NOT operate any police equipment unless directed to do so by an officer in an extreme emergency
Remain in the police vehicle at all times until directed by an officer
NOT speak to victims, witnesses, prisoners or other persons associated with a police event
Politely direct any such person as above to speak with an officer present instead
NOT bring cameras or other recording devices without the express written permission of the Chief of Police/designee
NOT enter any person's home while participating in the ride-along unless the host officer asks and the owner gives their express permission

Duties of the Host Officer

The host officer shall:

Conduct their activities in a manner consistent with the efficiency of the department as if the rider was not present
At their discretion, drop a participant off in an area of safety while responding to a dangerous police event in order to avoid exposing them to danger
Distinguish civilians from media representatives, and allow the media to assume the risk of more dangerous activities
Maintain close supervision of the participant where they have been allowed to leave the police vehicles, and not allow the participant to directly involve themselves in police activity
NEVER allow the participant to enter the home of any person UNLESS the officer has first obtained the consent of the homeowner/occupant. Homeowner/occupant must be informed that the participant is a "ride-along participant" and there is "no legal obligation" to allow them inside.