Ride-Along With a Police Officer

The Idaho Falls Police Department offers ride-alongs with patrol officers for a variety of reasons, including educating community members or potential Idaho Falls police officers about policing in Idaho Falls. Ride-alongs are approved on a case-by-case basis depending on the availability/capacity of patrol officers and a number of other factors. Riders are required to follow rules, guidelines, and all directions given by law enforcement officers during their ride along. Ride-alongs are not guaranteed and are granted at the discretion of the department. If you are interested in participating in a ride-along with an Idaho Falls Police Officer, please submit your information through the form below, carefully reading all sections. An IFPD staff member will be in touch soon.

Idaho Falls Police Ride-Along Request Form

  1. All information is required. All applicants will be required to provide a legal photo I.D. both at the time of application and at the time of the ride-along. Applicants may be required to sign a physical copy of the waiver prior to the ride-along.

  2. The Ride-Along Program is available on most days of the week, with certain exceptions. The ride-along times are from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Exceptions to this schedule may be made as approved by the Chief of Police, Bureau Commander, or Shift Lieutenant.*

    Please indicate your general availability:

  3. Guidelines for Participation

    Read the following rules for your participation carefully.  Any false information on any part of the Waiver or Application will disqualify you from participation in the Ride-Along program.  

    The physical safety of the observer is of utmost importance.  Therefore, when responding to calls, host officers will weigh potential hazards.  In high-risk situations such as firearms calls, the observer will be let out of the patrol car at a safe distance. In violent situations such as fights, disturbances, and family disputes, the observer will be instructed to stay in the patrol vehicle, unless otherwise directed. 

    1. You will only ride during the approved time and with the approval of the shift supervisor.
    2. You will follow the directions of the host officer.
    3. You will not wear a uniform, display a badge, or patch.
    4. You will not record in any way, the law enforcement activities you observe.
    5. You will not carry a firearm or weapon of any kind.
    6. You will not become involved in any investigation, handling of evidence, discussions with victims or suspects or handling any police equipment.
    7. The ride-along may be terminated at any time and the officer may return you to your home or to the station if you interfere with the performance of the officer’s duties.
    8. You may be allowed to continue riding during the transportation and booking process provided this does not jeopardize your safety.
    9. Officers will not allow you to be present in any residences or situations that would jeopardize your safety or cause undue stress or embarrassment to a victim or any other citizen. 
    10. Under no circumstance shall a civilian ride-along be permitted to enter a private residence with an officer without the expressed consent of the resident or other authorized person.
    11. You should be prepared for unpredictable circumstances or the need to exit the patrol vehicle.
    12. Any person approved to ride along is required to be suitably dressed.  Sandals, hats, T-shirts, tank tops, shorts and ripped or torn blue jeans are not permitted.  The Shift Lieutenant or field supervisor may refuse a ride along to anyone not properly dressed.

    Only observers who are full-time employees of an Idaho or Federal law enforcement agency or Level II or above Idaho Reserve Police Officers may carry a weapon during the ride along.  Any other person riding in the patrol vehicle WILL NOT carry any weapon of any type.  Law Enforcement observers who are carrying a weapon MUST carry the weapon concealed and will only use the weapon under the direction of the host or other officers on scene.  Law enforcement officers carrying a weapon will notify the host officer that they are carrying a weapon prior to starting the ride-along. 

  4. In case of emergency, including but not limited to injury or death, please notify:
  5. Please read the following carefully.

    I understand and agree with the above guidelines. I give my permission for law enforcement, emergency response, and medical personnel to make life saving decisions on my behalf if I cannot demonstrate the ability to make those decisions for myself. 

    I verify that I have full knowledge of the risks and dangers involved in riding along with a police officer.  If my application to ride along with an Idaho Falls Police Officer is approved by the Shift Commander on duty, I agree to Indemnify and Hold Harmless the City of Idaho Falls, the Idaho Falls Police Department, and their employees from all injuries, claims and liabilities suffered by me or arising out of my participation in the ride-along program. 

  6. Electronic Signature Agreement
    By checking the "I agree" box below, you agree and acknowledge that 1) your application will not be signed in the sense of a traditional paper document, 2) by signing in this alternate manner, you authorize your electronic signature to be valid and binding upon you to the same force and effect as a handwritten signature, and 3) you may still be required to provide a traditional signature at a later date.
  7. Leave This Blank:

  8. This field is not part of the form submission.