Police Ride-Along Program

The Fargo Police Department offers the opportunity for individuals to ride-along with a police officer during a normal tour of duty, and experience an officer's day-to-day duties and responsibilities.

Criminal justice students, and those interested in a career in law enforcement, have found it particularly useful. The Ride-Along program fosters a better understanding of the challenges, hazards and rewards of a police officer's role in the community.
The following outlines the eligibility and application requirements for a ride-along as well as some of the program rules and guidelines.

Eligibility

The Fargo Police Department ride-along program is offered to residents, students, and those employed within the City of Fargo. The Department shall make reasonable efforts to accommodate interested persons; however, the Department may deny requests and may disqualify any applicant without cause from participating in the program. Participants are generally allowed to ride no more than once every six months.

Factors that shall prohibit an applicant include, but are not limited to:

• Being under 18 years of age.
• Being a convicted felon, convicted of a misdemeanor offense of domestic violence or otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm by state or federal law.
• Currently on state or federal probation or parole.
• Currently a registered sex offender.
• Currently the subject of any pending criminal action in municipal, state or federal court.
• Prior criminal history that indicates violence, narcotics or other behavior that may affect the safety of the officer or other member conducting the ride-along.
• Currently has a pending lawsuit with The City or personnel complaint with the Department.

Availability

The ride-along program is available any day of the week. The ride-along times are restricted to no more than four (4) consecutive hours. Exceptions to this schedule may be made as approved by the Shift Commander.

Procedure to Request a Ride-Along

• The participant shall complete and sign a ride-along waiver form. Information requested shall include a copy of a valid photo driver’s license or state-issued identification card, address, date of birth and telephone number.
• Except as otherwise provided for in this policy, all ride-along applicants who are not sworn law enforcement officers are subject to a criminal history check. Applicants shall obtain the record check at their cost and prior to participating in a ride-along. Criminal history checks shall be obtained electronically through the FBI database at: Criminal History Check - FBI Database. A copy of the background check should be provided at the time of application.

Other Rules and Requirements

• Any person authorized to ride-along with an on-duty sworn officer or civilian member shall be attentive and courteous at all times. The person shall follow all lawful instructions provided to them by any member of the Department. Failure to comply with this requirement shall be sufficient cause for the Department member conducting the ride-along or the Shift Commander to immediately dismiss the person from accompanying an officer or civilian employee.
• Any person approved to ride-along is required to wear a department-provided ballistic vest. A vest shall be provided for use to participants at the time of the ride along.
• Any person approved for a ride-along should be suitably dressed in appropriate attire. Business casual or professional attire is preferred. However, blue jeans, tennis shoes and other casual attire is acceptable. Clothing shall be free of offensive words, logos or graphics, and in good repair. Ride-along participants shall dress to be outside for short or extended periods in a variety of weather conditions.
• Smoking, vaping or the use of other tobacco products is not permitted in any police facility, motor vehicle or while participating in the Ride-Along Program.
• Weapons: In accordance with Policy 405, Section 405.2.4, except currently certified law enforcement officers or participants specifically authorized by the Chief of Police, ride-along participants shall not possess any firearm or other dangerous weapon during the ride-along, regardless of status or ability to otherwise lawfully possess or carry any such firearm or dangerous weapon.
• Approved ride-along applicants will be contacted to confirm the status of the ride-along request either by phone or by email. Applicants who have not received confirmation from the FPD within 72 hours of the requested date/time shall call 701-241-8175 to confirm their ride-along status.
• Failure to adhere to these rules and guidelines and all Ride-Along Program Policy directives shall result in the immediate termination of the Ride-Along participation.

Ride-Along Application