Ride-Along Request

Effective immediately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will be suspending our ride-along service until further notice.

The purpose of the Iowa State University Police ride-along program is to encourage community involvement in law enforcement and to open the lines of communication within the campus community. The ride-along program promotes a better understanding of the challenges, risks, and rewards of the police officer’s role in the Iowa State community. Thinking about applying to be part of ISUPD? A ride-along is a great start!

Eligible Participants

ISU Police encourages community involvement in the law enforcement process and allows citizens and students to ride as passenger observers with patrol officers.  All persons wishing to participate in the program must be at least 18 years of age, must not currently be under a driver’s license suspension or revocation from the Department of Motor Vehicles, and have no warrants outstanding for their arrest.

Program Rules and Guidelines

• Submitting a request does not guarantee ride-along approval. Persons who have never participated in the Ride-Along Program shall be given preference over those who have.
• Participants shall be limited to one ride-along per year.
• The date and shift requested by the applicant shall be accommodated when possible within preference guidelines.
• Participants must have a valid photo ID or drivers license with them when reporting for their scheduled ride-along.
• Wear neat, clean, appropriate clothing. Shorts, sweat suits or jogging suits, tank tops, halter-tops, or clothing that is torn, soiled or displays offensive language or symbols shall not be allowed.
• Participants shall be considered observers only, and shall be under the direct supervision of the assigned officer during the ride-along.
• Participants shall conduct themselves in a civil and courteous manner at all times.
• Participants must wear their seat belts at all times while in the patrol car.
• Participants must remain in the patrol car unless instructed to leave by an officer.
• In the case of a potentially dangerous or hazardous call, participants may be dropped off at a safe location. If this occurs, the officer will give the participant specific instructions and arrange for transportation from another officer. Please note that this is for the rider’s safety.
• Participants must not become involved in any incident the officer is handling. This includes discussions of an incident with victims, witnesses, or suspects.
• No tape recordings, cameras, or similar devices are allowed without prior approval from the Chief of Police or his designee.
• For security and safety reasons, participants are not allowed to handle or use any of the officer’s equipment or the equipment in the patrol vehicle.
• All participants in the Ride-Along Program must read, agree, and abide by all rules and guidelines and complete the Ride-Along Application prior to the ride-along.