Community member Ride-Along Program

The Milwaukie Police Department offers a community member ride-along program that provides an opportunity for residents to observe the law-enforcement function first hand. The Ride-Along Program is offered to city residents, students, and those employed within the City of Milwaukie.

The purpose of a community member ride-along program is to allow civilians to observe the variety of duties law-enforcement officers perform. Observers are encouraged to ask their host police officer questions related to law-enforcement, community interaction, and what skills are required to successfully gain employment in law-enforcement related careers.

The Ride-Along Program is available on most days of the week. Generally, ride-along times spots are available between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 P.M. Exceptions to this schedule may be approved by the Chief of Police, Watch Commander, Patrol Sergeant, or the ride-along scheduling supervisor. Usually, the ride-along is for a specified 4-hour time slot.

Interested persons must fill out a Ride-Along Request Form and Waiver available during daytime business hours (Mon.-Fri.) at the reception desk of the Milwaukie Public Safety Building, 3200 SE Harrison Street, Milwaukie, Oregon 97222. Once the form has been completed and returned, the scheduling supervisor will forward the request to an assigned patrol officer.

Every attempt will be made to accommodate those interested in the ride-along experience, however relevant safety concerns may disqualify applicants. The following factors may be considered in disqualifying an applicant and not limited to: under 15 years of age; prior criminal history; pending criminal action; pending lawsuit against the department; denial by any supervisor. All applicants are subject to a criminal history check and DMV records check prior to an approval of the ride-along request.

Once approved, the civilian observer will be allowed to participate no more than once every six months. Exceptions to this would apply to police cadets, RSVP, Chaplains, police reserves, police applicants, and all others with the approval of the Patrol Sergeant. Civilian observers are required to be suitably dressed in clean clothing, examples of which can include collared shirt, blouse or jacket, slacks and flat-heeled shoes.

Sandals, T-shirts, tank tops, shorts and ripped or torn blue jeans are not permitted. The assigned patrol officer or supervisor may refuse a ride-along to anyone not properly dressed. All civilian observer participants must follow all directions given by the host police officer. The observer must not interfere with the performance of the officer’s duties.

Any violation of the ride-along rules/regulations may terminate the ride at any time. No audio, video, picture, recording, or other digital reproduction may be made by any ride along candidate at any time without the express consent of the Chief of Police or their designee. For additional information about this program, contact the ride-along scheduling supervisor at 503-786-7400. You may also send e-mail correspondence to Police@MilwaukieOregon.Gov in care of ride-along scheduling supervisor.