Citizen Ride Along

Instructions and Waiver

The Leon County Sheriff's Office encourages community interest and involvement in the law enforcement process and allows citizens to ride as observers in Sheriff's Office patrol vehicles. Persons wishing to ride as observers must follow the protocol established below to ensure their safety and the safety of our deputies. Observers must be at least 18 years of age, to participate (except for LCSO Explorers). 

If you are interested in participating as an observer, please submit your application via email at LCSO.RideAlong@leoncountyfl.gov or in person to 2825 Major James Morgan, Jr, Way.  After completing the Ride-Along Application and the notarized FDLE Background Waiver, submit the application packet no less than ten (10) business days before your desired ride-along date. A comprehensive background check will be conducted. 

After background processing, prospective participants will be emailed instructions to complete a Security Awareness course because of the CJI (Criminal Justice Information) you will be exposed to while in the vehicle with the Deputy. This course can be completed from any computer, tablet, or device with a connection to the internet. Once the course is completed and the prospective participant is approved, the Ride-Along Coordinator will schedule your Ride-Along. 

Media Request

Anyone requesting a ride-along affiliated with a media outlet needs to contact the agency Public Information Officer (PIO). The on-call PIO can be reached at (850) 606-3303 However, the same process will apply to members of the media.

Ride Along Requirements

  • Be at least 18 years of age (except LCSO Explorers) and
  • Pass a background/criminal history check and
  • Compete the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Awareness Training.
  • Sign a Waiver/Liability Form

Ride Along Disqualifications

  • Subject of an active criminal investigation or prosecution.
  • Convicted of a felony.
  • Convicted of a misdemeanor involving perjury or a false statement.
  • Charged with a felony in the past five years.
  • Previously Baker Acted.
  • Show up emitting an odor of an alcoholic beverage or appearing to be under the influence of controlled substances.
  • Showing up in inappropriate attire.

Day of Your Ride Along:

  • Come dressed in pants, closed-toe shoes, and a comfortable shirt. (Not permitted attire includes shorts, tee-shirts, flip flops, heels, ripped jeans, or overly revealing clothing.)
  • Arrive at the Leon County Sheriff’s Office Administrative Building located at 2825 Major James Morgan, Jr. Way, 30 minutes before your scheduled ride.
  • Have your driver’s license or government issued identification card.  

Arrival Time                    Ride Time                  

6:30 AM ET*                    7:00 AM ET                                      

5:30 PM ET*                    6:00 PM ET

*When you arrive the LCSO main lobby will be closed. Please be advised that you must click on the buzzer to the left of the main entry door. Someone will be out momentarily to welcome you.

Riding with a Deputy Sheriff

  • You will be prohibited from assisting in criminal interrogations, chasing fleeing subjects, or physical confrontations involving arrests.
  • You will not exit the vehicle except upon specific instructions from the Deputy with whom you are riding.
  • You must not carry firearms, regardless of weapons permit possession. Exemptions include sworn law enforcement officers with jurisdiction in Leon County after notification and approval by the Watch Commander.

Ride-Along Application and FDLE Background Waiver 

Please direct any questions about ride-along to (850) 606-3300 (normal business hours) or LCSO.RideAlong@leoncountyfl.gov

 

Login