How to apply and prepare for a Ride-Along at Columbia County Sheriff’s Office

You'll need to complete two forms: the Ride-Along application and the Waiver, Release and Indemnification. Both must be finished and returned to the Sheriff's Office before you can participate. Under 18? There are extra hoops. Minors can only participate if they're enrolled in a school or youth law enforcement–type program and have a recommendation letter from the program director. That letter goes in with your application, and all minor ride-alongs require approval from the Sheriff or the Sheriff's designee. One more thing to keep in mind: the program is popular, so you're limited to one Ride-Along per calendar year.

• ✓ Completed Ride-Along application (returned before you ride)
• ✓ Completed Waiver, Release and Indemnification (returned before you ride)
• ✓ Positive ID you can present at the time of the Ride-Along

The Waiver, Release and Indemnification is a legal document. When you sign it, you're agreeing to waive, release, and discharge claims against Columbia County and related officials connected to your Ride-Along. You're also agreeing to indemnify the parties listed in the waiver under the terms described in the form.

Watch for the execution sections: the waiver includes an applicant signature block and a notary acknowledgment block. These need to be completed when you sign, so don't leave them blank if the form requires them for submission.

For minors, a parent or legal guardian must sign the minor consent/waiver portion. That signature confirms the parent/guardian has read the waiver and is signing voluntarily, with the intent that it's binding on the minor and the family. The signature is just one piece. Minors also need to be enrolled in a school/youth law enforcement–type program, submit a recommendation letter from the program director, and get approval from the Sheriff or the Sheriff's designee before riding.

Bring positive identification on ride day. The application asks for your driver license number and issuing state, so have that info handy when you fill out the form.

Once your application is approved, you'll be assigned to a patrol deputy. That deputy will reach out to schedule your date and time. You can request a specific deputy, but the Sheriff has final say on assignments. If your request can't be honored, you'll still be scheduled - just with whoever is assigned through the program.

Plan for about eight (8) hours.

Dress and Prohibited Items

• ✓ Sweatshirts
• ✓ Shorts
• ✓ T-shirts
• ✓ Ripped or torn clothing
• ✓ Apparel with obscene slogans

• ✓ Weapons of any type (including Mace/pepper spray, batons or clubs, and stun guns/Tasers) unless pre-approved by the watch commander
• ✓ Handcuffs
• ✓ Radios
• ✓ Scanners
• ✓ Any audio/video recording equipment of any type

Stay in the patrol vehicle unless a deputy tells you otherwise. If you're told to stay put, that's a hard rule - your safety and the deputy's ability to do their job depend on it.

You’re there to observe, not participate. You must not become involved in any incident the deputy is handling, and that includes discussing an incident with victims, witnesses, or suspects.

Don't touch or use any of the deputy's equipment or anything in the patrol vehicle. You also can't bring handcuffs, radios, scanners, or any audio/video recording equipment with you.

Your Ride-Along can be ended early if you become unruly, don’t follow instructions, or if you distract or impede the deputy from performing their duties. If something feels tense or fast-moving, the safest move is to stay quiet, stay seated, and follow directions immediately.

Practical Checklist

• ✓ Completed Ride-Along application returned to the Sheriff’s Office before you ride
• ✓ Signed Waiver, Release and Indemnification (this waives claims and includes an indemnification agreement)
• ✓ Waiver signature and notary acknowledgment blocks completed as required when the waiver is executed
• ✓ If the participant is a minor: parent/legal guardian signed consent/waiver acknowledging it’s binding on the minor and family
• ✓ If the participant is a minor: proof you’re enrolled in a school/youth law enforcement–type program and a recommendation letter from the program director included with the application
• ✓ Positive identification ready to present at the time of the Ride-Along
• ✓ Plan around the one Ride-Along per calendar year limit

1. Confirm your scheduled date and time - the assigned patrol deputy will contact you to set this.
2. Ask about the deputy assignment - you may request a specific patrol deputy, but the Sheriff has final approval authority.
3. Verify the expected length - plan for approximately eight (8) hours.
4. Clarify any day-of instructions - the deputy will provide any additional information when they contact you to schedule.