How to Apply for a Ride-Along with Columbia County Sheriff's Office

Applying for a ride-along with the Columbia County Sheriff's Office is straightforward once you know what to expect. Here's a step-by-step breakdown: the paperwork you'll need (including the waiver), what's different for participants under 18, how scheduling works after approval, what to bring on ride day, and where to find the right phone numbers in the application packet.

Start with the official ride-along application and complete it along with the Waiver, Release and Indemnification. The Sheriff's Office won't schedule you until they receive the full packet. That waiver matters. By signing, you agree to waive and release Columbia County and the Sheriff's Office (including officials, agents, and employees) from liability for injuries, damages, or losses connected to your participation. You're also agreeing to indemnify them. Read it carefully - if anything is unclear, get answers before you submit.

Step2 Minors

• ✓ Confirm the participant is enrolled in a school or youth law-enforcement type program.
• ✓ Include a recommendation letter from the program director with the completed application.

Even with the program enrollment and recommendation letter, minor participants face an extra step: approval by the Sheriff or the Sheriff's designee. Build in extra time for this when planning.

After your application is approved, it gets assigned to a patrol deputy. You can request a specific patrol deputy, but the Sheriff makes the final call on that assignment.

1. Wait for deputy assignment - once your application is approved, it will be assigned to a patrol deputy.
2. Watch for outreach from the deputy - the patrol deputy will contact you.
3. Set the date and time - the deputy will schedule when you’ll ride.

Plan for a full shift - the ride-along lasts approximately eight (8) hours. Clear your schedule accordingly.

The program is popular, so you're limited to one (1) ride-along per calendar year. Already participated this year? You'll need to wait until next year to apply again.

Bring positive identification on ride day. The Sheriff's Office requires it - don't let something that simple cancel your ride-along.

Before you show up, confirm your application packet (including the waiver) was completed and returned to the Sheriff's Office. Missing paperwork could prevent you from participating.

If you need to reach the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office about your application or next steps, use the contact information listed in their sworn application packet. It includes the main Administration line, the District Two Office number, and the Detention Facility number, along with the office address.