What to Bring (and Not Bring) on a Columbia County Sheriff's Ride-Along
A ride-along goes smoother when you show up with the right ID, dress appropriately, and leave restricted items at home. Use this checklist to avoid delays or getting turned away.
Bring a valid government-issued ID and have it ready to present. Forget it (or can't produce it when asked), and your ride-along will likely be delayed or canceled on the spot.
Have an emergency contact number and any confirmation details for your ride-along date and time on hand. You may never need them, but they make check-in and last-minute questions a lot easier.
You'll be out in public alongside a deputy, so proper clothing and appearance are mandatory. Dress neatly and in a way that won't draw attention or create problems during the shift.
- ✓ No sweatshirts
- ✓ No shorts
- ✓ No T-shirts
- ✓ No ripped or torn clothing
- ✓ No apparel with obscene slogans
Not sure what counts as "proper"? Stick with clean, conservative basics: a collared shirt or plain top, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. You'll appreciate the comfortable footwear during a long shift.
You may not carry weapons of any type during the ride-along unless the watch commander has preapproved it. If something you normally carry could fall into that category, get clear approval ahead of time. Trying to explain it at check-in won't go well.
- ✓ Mace or pepper spray
- ✓ Batons or clubs
- ✓ Stun guns (Tasers)
- ✓ Handcuffs
- ✓ Radios
- ✓ Scanners
- ✓ Any audio or video recording equipment
Once the ride-along starts, stay in the patrol vehicle unless a deputy tells you otherwise. Follow directions promptly. Don't assume you can step out for any reason without being told to do so.
Safety rule: Do not handle or use any of the deputy's equipment, or any equipment inside the patrol vehicle.
Quick Checklist Printable
- ✓ Bring positive government-issued identification and be ready to present it at the time of the ride-along
- ✓ Dress with proper clothing and appearance (required)
- ✓ Do not wear sweatshirts
- ✓ Do not wear shorts
- ✓ Do not wear T-shirts
- ✓ Do not wear ripped or torn clothing
- ✓ Do not wear apparel with obscene slogans
- ✓ Do not carry weapons of any type unless preapproved by the watch commander
- ✓ Do not bring mace or pepper spray
- ✓ Do not bring batons or clubs
- ✓ Do not bring stun guns (Tasers)
- ✓ Do not bring handcuffs
- ✓ Do not bring radios or scanners
- ✓ Do not bring any audio or video recording equipment
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