Citizen Ride-Along Program

The Dublin Police Citizen Ride-Along Program encourages community involvement in the law enforcement process and allows interested citizens and students to ride as passenger observers with patrol officers.*

Members of the City of Dublin residential or business community wishing to participate in the Ride-Along Program must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age or 16 years old with parental consent
  • Not have a suspended or revoked driver's license from the Department of Motor Vehicles
  • Not have any outstanding warrants for their arrest
Applicants shall apply at least two weeks in advance of the ride-along date so records checks and scheduling can be accommodated.

Please Note: That participants might observe occurrences or activities during the ride-along which may require them to submit a written statement and/or testify in court at a later time.

How to Apply for the Citizen Ride-Along Program

If you wish to participate in this program, print out and complete the Citizen Ride-Along Application Packet. If you are under the age of 18 and over the age of 16, you must obtain signed permission from your parent or legal guardian and provide proof of your age (driver's license or birth certificate) before you will be allowed to ride. You must submit your application during normal business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) at the offices of Dublin Police Services located at:
6361 Clark Avenue
Dublin, CA 94568

Program Rules & Guidelines

  • All participants in the Ride-Along Program must read, agree, and abide by all rules and guidelines and complete the Ride-Along Application prior to the ride-along.
  • Submitting a request does not guarantee ride-along approval.
  • The date and shift requested by the applicant shall be accommodated when possible within preference guidelines.
  • Participants will be given a tour of Dublin Police Services. Please do not handle equipment, reports, or go into files or records, as many of our files are confidential. They must remain that way if we are to maintain our integrity, as well as the integrity of those persons we arrest.
  • Participants shall be considered observers only and shall be under the direct supervision of the assigned officer during the ride-along.
  • Participants shall conduct themselves in a civil and courteous manner at all times.
  • Participants must wear their seat belts at all times while in the patrol car.
  • Participants must remain in the patrol car unless instructed to leave by an officer.
  • In the case of a potentially dangerous or hazardous call, participants may be dropped off at a safe location. If this occurs, the officer will give the participant specific instructions and arrange for transportation from another officer.
    Please note: This is for the rider's safety.
  • Participants must not become involved in any incident the officer is handling. This includes discussions of an incident with victims, witnesses, or suspects.
  • No tape recordings, cameras, or similar devices are allowed without prior approval from the Chief of Police or his designee.
  • For security and safety reasons, participants are not allowed to handle or use any of the officer's equipment or the equipment in the patrol vehicle.
  • We hope that you will ask the officer questions when you do not understand why he or she takes a particular action. Questions should be asked at an appropriate time and must not interfere with the officer's duties or citizen's problems.

Attire During the Ride-Along

The officer with whom you ride takes considerable time and effort in preparing for duty. Your appearance while riding reflects upon the officer and this department. Since our department serves all members of the community, we would appreciate you taking a conservative approach in considering your attire while riding.

Please wear neat, clean, appropriate clothing.  Shorts, sweat suits or jogging suits, tank tops, halter tops, or clothing which is torn, soiled, or displays offensive language or symbols will not be allowed.  Please do not wear jeans or inappropriate adornments.

  • Females: A blouse or sweater and skirt are acceptable; however, we recommend wearing slacks.
  • Males: Slacks and a sport shirt are acceptable; however, a tie and shirt or sport coat is preferred.
Note: Failure to comply with any of the above listed rules and guidelines will result in the immediate termination of the ride-along.

For more information, please contact Officer William Cowens at 925-833-6638.