Ride-Along Program
Have you ever wanted to know what it’s like to be a cop? Here is your opportunity! Sign up to ride along with an officer.
The Marietta Police Department Ride-Along Program is offered to citizens, students, and those employed within the city. Reasonable efforts are made to accommodate interested persons, however, a participant can be disqualified without cause. Reasons for disqualifying can include (but are not limited to):
- Being under 15 years old
- Having a prior criminal history
- Pending criminal action
- Pending lawsuit against the Marietta Police Department
- Denial by any supervisor
To be a participant, pick up a Ride-Along packet at the dispatch center or click this link to print out your own copy. You must complete and sign the Ride-Along waiver form and present a valid identification card/driver’s license. You must also provide your current address and phone number. Include the date and time you prefer to ride-along and return the packet to the dispatch center. Your information will be reviewed for scheduling considerations. A representative from the police department will contact you to make further arrangements.
Once approved, civilian ride-alongs will be allowed to ride no more than once every six months unless waived by a supervisor. If multiple dates are approved, then the civilian ride-along will be rotated among different officers.
Suitable attire must be worn by the ride-along. Sandals, tank tops, shorts, skirts, and ripped/torn jeans are not permitted. A ride-along may be refused if they are dressed inappropriately.
For safety reasons a civilian participant must:
- Follow directions from the officer
- Stay inside the cruiser and not become involved in any complaints
- Not become involved in any investigations or speak to any involved parties
- Not handle any police equipment
- Not attempt to perform any type of police function
The Marietta Police Department is striving to provide a real firsthand experience of law enforcement while balancing the participant’s safety.
So, come meet some of Marietta’s Finest and sign up to ride along!!!