Police Department

Police Ride-Alongs

Current preference for ride-along requests will be given to those affiliated with police programs in some capacity (e.g., candidates for hire, individuals enrolled in law enforcement academic courses, officers from other jurisdictions or functions associated with SPD). Although the Spokane Police Department invites members of our community who are 18 years or older to participate in our ride-along program, due to citizen and officer safety, our ride-along policy is strictly managed. While you may request a ride-along, it may not be granted. If granted, citizens will be allowed to ride no more than once every 12 months.

Safety is the foremost consideration in approving a ride-along and while every attempt will be made to accommodate interested persons, any applicant may be disqualified without cause. To ensure the safety of the rider and the officer, those requesting a ride-along will be required to have the ability to participate in a ride-along without assistance. Physical and sensory limitations will be considered prior to granting a request for a ride-along.

In order to do a ride-along, a background check and an in-person interview will be conducted. Criminal history may be grounds for denial of a ride-along.

Due to occasional incidents that could be of high risk to you, the officer may need to drop you off in a well-lit and safe location. Every attempt will be made to find another officer to pick you up and return you to the Public Safety Building, however, that is not a guarantee. Therefore, please make arrangements for an alternate form of transportation to be available during your scheduled ride-along to be able to pick you up from the drop-off location.

Ride-along daily start times are 6 a.m., 12 p.m., and 8 p.m. (excluding holidays and days of major events such as Hoopfest, Bloomsday, etc.). Scheduling is at the discretion of the on-duty sergeant. Ride-alongs last for approximately 4 hours.

To schedule a ride-along, please complete the Request to Ride Form and forward it in an email to Officer Larry House to be processed for the scheduling of a ride-along.

Media representatives wanting to schedule a ride-along must complete the Ride-along Agreement for Media Form in addition to the Request to Ride Form prior to participating. Both completed forms must be emailed to Officer Larry House to be processed for scheduling of a ride-along.

For any additional questions, please contact Officer Larry House at 509.625.4100 or spdwebmail@spokanepolice.org.