25-068 Ride-Along Policy and Procedures
Department Notice
This document is not an official representation of the published policy. To access the official signed policy, please contact us at [email protected].
The purpose of this notice is to set policy and procedures regarding the San Francisco Police Department's (SFPD) Ride-Along program.
The SFPD encourages civilians to participate in a Ride-Along with the Police Department to familiarize them with the daily operations of the Department.
The Ride-Along program guidelines are as follows:
- Participants in the program must be at least 18 years old unless they are a PAL Cadet.
- Police applicants and lateral candidates are welcome to participate.
- Participants will not be permitted to ride with an officer with whom they share a familial or romantic relationship.
- A Ride-Along can be scheduled for up to 4 hours in duration unless prior written authorization has been granted for a longer time period.
- Only one Ride-Along within a six-month period is permitted, without written approved by a Deputy Chief.
- Participants may be required to show proper identification when they arrive.
- Participants must wear appropriate "business casual" attire and shall not wear clothing similar to uniforms worn by department members.
- Participants are to follow all directions given by any department employee.
- Participants cannot enter any private premise without officer approval AND consent from the owner/occupant.
- Participants may take notes during the Ride-Along. However, they shall not disclose the names of people they observe or come into contact with.
- If an officer has to respond to a potentially dangerous or hazardous call, the participant may be dropped off at a safe location away from the incident. If this occurs, the officer will provide instructions and may arrange for another police employee to pick up the participant.
- Participants may not record any audio or video or take photographs unless they have prior authorization. A cellular phone may be carried but shall not be used without an officer's permission. No posting to social media is allowed while on the ride-along.
- Media requests for profit must first be facilitated through the San Francisco Film Commission (1-415-554-6241 or [email protected]).
- All media Ride-Along requests shall be vetted through the Media Relations Unit (MRU) and approved by the Deputy Chief of Staff. The MRU will schedule media Ride-Alongs.
- Media Participants shall not disclose the names of people they come in contact with or observe without first receiving consent from the individual(s).
- The Department may impose additional conditions or restrictions not listed above.
Application Procedure:
To request a Ride-Along, participants must:
- Complete the Ride-Along Application (SFPD form 84 Rev. 4/2025)
- Provide a color copy of a valid ID
- Submit the documents to the front desk at a district station.
- Note: SFPD non-sworn employees may submit the documents through interdepartmental mail or email to the Lieutenant of the Field Operations Bureau.
Members who receive the Ride-Along application will forward the packet to the Lieutenant of the Field Operations Bureau.
If approved, the Ride-Along participant will be notified, and a request will be forwarded to the Commanding Officer ofthe district or unit. Commanding Officers should schedule the Ride-Along during days/times that will have minimal effect on police operations.
Officers conducting a Ride-Along shall also adhere to the following:
- Prior to going on patrol, notify DEM that you have a Ride-Along.
- The officer has discretion to leave a Ride-Along at the station or a safe location when responding to a call for service the officers believe poses an unreasonable risk. In the event the Ride-Along is left at a safe location, the officer shall make arrangements for the individual to be picked up and returned to the station.
- Officers shall not engage in any vehicle pursuits during a Ride-Along.
- Officers shall not transport a prisoner during a Ride-Along.
- Officers shall not allow a Ride-Along to enter a known crime scene.
- Officers shall not allow a Ride-Along to be present for the booking process at county jail or a mental health detention at the hospital, unless prior approval was given.
- Officers may discontinue a Ride-Along, with a supervisor's approval, at any time.
SFPD form 84 and 84a have been updated and combined (attached). The updated SFPD form 84 can be found in the SFPD forms desktop folder and the forms section of PowerDMS.
/s/
PAUL YEP
Interim Chief of Police
Per DN 23-152, all sworn & non-sworn members shall electronically acknowledge this Department document in PowerDMS within (30) thirty calendar days of issuance. Members whose duties are relevant to this document shall be held responsible for compliance. Any questions regarding this policy should be sent to [email protected] who will provide additional information.
