Southport Police Department Ride Along Form

• You are welcome to apply for a ride-along by reading, completing, and signing both sides of this Ride-Along Request from. You must be at least 18 years of age.

• Return this form to the district office where you want to ride at least two weeks in advance of your requested date. Call the district you have requested to check the status of your request 24 hours in advance.

• As a part of this program, you agree to undergo a comprehensive police records check.

• Your basic role as a rider is to:
  • Remain in or return to the police vehicle in dangerous or sensitive situation’s, i.e., homicides, sex crimes, death investigations, etc.
  • Comply with all directions given by a police officer;
  • Do not operate equipment, unless an officer’s safety is an issue or you receive an officer’s permission
  • Be an observer. Do not become involved verbally or physically unless the officer’s safety is an issue or you are directed to do so. The City of Southport will not be liable for a ride-along’s unauthorized intervention.
  • No civilian rider or media personnel will be invited by a Southport Police Department officer into or onto the private property of a citizen. If a rider or the media wishes to enter the private property of another, the rider or media must ask for and receive permission from the owner or person in charge of the property. Officers cannot permit unauthorized persons to trespass in or on another’s property.
• Appropriate civilian clothing required, i.e., no jeans, shorts, sweatshirts, tee shirts.
  • Males: Dress slacks, shirt with collar
  • Females: Dress slacks or skirt, blouse or sweater

• Carrying of firearms prohibited, unless currently ILEA certified.

• The personal safety of the officer and SOPD’s responsibilities to the community will be considered at all times.  Therefore, an officer may terminate your ride-along at any time without explanation or advance notice.  In addition, if emergency circumstances dictate, you may be dropped off at the safest location feasible in the field.

I (“Rider”) request permission of the City of Southport, Southport Police Department, and its officers (“City”) to ride along with an officer in a City-owned police vehicle. The Rider recognizes and acknowledges the inherent risk in riding in a police vehicle and voluntarily assumes such risk. The Rider recognizes and acknowledges that no insurance is provided by the City, either for property damage or personal injury that may be sustained as a result of riding in a police vehicle.

 In consideration of the mutual promises and covenants of the parties, the above-named Rider hereby acknowledges and assumes the risk of riding in the City vehicle and hereby releases, discharges, and acquits the City, its representatives, employees, agents, and officials, of any liability for damages of any nature or description that may result from riding in the City vehicle.  The Rider further warrants and agrees that no action of any nature shall be filed, maintained, or litigated against the City, its representatives, employees, agents, or officials, resulting from such ride-along.

In consideration of the above covenants and warrants, and at the express request of the Rider, and relying solely and completely upon the Rider’s covenants and warranties, the City grants the Rider the privilege of riding along with an officer in a City-owned vehicle.

It is understood that this covenant not to sue shall not operate to release any claim these parties may have against any third person, persons, or corporations, responsible for any such damage, injury to, or death of the undersigned individual.

I hereby acknowledge that I have read and fully understand the terms and conditions of this statement