CONNECT with the City
Ride-Along Request
The San Diego Police Department offers community members the opportunity to ride with an SDPD officer to learn firsthand what it takes to be a police officer.
You will be required to select the Police Division (police station) assigned to your neighborhood or business. If you do not know your police station, please find it on the map of police stations before you fill out the form.
NOTE: By submitting this form, you are signing a release of liability and consent for a background check prior to entering secured facilities.
Things to Know
What shifts are available?
First Watch: 6 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Second Watch: 2 p.m. – midnight
Third Watch: 9 p.m. – 7 a.m.
How long is the ride-along?
SDPD officers work 10-hour shifts. You can choose to stay the entire duration of a shift or for only a few hours. When scheduling your ride-along, you can let the officer know what you prefer, or you can let them know the day of.
We request all ride-alongs to begin at the start of the selected shift.
What happens during a police ride-along?
During your ride-along, you will sit alongside an officer to learn some of what they do every day to help protect the City of San Diego. You and your assigned officer will respond to calls for service that range from mental health calls to felonious crimes.
Officers are required to turn on their Body-Worn Cameras for all potential enforcement actions and transports. Please note that you may be captured on that footage.
The officer you're riding with will explain the various aspects of each of the calls you are responding to or other factors related to the job that you may not have known before.
What should I wear?
Dress in semi-casual to business casual clothing. Your clothes should be clean and neat. SDPD interacts with a diverse population throughout our city, so avoid any clothing that may contain logos or sayings that express political views or could be deemed offensive.
Dress for the weather. You may be outside for a large amount of time on a call, so depending on the time of year, plan accordingly for hot or cold temperatures or exposure to sun or rain.
Wear comfortable shoes that you can stand or walk in for a longer period.
What should I bring?
Bring an open mind and a positive attitude. Bring water and non-perishable snacks. Depending on how busy the shift is, there may not be an opportunity to stop for a meal.
What should I not do?
Please do not interfere with officers while they are performing their duties. The officer will be happy to answer any questions afterward. Your officer may provide further instructions to you before you begin your ride-along.
Follow all directions provided by the officer. This is for your safety.