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Mountain View Police Department
1000 Villa Street
Mountain View, CA 94041
650/903-6344
Directions & Map
Hours
General Business:
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Mon.-Fri.)
Walk-in Crime Reports:
7 a.m. - 7 p.m. (7 days)
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You might imagine that a police ride-along would be the thrill of a lifetime—sirens wailing, driving down El Camino at 102 mph and watching people point guns at each other. Fortunately, we live in a relatively safe community, rather than an action movie.
A ride-along usually offers a quieter adventure, more likely to include driving through peaceful neighborhoods, taking reports on stolen property, routine traffic stops and making sure inebriated citizens get home safely. Nevertheless, most riders have a lot of fun.
A ride-along gives you first-hand experience in the daily duties of our officers. It's also a great opportunity to ask questions, discuss a future career in law enforcement, or get to know a member of the force. You'll learn a lot about an officer's job and your community.
Rules & Instructions
Before You Arrive- Neat appearance & dress.
- No cameras or recording equipment.
- No weapons of any kind.
- Furnish your own transportation to/from MVPD.
- If you can't make appointment, call to cancel.
On the Ride-along- Always wear seat belts.
- Silence cell phones & pagers.
- Obey officer's instructions.
- Do not distract officer when s/he is busy.
- Do not leave car, unless officer gives permission.
- All info & names overheard are confidential.
- Do not become involved in incidents.
- Don't touch equipment, unless officer gives permission.
- Be sensitive to people in distress.
| | Ride-along Schedule
Mondays 8 a.m.
Tuesdays 4 p.m.
Wednesdays 9 p.m.
Thursdays 4 p.m.
Fridays 7 p.m.
Saturdays 8 p.m.
Sundays 8 a.m.
No date is guaranteed.
How do I sign up?
Allow 3 weeks.- Fill out Police Ride-Along Request.
- You must sign application waiver. Under 18? Parent or guardian signs.
- Mail or deliver application to:
Ride-alongs
Mountain View Police Department
1000 Villa Street
Mountain View, CA 94041 - We will contact you with a date & time.
Questions?
Jennifer Crist
650/903-6186
More Police Contacts |
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Can I do a police ride-along with K9 or SWAT?
Ride-alongs are not allowed with K9 units, or on SWAT callouts. If you'd like to ride with an officer who was formerly a K9 handler or is a member of the SWAT team, you can request it. However, it cannot be guaranteed, because we don't know in advance how we'll need to assign our officers.
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Can I do a police ride-along with my friend?
If your friend is an MVPD officer, you can request a ride-along with him or her, but it's not guaranteed. When the time comes, in-progress incidents can mandate changes. If your friend is not an officer, he or she will have to go separately. Only one rider is allowed per car.
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Can my police ride-along begin with the officer picking me up at my house?
No. Officers taking riders are on patrol and have assignments to complete. All ride-alongs begin and end at the police station, except in emergency situations.
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During my police ride-along, will I become a key witness? Or help solve cases?
You are only an observer and should never make any attempt to become part of the police work. Occaisionally, you might be asked about something you saw. It is theoretically possible that you could become a witness and, later, be asked to testify.
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How long are police ride-alongs?
Typically, they're 4 hours long, but sometimes ride-alongs have to end early or run late. In an emergency situation, it could become necessary for an officer to leave a rider at a safe place, so he or she can handle an incident that may not be safe for a passenger. In this case, the department will make arrangements to pick up the passenger as soon as possible.
If you wish to end a ride-along early, just tell your officer. S/he will drop you off at the police station as soon as possible.
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Should I bring anything on my police ride-along?
You should bring your California driver's license or ID. A notepad, if you wish to take notes. Money for coffee can be useful, but not all ride-alongs include a coffee break. You will want to dress appropriately for changes in the weather.
There are also items which you should not bring: any sort of weapon, including guns, knives or pepper spray. The officer escorting you will be responsible for your safety. Cell phones and pagers must be in silent mode.
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What happens on a police ride-along?
When a ride-along begins, officers usually give a brief overview of his or her job and the vehicle and equipment. If assigned to a beat, he or she may tell you about the beat.
You'll be sitting in the front of the police car. If you have any medical or other concerns, please tell the officer at the beginning of the ride-along.
Next, your officer goes on patrol and does his or her everyday job--everything from traffic stops, to responding to calls for service, spending time with community members, and searching for wanted subjects.
Questions are encouraged, with two caveats. First, wait until the officer is not busy. Second, ask them when no one else is present, because some questions can annoy or distress people involved in the incident.
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What should I wear for my police ride-along?
You should have a neat appearance and dress. Clothes should be comfortable. You may wish to wear layers for possible changes in the weather. You may wish to apply sunscreen. You may be outside for long periods of time.
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When and where do I go for my police ride-along?
Because there may be papers to sign, please arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled ride-along time. Go to the police department at 1000 Villa St. Check in at the front desk. You may have to wait for 10-20 minutes, if there are urgent matters affecting the shift transition.
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Who can go on a police ride-along?
Anyone 14 years old or older, who lives, works or attends school in Mountain View, or is an applicant for a position with MVPD. You must also have no outstanding warrants and no felony convictions. A criminal history check will be run before the ride-along.
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Will I be able to get out of the car during my police ride-along?
This depends entirely upon the kinds of calls. Do not get out of the car unless told you may by your escorting officer. He or she may be aware of safety considerations that you are unaware of.
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