Ride-Along Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish clear guidelines for allowing citizens, law enforcement officers, and authorized personnel to participate in ride-along observations with Crime Trackers Massachusetts (CTM) staff.

Ride-alongs promote transparency, community engagement, and professional collaboration while maintaining safety and operational integrity.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • Citizens participating in ride-alongs
  • Law enforcement officers participating in ride-alongs
  • CTM operational personnel hosting ride-alongs
  • Supervisory and executive staff responsible for approvals

3. Eligibility

A. Citizens

  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Complete a written application and consent form
  • Pass a basic background check for safety and security
  • Agree to abide by all CTM policies during the ride-along

B. Law Enforcement Officers

  • Must provide agency identification and authorization
  • Complete required CTM orientation prior to ride-along
  • Comply with CTM operational protocols while accompanying staff

4. Ride-Along Application & Approval

  • Prospective participants must submit a Ride-Along Request Form at least 7 business days prior to the scheduled ride
  • The request shall be reviewed and approved by a CTM supervisor or designated executive
  • CTM reserves the right to deny participation without explanation to maintain safety and operational security

5. Conduct During Ride-Along

  • Participants must follow all instructions provided by CTM staff
  • Participants may observe, take notes, and ask questions when appropriate, but shall not interfere with operations
  • No recording or photographing is permitted without prior written authorization
  • Participants must maintain confidentiality regarding all sensitive information, including incident details, data, and personnel interactions
  • Any violation of rules may result in immediate termination of the ride-along and potential ban from future participation

6. Safety & Liability

  • Participants must wear seat belts and follow vehicle safety protocols at all times
  • CTM personnel will provide an orientation on safety procedures and emergency protocols before departure
  • CTM assumes no responsibility for personal injury resulting from unsafe behavior by participants
  • Liability waivers must be signed by all participants prior to ride-along

7. Duration & Scheduling

  • Ride-alongs are generally limited to a single shift unless otherwise authorized
  • Scheduling is at the discretion of CTM staff and based on operational capacity and safety considerations

8. Confidentiality & Data Security

  • All incident details, operational protocols, and organizational data observed during ride-alongs are strictly confidential
  • Participants must sign a Confidentiality Agreement prior to participation
  • Unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information may result in legal or civil consequences

9. Supervisor Responsibilities

  • Review and approve ride-along requests
  • Provide orientation and briefing on safety, confidentiality, and conduct expectations
  • Ensure the participant adheres to all policies during the ride-along
  • Document completion of the ride-along and any notable incidents

10. Policy Review

This policy shall be reviewed annually to ensure safety, operational integrity, and compliance with best practices and applicable laws.

This policy aligns with Training & Certification, Incident Intake, Risk Management, and Confidentiality Policies to ensure safe and transparent ride-along experiences for both CTM staff and participants.