Citizen Ride-Along Program
To promote a better understanding of its mission and operation, the Wilson’s Mills Police Department permits citizens to ride in police vehicles as a passenger/observer.
Interested in the Wilson’s Mills Police Department Ride Along Program?
- Riders must be 18 years old or older. The exception is for Police Explorers, Scouts or similar mentoring organizations at the discretion of the Chief of Police.
- Any participant under age 18 needs a parent’s or guardian’s permission and is limited to the day shift.
- Participants must be able to pass a background check. Riders will be denied if they have prior criminal felony charges or any serious misdemeanor charges.
- Each Ride Along is typically 3-5 hours and is limited to one participant per vehicle.
- No Ride Along participant is authorized to operate any Town or police equipment, including vehicles and firearms, assist in any investigative activity or utilize any communication devices (except in the event of extreme emergency).
- Failure to comply with the directives of Officers or disobeying rules and guidelines will result in early termination of the Ride Along.
- Officers will educate participants on expected behavior.
- Each participant must read and complete a liability waiver.
- Officers may request additional screening as they deem necessary.
- Any supervisor or officer may evaluate participant applicants before the ride and may make approval or denial decisions at any time.
- Suitable dress and good personal hygiene are required. Riders should wear comfortable, casual attire, which includes neat jeans, khakis or dress pants and collared shirts, turtlenecks and sweaters.
- Participants may not carry weapons of any sort during the Ride Along.
- Any applicant who is not approved for the Ride Along program will be notified at the earliest convenience.
Want to learn more?
Contact: Lt. Billy Hilliard
Email: bhilliard@wilsonsmillsnc.org
Phone: 919-938-3885 (ext. 230)