Ride-Along

In an effort to offer citizens of Lafayette an opportunity to better understand what officers face on a daily basis, the Lafayette Police Department permit officers to have riders within certain department guidelines. The department incorporates the ride-along program into the existing Citizen's Police Academy. Through the academy, citizens will obtain the full picture of the Police Department and be able to put what they learn in the academy into the context of what an officer is experiencing on the street while serving the community.

Qualification Requirements

While we would love to offer a ride-along to all citizens of Lafayette, we do have eligibility requirements. Ride-alongs are offered to students who are interested in law enforcement AND those participating in LPD's Citizen's Academy.  There will be training, required by the Federal Government, regarding the sensitivity of information that may be viewed while on a ride with an officer. In conjunction with this training, each academy participant must be fingerprinted. Participants will also be required to complete a waiver of liability form (PDF). Administrative Services will then conduct a background check of all the academy applicants.

Dress Appropriately

Appropriate dress will be required during the ride. This includes consideration for the forecasted weather, as well as professional and practical attire. Persons wearing shorts, holey jeans, T-shirts/tank tops, sandals or any other inappropriate attire will be denied the opportunity to ride.

Contact Us

For more information regarding the Citizen's Academy, please contact Lieutenant Justin Hartman by email or at 765-807-1224.