Civilian Observer Program
Ride Along Program
Any person who would like to accompany a Yuma County Sheriff's Office Deputy on Patrol must complete a Civilian Observer Program Application. To be eligible, the following requirements must be met:
- Must be at least 18 years of age. Applicants under 18 years of age must have a notarized parent/guardian signature granting permission to participate in the YCSO Civilian Observer Program. (Included in the bottom portion of the Civilian Observer Program General Release Form).
- Must read, understand and sign a General Release (waiver of liability) form.
- Must comply with all written and verbal instructions during the ride along.
- Must not have exceeded six (6) ride along's during a twelve (12) month period and/or not to exceed two (2) rides per month.
- Must be of "sound character."
- Must not have been suspended from the program at any time.
Ride Along Rules and Regulations
- No Firearms: No firearms or weapons of any kind may be carried by an observer. An Arizona Post Certified Peace officer who is currently employed by another law enforcement agency may carry their standard service sidearm.
- Terminating the Ride: The observation ride may be terminated at the discretion of the officer of supervisor for any reason. Observers my request that the ride be terminated and the officer will comply as soon as practical under the circumstances.
- No Involvement in Enforcement: Observers shall not become involved in any law enforcement situation unless they are directed to do so by the officer. Observers will comply with the officer’s instructions to ensure the safety of the observer, the officer and others.
- Proper Attire: Observers shall be neat, well groomed and properly attired during the observation ride. All observers shall wear bloused or sports shirts with collars, and appropriate pants or slacks. Denim jeans may be worn if they are clean and without holes, tears or patches. The officer with whom the observer is riding may refuse to allow an observer to ride if the officer determines that the observer is dressed inappropriately.
- Proper Conduct: If the officer with whom the observer is riding with determines that the observer is impaired due to consumption of alcohol or other substance, the officer may refuse to permit the observer to participate.
- Confidentiality: All information, visual, oral or written, obtained by the observer resulting from observer’s participation in this program is confidential police information. Observers will not disseminate, disclose, broadcast or publish such information. Breach of this confidentiality may result in criminal or civil sanctions.
- Scheduling Rides/Check-in: Rides must be scheduled with the Patrol shift supervisor at least 48 hours in advance of the ride. Observers should plan to be at the Sheriff’s Office at least 15 minutes prior to the ride. Observers who choose to ride with an officer in an outlying area should also be at the outlying substation at least 15 minutes prior to the ride.
- Limited Number of Observation Rides: Observers are limited to six (6) observation rides during a twelve (12) months period, not to exceed two (2) rides per month.
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