Ride-Along-Program

To promote trust between the police and community, the City of Kings Mountain Police Department encourages open and candid police operations. Citizens of the community are therefore encouraged to ride with officers during a four-hour tour of duty. Patrol Supervisors have the discretion to make exceptions to either extend or shorten the four-hour tour of duty depending on the needs of the department. 

We hope this will be a learning experience for all citizens and give them an insight into the duties of police officers. We wish to thank you for giving us the opportunity to demonstrate the services performed by our police department. Ride-Along Procedures

If you are interested in participating in the Ride-Along Program, please read through both the procedures and restrictions prior to applying. Then, please print and fill in the COKM Ride-Along Application as well as the COKM Police Dept Release Waiver and Indemnification Agreement. This form is intended to release the City of Kings Mountain, the COKM Police Department, and any individual officer from civil liability for any and all injuries suffered by you as a result of your association with the department as an observer. The Release form must be signed in the presence of a notary.

Both the application form and the Release Waiver and Assumption of Risk form must be submitted to the COKM Police Department a minimum of seven (7) business days prior to your requested Ride-Along date. Once your application has been approved, you will be notified via phone and/or email of your scheduled Ride-Along date and time. The Chief of Police may deny the application at any time without cause. The Chief or Supervisor on duty may deny or end participation in the ride-along at any time without cause. 

Ride-Along Restrictions

 Participants must be at least 18 years or older to participate in the program. The Chief of Police reserves the right to waive this requirement for 16 and 17-year-old students for educational or program purposes (e.g. Police Cadet/Explorer, Senior Projects, Internships, etc.). 

 The COKM Police Department requires that the participant be physically able to perform the observation function without assistance from your host officer. 

 The participant will be required to maintain a neat, clean, and businesslike appearance. No individual uniforms, shorts, torn or ripped blue jeans, provocative clothing, clothing with offensive messages or images or other inappropriate dress will be permitted. Please keep in mind that your appearance while in the company of our officers will be a reflection upon the police department. If a question arises about the suitability of your appearance, the supervisor will make a decision about your continuation in the program. This decision will be final. 

 Under no circumstances may the participant be armed with a weapon. This includes all CCW permittees. 

 The participant shall remain in the police vehicle during all law enforcement activity performed or conducted by your host officer unless otherwise directed. This includes while engaging the public on calls for service, traffic stops, etc. 

 The participant may accompany the officer during prisoner transport and booking processes if, in the officer's opinion, it would not constitute a hazard to any of the persons involved or interfere with an investigation. 

 The participant shall not participate in any police activity or converse with any prisoner, suspect, witness, or any other person contacted on police business unless your host officer has granted permission. 

 The participant shall not inquire as to why an officer handled a complaint as he/she did until after the completion of the call. 

 The participant will be under the control of the Officer to whom he/she is assigned. 

 The participant must obey all lawful orders and directions from the Officer. 

 The participant shall not attempt to operate or utilize departmental vehicles or equipment unless directed by the officer. 

 The participant should not be exposed to any inherently dangerous situation. He/she shall not become involved in any physical altercation unless specifically requested by the Officer and to ensure Officer’s safety. 

 The Officer should not become involved in a pursuit situation either as primary or secondary vehicle with any civilian passenger. 

 If a potentially dangerous situation is anticipated, the participant should be dropped at a safe location and dispatch notified of the location. 

 If at any time the conduct of a participant is deemed unprofessional or improper; the Officer may terminate the ride-along and report the behavior to the Chief of Police. 

 In no way shall a participant’s behavior be detrimental to the operation of the Police Department or the COKM. 

 Absolutely no videotaping or recording devices are allowed.