The City of Seminole approved a policy for the Seminole Police Department to begin ride-alongs. The term “ride-along” includes riding as a passenger with an officer on patrol or observing the workday of members engaged in other functions with the Department, such as Central Dispatch.

A ride-along is available to Seminole residents and business owners, students currently attending class in Seminole and those employed within the City of Seminole. Efforts will be made to accommodate all interested person.

For a person to go on a ride-along, they must first talk to an officer or supervisor on duty. They will then fill out a liability form and background check. A person that is 15-18 years old wants to go on a ridealong, that person will need a parent’s consent, and the parent must sign the form in person at the station.

For a person to qualify for the ride-alongs, he or she must be:

-15 years old or older.

-No criminal background.

-No pending criminal action.

-No pending lawsuit against this department or the city.

Since the policy has passed, there have been 3 ride-alongs so far. Police Chief Jon Withers said, “I recommend ride-alongs to people considering going into law enforcement to see the day-to-day operations.”

Chief Withers continued, “So many people get into law enforcement due to ride-alongs. We are looking for people of all ages to ride with us and hopefully they will catch the law enforcement passion. The Seminole Police Department is a fantastic place to work and be trained. After a ride along we will send anyone who is interested to the reserve academy as long as they meet the age requirements. You just won’t find a better way to start a new career path.”