Ride Along Program - Laurens County Sheriff's OfficeSheriff Ricky W. Chastain
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Laurens County Sheriff's Office
Ride Along Program

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The purpose of the Laurens County Sheriff's Office Ride-Along Program is to encourage community involvement in law enforcement and to educate the public by opening up the lines of communication within the community. The Ride-Along Program promotes a better understanding of the challenges, risks and rewards of the deputy sheriff's role in the community. 


The Laurens County Sheriff's Office encourages community involvement in the law enforcement process and allows interested citizens and students to ride as passenger observers with patrol deputies.

All persons wishing to participate in the Ride-Along Program must be at least 18 years of age and have no warrants outstanding for their arrest. However, the signature of a parent or guardian allows Explorer Cadets under the age of 18 years of age to participate.

Program rules and guidelines include the following:
  1. Submitting a request does not guarantee ride-along approval.
  2. Persons who have never participated in the Ride-Along Program shall be given preference over those who have.
  3. Participants shall be limited to one ride-along per year.
  4. The date and shift requested by the applicant shall be accommodated when possible within preference guidelines.
  5. Participants must have a valid photo id or drivers license with them when reporting for their scheduled ride-along.
  6. Wear neat, clean, appropriate clothing. Shorts, sweat suits or jogging suits, tank tops, halter tops, or clothing which is torn, soiled or displays offensive language or symbols shall not be allowed.
  7. Participants shall be considered observers only, and shall be under the direct supervision of the assigned officer during the ride-along.
  8. Participants shall conduct themselves in a civil and courteous manner at all times.
  9. Participants must wear their seat belts at all times while in the patrol car.
  10. Participants must remain in the patrol car unless instructed to leave by a deputy.
  11. In the case of a potentially dangerous or hazardous call, participants may be dropped off at a safe location. If this occurs, the deputy will give the participant specific instructions and arrange for transportation from another deputy. Please note that this is for the rider's safety.
  12. Participants must not become involved in any incident the deputy is handling. This includes discussions of an incident with victims, witnesses, or suspects.
  13. No tape recordings, cameras, or similar devices are allowed without prior approval from the Sheriff or his designee.
  14. For security and safety reasons, participants are not allowed to handle or use any of the deputy's equipment or the equipment in the patrol vehicle.
  15. All participants in the Ride-Along Program must read, agree, and abide by all rules and guidelines and complete the Ride-Along Application prior to the ride-along.
  16. Failure to comply with any of the above listed rules and guidelines will result in the immediate termination of the ride-along.

To request a ride-along with an deputy, applicants must print out and complete the Ride-Along Application and mail the completed application to:

                         Laurens County Sheriff's Office
                         Attn: Wendy Powell
                         P.O. Box 68
                         Laurens, SC 29360

Applicants shall apply at least two weeks in advance of the ride-along date so records checks and scheduling can be accommodated. If you have any questions please call Ms. Wendy Powell at 864-984-4967

Click here to access Ride Along application.