Cadets, in good standing, may participate in the ride - along program as part of their membership with the San Diego Police Cadet Program. Ride - along are part of the learning portion of the program, but are also a privilege which, with good cause, may be suspended or restricted by the cadet captain or advisor.
Cadets eighteen years or older may ride during first, second or third watch. Cadets who have received special permission from their advisor may go on an additional ride - along as follows:
A. Complete the academy and still on probation: one time during each of the last three months of probation. These rides must be with a program advisor.
B. Cadets off probation: Twice a month maximum of once a week.
C. Cadet Sergeant: Three times per month, maximum of once per week.
D. Cadet Lieutenant: Maximum of once per week.
E. Cadet Captain: Maximum of twice per week.
A. To receive a ride - along, the cadet must fill out and submit a ride - along request form. The completed form must be submitted to the requesting cadet's immediate cadet supervisor during a regular program meeting.
B. The cadet supervisor either approves or returns the request. If approved, the cadet supervisor will obtain approval from the designated advisor. In the adsence off that advisor, the alternate designated advisor may fulfill this requirement.
C. After the cadet supervisor has obtained the advisor's approval, and ensured the forms are completed accurately and in full (during that meeting), all approved ride - along requests are given to the cadet sergeant in charge of the ride - alongs for tracking purposes.
D. The ride - along cadet sergeant enters each approved ride - along request into the ride - along log. this log consists of a complete list of names, area stations, dates and shifts cadets have submitted approved requests to ride. the purpose of this log is:
1. To document authorized ride - alongs for insurance purposes and for accountability.
2. To ensure no duplication of ride - alongs on the same, day, shift and squad.
E. The cadet sergeant (or designee) then sends the white copy of each request through inter - office mail, that same evening, to the staff sergeant (or other individual designated by the advisory staff) of the appropriate area stations. The yellow copy is returned to the requesting cadet and is to be taken on the ride - along in case the officer has not received the white copy.
F. Ride - along requests may only be submitted during a regular cadet meeting.
G. The cadet must contact the appropriate area station a day or two in advance of the requested ride to confirm all arrangements have been made and no conflicts have surfaced.
H. Cadet trainees are encouraged to take their first ride - along with a post advisor.
