<P> A ride - along is an arrangement for a civilian to spend a shift in the passenger seat of an emergency vehicle, observing the work day of a police officer, firefighter, or paramedic . </P> <P> Ride - alongs are offered by many police departments around the world . There is a minimum age to participate in a ride - along . Depending on the department, it is often somewhere between the ages of 14 and 18 . When participation of those under 18 is permitted, consent from a parent or legal guardian may be required . Those with criminal records or problems on previous ride - alongs may also be barred from participation . The most common form of ride - alongs are Law Enforcement Explorers, Auxiliary or Volunteer Police officers and participants in Citizen's Police Academy programs . </P> <P> People go on ride - alongs for various reasons . These include interest in a future career in law enforcement, personal interest in law enforcement officers without such a career, journalists wishing to write reports, and those interested in community relations . Some emergency departments require dispatchers to go on ride - alongs so they can get a first - hand feel for the area they are responsible for . Regardless of the reason, all citizens who meet the department's eligibility requirements are generally welcome on a ride - along . </P>

How old do u have to be to do a ride along