Policy
In order for a person under 18 years of age to participate in a ride-along, written parental or guardian approval is mandatory, per the City Attorney, and is included on the Ride-Along Program Release Form. For curfew concerns, refer to County Ordinance No. 16, Juvenile Curfew for Hennepin County, Section 4: Defenses, "the juvenile was going to, attending, or returning home from an official school, religious, or other recreational activity sponsored and/or supervised by a public entity or a civic organization.
The MPD grants permission for youths involved in a MPD-sponsored law enforcement program to go on ride-alongs. MPD-sponsored programs are: the Explorers; Public Safety Internship Program; and the Police Athletic League (P.A.L.).
No one under the age of sixteen years and not involved in a MPD-sponsored program will be authorized to go on a ride-along without the written permission of the Chief of Police or Deputy Chief of the appropriate Field Services Bureau. Participants may ride along with precinct officers, Traffic officers, and CCP/SAFE personnel.