The Lynchburg Police Department Ride-Along Program offers citizens the opportunity to ride along with an LPD officer for a 4-hour shift. To participate in the program please fill out a ride-along application and follow these guidelines:
- The completed form must be returned in person at least 10 days prior to your requested participation.
- Please read the application carefully and answer all questions.
- You must be at least 18 years of age to participate.
- The risk agreement must be signed and witnessed by LPD personnel.
- Any false information or omissions on this application may result in disqualification for ride-along privileges.
- The Lynchburg Police Department reserves the right to deny ride-along privileges for any reason, without prior notice.
- You may only request a ride-along once every 6 months.
- Return your application to the LPD Information Desk (3405 Odd Fellows Road, Lynchburg, VA 24501) in person 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or call Cindy Kozerow at (434) 455-6145 to set up an appointment.
- Reminder: Your signature on the risk agreement must be witnessed by an LPD employee.
Please make sure you print clearly as most correspondence will be by email.
Ride Along Application – PDF (save and print)
Approved Ride-Along Applicants – Basic Instructions
As a ride-along participant, you shall play no active role in the police function. Your role is that of an observer unless otherwise directed by the host officer.
Check-In:
- Plan to check in at the LPD Information Desk (3405 Odd Fellows Road, Lynchburg, VA 24501) 15 – 20 minutes prior to your scheduled ride-along time.
- The lobby door is locked after 5:00 p.m. and on weekends. Therefore, if your ride is scheduled for the evening, you must ring the doorbell at the front door. You can also use your cell phone to call the desk at 434-455-6041 and inform the officer you are there. If the officer does not answer the phone, please call our Dispatch Center at 434-847-1602 and ask them to notify the desk officer by radio on channel 2 that you are outside and need to be let into the lobby for your ride along. Please put these numbers into your cell phone contacts list now so that you can make the calls on the date of your Ride Along.
- Once you are inside, the officer will radio an officer to come to get you as soon as they clear from a call. On a very busy day, it could take a while for an officer to come to pick you up, so you may want to bring a book to read while you wait.
- Make sure you bring your ID with you to show the officer when you check in to do the ride.
Where to park:
- Parking is available in the visitor lot in front of 3405 Odd Fellows Road, Lynchburg, VA 24501. Please do not park in the handicapped.
What to wear/bring:
- As a guest of our department, please dress appropriately. Dress for the weather and do wear a coat, gloves, hat, etc. in the winter months.
- No weapons or recording equipment should be taken on the ride.
If you are ill or have an emergency:
Please contact the Community Relations Unit at 434-455-6145, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to cancel and reschedule the ride.
Questions
If you have any questions about the ride-along, please contact Cindy Kozerow at (434) 455-6145 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on weekdays.