The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office encourages community involvement in the law enforcement process and allows approved citizens, student interns, and law enforcement Explorer Scouts to ride as passenger observers in Sheriff’s Office vehicles for legitimate civic or educational reasons.

The following persons are eligible to participate in a Patrol Ride-Along:

• Members of educational programs such as the Sheriff's Citizens Academy, Leadership Pinellas or Neighborhood Watch.
• College or university law enforcement students engaged in research or fulfilling project or program requirements.
• Law enforcement officers from other jurisdictions. 
• Persons who have completed the screening process for the position of Deputy Sheriff with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.
• Students currently enrolled in the Southeastern Public Safety Institute's (SEPSI) police academy program.
• Members of the print and electronic media with prior approval from the Public Relations Bureau.

If you meet the criteria listed above and wish to participate in the ride-along program, please contact Lieutenant Tim Kelly at 727-582-6902. 

Please Note: All other persons wishing to participate in the ride-along program must be at least 18 years of age and be pre-approved by the bureau commander of the organizational component with which he/she is interested in riding.

Please click HERE to complete the Patrol Ride-Along Program Application.