Public 'Ride Along' with Bedfordshire Police Officers

Posted on December 3, 2014

Members of the public will be able to accompany officers on patrol across Bedfordshire in a 'Ride Along' scheme launched this month.

From November 30, anyone aged 18 and above will be able to apply to accompany a frontline officer to get an insight into policing.

The 'Ride-Along' sessions will usually last for a minimum of four hours during which activities such as arrests, dealing with victims and offenders, statement taking, questioning and stop and searches may be observed.

Observers will be able to request a 'Ride Along' in their local area, which will allow them get to know their local policing teams better.

Chief Constable Colette Paul said: "I am delighted we will be offering these 'Ride Alongs' which will open up a window on the world of policing.

"The scheme is not just about helping the public better understand the work that we do. It is an opportunity for us to learn from them too. We welcome any feedback from ride-along observers and will use this to help inform our policing approach moving forward."

The observer will wear a high visibility vest while out on patrol and will have to attend a safety briefing prior to going out.

If a situation is considered unsafe, the observer will be required to remain in the police vehicle.

If, at any time, the observer compromises their own safety or that of the officer, the ride along will be terminated with immediate effect.

For more information about the ride along scheme and to apply, please visit bedfordshire.police.uk/advice_centre/stop_and_search/ride_along_scheme.aspx