The Washington County Sheriff's Office offers community members a chance to ride along with a deputy on patrol because we believe it helps people to better understand our work.
Any adult over 18 years of age may qualify. A separate process is outlined below for students 16 to 18 years of age.
Please note that a person may only ride along once every 12 months so that we may accommodate as many people as possible.
Ride Along Program for Employment Applicants
A ride along is part of the employment application process. Current applicants should await an invitation to ride with patrol because the process is slightly different and the ride is part of the competitive selection process.
High School Students 16 to 18
A Washington County high school student 16 years or older who is referred by their school may qualify as part of a job shadow program or criminal justice project with a school reference letter. Also, a parent or guardian of a rider under 18 must sign a Waiver and Release of Claims and Indemnity and submit it at least 24 hours in advance of the scheduled ride.
The Ride Along Program for Adults
The role of the Ride Along Program is to enhance public awareness of the job duties of our uniformed patrol deputies. Citizens can begin a ride along at one of four locations as outlined below.
You must ride for a full shift.
Day Shift - 6:00am to 4:00pm
Late Day Shift - 9:00am to 7:00pm
Swing Shift - 12:00pm to 10:00pm
Early Graveyard - 5:00pm to 03:00am
Late Graveyard - 9:00pm to 07:00am
Hillsboro Headquarters Ride Along Procedures
If you ride from Hillsboro Headquarters (western county), you will need to be in the Sheriff's Criminal Records Office at the start of the shift. You will be asked to sign a rider waiver, and you will remain in the records area until a deputy escorts you to Patrol following shift briefing (usually 15-30 minutes).
East Precinct Ride Along Procedures
If you ride out of our East Precinct (eastern county) during normal business hours, you will go to our office at 3700 SW Murray Boulevard. Administrative staff will greet you and give you further direction.
If your ride is during non-traditional business hours or on the weekend, please use the telephone located outside the Sheriff's Office. Simply pick up the receiver and the system will connect you with our dispatch center. Please let the dispatcher know that you are at Sheriff's Office East Precinct scheduled for a ride along.
Cornelius Ride Along Procedures
If your ride begins at the Cornelius Police Department (the Sheriff's Office serves this city) during normal business hours, you will go to our office at 1311 N. Barlow Street. Administrative staff will greet you and give you further direction.
Shift options for community riders follow:
Day Shift: 5:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Swing Shift: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Early Grave Shift: 3:00 p.m. to 1:00 a..m.
Grave Shift: 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
Bethany Station Ride Along Procedures
Our newest precinct is our Bethany Station, located at 4876 NW Bethany Blvd., L5, Portland, Oregon.
If your ride is during non-traditional business hours or on the weekend, please call the non-emergency dispatch center at (503)629-0111. Please let the dispatcher know that you are at the Sheriff's Office Bethany or Cornelius location for a ride along.
Appropriate Attire and Meals
Please wear casual business attire, i.e. dockers, khakis, dress shirt or blouse etc. We do not allow riders to wear denim jeans or t-shirts. If you are not properly dressed you will not be allowed to go on your scheduled ride. You should also bring money for a meal or bring a sack lunch.
To Schedule a Ride Along
If you are interested in scheduling a ride or have any other questions about this program, please follow this link to our online form or call the Sheriff's Office at (503) 846-5921, Monday through Friday. The best time to call is between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Please be ready to provide information as outlined in the form.
Thank you again for your interest in the Washington County Sheriff's Office!
