Ride-Along Program – Police and Public Safety

Ride-Along Application

The George Mason University Police Department provides a Ride-Along Program to allow approved participants to observe police operations and gain insight into departmental functions. ELIGIBILITY: Ride-along participation is available to George Mason University affiliates, current or prospective employees, department members, and guests of department employees. Applicants may be disqualified at the Department’s discretion. Disqualifying factors may include, but are not limited to: • Being under 18 years of age • Criminal history or pending criminal charges • Pending legal action against the Department or the Commonwealth of Virginia • Prior misconduct at George Mason University • Incomplete or inaccurate application information • Prior ride-along denial or termination • Denial by a supervisor. Ride-along requests must be submitted through the Department website and include the applicant’s identification information, date of birth, address, and contact information. PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITIES: Participants shall: • Complete the ride-along application fully and accurately • Review and agree to all program rules prior to participation • Be in good health and able to follow officer instructions • Follow all directions of the assigned officer or supervisor • Wear a seatbelt when the vehicle is in motion • Remain an observer and not participate in law enforcement actions unless specifically requested by an officer in accordance with Virginia law • Maintain confidentiality of any privileged or sensitive information encountered • Wear appropriate attire including a collared shirt or blouse, slacks, and closed-toe shoes. Sandals, shorts, T-shirts, tank tops, or torn clothing are prohibited. Supervisors may deny participation for inappropriate attire. Participants may not carry or use: • Firearms or weapons (except credentialed law enforcement officers in accordance with law) • Cameras, audio recorders, radios, binoculars, or similar devices without permission • Tobacco, marijuana, alcohol, or controlled substances. DURATION OF RIDE-ALONG: Ride-alongs are typically conducted for a period of one (1) to four (4) hours; however, the ride-along may be terminated at any time if circumstances arise that, in the judgment of the officer or supervisor, present a safety or operational concern. Applicants will be notified of approval, modification, or denial.

RIDE-ALONG APPLICANT'S INFORMATION

By submitting this application, you acknowledge and consent to the collection and use of your personal information by the George Mason University Police Department for the purpose of evaluating your eligibility to participate in the Ride-Along Program. This information may be used to conduct records checks and verify eligibility in accordance with Department policy and applicable law. All personal information will be handled in a secure and confidential manner and will only be accessed by authorized personnel. Information will be retained and disposed of in accordance with applicable records retention requirements. Submission of this form does not guarantee approval for participation. The Department reserves the right to approve or deny any application at its discretion. By proceeding, you certify that the information provided is accurate and complete to the best of your knowledge.

Name(Required)

First Middle Last

Date of Birth(Required)

Phone(Required)

Email(Required)

Address(Required)

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country

Driver's License #(Required)

Driver's License State(Required)

Emergency Contact Name(Required)

Emergency Contact Relationship(Required)

Emergency Contact Phone(Required)

Which best describes you? (Check all that apply)(Required)

GMU Student

GMU Employee

Prospective employee

Guest of a Mason Police employee

Member of the general public

Other

If other, please describe(Required)

Date of previous ride-along with Mason Police(Required)

Type “N/A” if you have never participated in a ride-along with Mason Police.

Reason for Ride-Along Application(Required)

Please described your reason for requesting a ride-along.

Preferred Date and Time for Ride Along(Required)

Please provide information about a preferred date and time for a ride-along here.

Preferred Officer for Ride-Along

If you have a preferred officer for a ride-along, please provide their name here.

Signature(Required)

Waiver of Civil Liability and Indemnification Agreement In consideration of the George Mason University Police Department of Fairfax, Virginia (“the Department”) granting me permission to accompany a member of the Department as an observer in the Ride-Along Program (“the Program”), I hereby waive any and all rights and claims of liability for damages, losses, personal injuries or death which I might suffer, sustain or cause while participating in the Program. I further waive any and all claims, demands, actions, damages, or suits at law or equity of whatever nature which I have or may hereafter acquire against George Mason University, the Department, its elected officials, officers, agents or employees, as a result of my voluntary participation in the Program; and I hereby hold harmless such persons and entities. In the event that a demand or claim, whether groundless or otherwise, is made against the entities and/or persons set forth herein, I agree to indemnify those persons and/or entities for all damages, attorney fees and costs incurred in defending said demand or claim. I further agree to comply with all rules and regulations of the Program and any instructions or orders issued by members of the Department in connection with the Program. I certify that I am aware of the potential risk involved in accompanying a police officer during the performance of his or her duties. I acknowledge that I am signing the agreement freely and voluntarily, and intend by my signature to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law. I have read, understand, and am willing to comply with the ride-along rules. I further affirm that the information provided in this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

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