Township of Lower Merion Police Ride-Along Program

The Lower Merion Police Department Ride Along Program is designed to help educate the community about what the police department does daily, and to help residents become familiar with the officers and the department.

The program is intended to develop partnerships with the community through interaction. The Ride-Along Program is designed to foster a better understanding of the challenges, hazards and rewards of being a police officer in Lower Merion Township.

Eligible Participants

To be considered for the Ride Along Program, applicants:

• Must be at least 18 years of age;
• Must complete and submit Request for Ride-Along Form and Approval for Ride-Along Form;
• Must be willing to comply with the program rules and guidelines (outlined below);
• Must not have participated in a Lower Merion Township Ride-Along in the past year.

Program Rules and Guidelines

1. Arrange for transportation to and from the Lower Merion Police Station.
2. In order to comply with department policies and procedures, you MUST utilize the safety belts and safety equipment in the police vehicle.
3. You WILL NOT be able to photograph, videotape or tape record any portion of the Ride Along.
4. Certain police calls are considered inherently dangerous and your police partner may respond to the call after dropping you off at a safe place. Follow the procedure outlined by your police partner and wait for a police vehicle to pick you up.
5. You are encouraged to ask questions about police work.
6. DO NOT interfere in any way with the officer’s handling of a situation. You may ask questions concerning a specific assignment after it has been completed and you have left the scene.
7. You may observe an event on your Ride-Along that may require your appearance in court as a witness.
8. The waiver of liability which is on the Approval for Ride-Along form is to be executed by you and notarized.  In essence, it releases the Lower Merion Police Department and the Township of Lower Merion, PA., from any liability.
9. Wear neat, clean, appropriate clothing. Shorts, sweat suits or jogging suits, tank tops, halter-tops, or clothing that is torn, soiled or displays offensive language or symbols will not be allowed.

Application

If you are interested in applying for a ride along, please download the Request for a Ride-Along Form and Approval for Ride-Along Form and return the forms either in person or by mail to:

Lower Merion Police Department
Staff and Inspection Unit
71 E Lancaster Ave
Ardmore, PA 19003