Riding along with an officer is both a privilege and a tremendous opportunity. Your ministry really begins here. If you participate with them in their world, they will come to know you and call upon you when they have a need later on.

I. Chaplaincy Uniform and Equipment

• Black Pants
• Black Shoes you can run in. (black socks)
• Chaplaincy Shirt: black or gray.
• Chaplaincy Jacket
• Wallet badge and ID
• Carry the following in a small belt pack:
• Pocket ID Badge
• Small Bible
• 3 x 5 Cards
• Calling Cards
• LEC Quick Reference Book
• Latex Rubber Gloves
• Protective Mask (for CPR)
• Hand Cuffs
• Hand Cuff Key
• Reflective Arm Bands
• Orange Vest
• Flash Light and extra batteries
• Black Ink Pen
• Magic Marker
• Whistle
• Vick's Vapo-rub

** Bring enough money to pay for code 7 for you and your officer (always tip well and don't ask for a discount).

II. Ride-Along Procedure

A . Initiating a ride-along

1. Inform the on-call supervisor that you are going on a ride along, including department and shift.
2. Be in uniform with proper ID.
3. Call the shift sergeant at the department to inform them of your desire to ride along. You may also just show up at the department 15 minutes prior to the shift briefing and ask the shift sergeant if you can ride along next shift. Promptness is VITAL. 

B. Things to know and do on your ride-along with any Police Unit

1. Give Officer your 1 Charles Number.
2. Know your 10 codes.
3. Know the call sign of your officer.
4. Don't talk when the radio is talking.
5. Know where you are at all times. (Street Names, major landmarks)
6. Listen to the scanner to know what's happen around you.
7. Know how to operate the equipment inside the Police Unit.
        a. Radio
        b. Shot Gun Release & Shot Gun
        c. Sirens
        d. Spot Lights
        e. Scanner

8. Be prepared to help the Police Officer in "ANY" situation.
9. "Cover" you officer: keep a 360° watch while he does his job.
10. After each Emergency Call Out, ask the on-call supervisor for an Event Number for your activity report.

C.  Be Alert! Most officer involved shootings take place in three to five seconds!

• Know your training manual: "The guy with the most plays in his play-book usually wins…"
• Don't be a cop – your officer doesn't need another cop, he needs a pastor.
• Don't be "religious", be a pastor.
• If you can't improve on silence, don't.
• NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, BREACH THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF YOUR CONVERSATION IN THE UNIT.
• Follow the officer's instructions to the letter.
• Assist the officer in any appropriate manner: Domestic disputes, taking a suspect into custody, etc.
• Do not disturb or contaminate a crime scene. Be exactly where you are told to be. If you are not given any instructions, ASK.
• "It's better to be a live witness than a dead hero…"
• It is the official policy of PCLEC that at no time shall any Chaplain assist in the clean-up or removal of any hazardous or biohazardous materials. No Chaplain is to be involved in the cleaning up of any blood or other residual body fluids or parts. Call the sanctioned clean-up service when appropriate.
• If the officer:
  • doesn't want you with him/her: Just be as cordial and helpful as you can. You can probably change officers later in the shift, but try not to bail out: your officer may begin to open up more later on.
  • behaves in a reckless manner: Have the officer return you to the station immediately – both of you are at risk. This request alone will probably get his/her attention.
  • commits a criminal act: Contact the Senior Chaplain ASAP and ask for instructions.
  • tells you to get the shotgun: be prepared to use it. NOTE: You must contact the Senior Chaplain immediately after the incident and make a report.