Seal of Dane County County of Dane
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Dane County Sheriff's Office

Ride Along with a Deputy

The public can request to ride-along with a deputy in most assignments. This allows the participant to see what the deputy does on patrol, providing security, working in the courts, or other approved areas in the Dane County Sheriff’s Office. Requestors must be at least 16 years of age and 18 years of age for any Jail related functions. Typically, a participant is not eligible to schedule another ride-along until one year has elapsed from the previous ride-along unless an exception is granted by the divisional captain.

You will have the option to choose which division you would like to observe.

  • Field Services – Patrol, Traffic enforcement
  • Security Services – Jail Operations (must be at least 18 years of age) 
  • Support Services – Courthouse security and Civil Process related assignments 
  • Administration – Training, Officer in Command (2nd & 3rd shifts) 

While on the ride-along the participant will not offer assistance, or participate in law enforcement duties. The participant will also carry additional information to include their doctor, preferred hospital, any medical problems, and emergency contact information.

Once the application and waiver have been received, the participant will be contacted to schedule the ride-along. If the requestor is 16 to 18 years of age, the parent or legal guardian's signature must be witnessed by a Sheriff's Office Deputy or Supervisor or be notarized in order to be valid permission. 

To request a ride-along, please click the button below and submit a completed application form and waiver.