Who may engage in a patrol observation with the Mesquite Police Department:
- Any citizen of the City of Mesquite who is 18 years of age or older and otherwise qualifies for the observation program under these requirements.
- Any person who is employed in the City of Mesquite who is 18 years of age or older and otherwise qualifies for the observation program under these requirements.
- Members of the Mesquite Police Department Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association.
- Employees of the City of Mesquite.
- Government Officials.
- Persons completing a Mesquite Police Department Internship who are 18 years of age or older.
- Active peace officers from other jurisdictions or federal law enforcement officers.
- Police Officer applicants, with the approval of the Staff Support Bureau (Applicants for non-sworn positions do not meet this requirement unless they are otherwise qualified under these requirements).
- Members of the Mesquite Police Department Explorer Post who are 16 years of age or older and have completed the required training.
- Media representatives, with the approval of the Mesquite Police Department public information officer.
- Persons enrolled in an institute of higher education who in order to complete a course of study requests observation time to do research. This person must present a letter of introduction from the professor for whom the research is being completed.
- Spouses or relatives of Mesquite police officers are eligible to ride as outlined in these guidelines. Spouses will not be allowed to ride with their officer spouse.
Qualified persons are limited to 1 ride along per calendar year.
Ride along requests should be made at least 5 days in advance.
All observers wishing to participate in this program must meet the program requirements and, by submitting a request, acknowledge that they will be checked through NCIC and/or other law enforcement databases to verify:
- Their identity (driver’s license or identification card).
- Whether there are any outstanding warrants, and any criminal history or other prior law enforcement records which might preclude them from participating in the program at the discretion of the Mesquite Police Department.
Observers also acknowledge that the opportunity to participate is subject to the availability of a willing officer participant and the discretion of the Ride Along Program Coordinator or on-duty Watch Commander.
For any questions regarding the ride along program or to make a request for a ride along, contact Sgt. Mitchell at rmitchel@mesquitepolice.org.
If submitting a request for a ride along, please specify which of the above listed qualifications make you eligible, the requested date of observation, and provide a photograph of your driver’s license.