The Elgin Police Department strives to foster positive relationships with the community it serves. As part of this initiative, the department permits citizens to ride with officers in police department vehicles, thereby increasing officer awareness of community concerns while also educating citizens as to police functions.

Citizens ages 16 or older are permitted to ride for a maximum of four hours, once a year, during the hours of 7:00 a.m. through 10:30 p.m.

We are Not Conducting Ride-A-longs at this time.  We will be reviewing the status of the program in the fall of 2023.  Please check back then.  Thank you.  

Observer Ride-Along Form

To request a ride-along, citizens must submit a completed observer form to a crime prevention specialist. To complete a form, click on the appropriate link below: 

• Adult Observer Ride-Along Form(18 and over)
• Juvenile Observer Ride-Along Form (ages 16 and 17, only)

If you don’t hear back from us within three business days, please call 847-289-2530 to ensure we received the application. 

Approval Process

Completed forms undergo a review process, including a criminal history check of the applicant. A crime prevention specialist will contact you to confirm your ride-along date and time. The Elgin Police Department reserves the right to refuse this opportunity to any individual. 

Ride-Along Day

Dress business casual and exercise proper personal hygiene. 

If riding over your normal meal time, please bring your lunch or dinner. The officer may not receive a food break, or be able to take you to buy something.

Arrive five minutes prior to your scheduled ride time. Inform the front desk officer that you are reporting for a ride-along. Please have a copy of your completed observer ride-along form with you. Also, you must present a driver’s license or photo identification.

On your ride-along, follow officer’s directions immediately and concisely, and conduct yourself in a professional manner.

If you need to cancel your ride-along, please call 847-289-2700.

For questions regarding the observer ride-along program, please call Community Relations at (847) 289-2530.