Policy Statement on Driving Marked Cars

There have been sufficient reports of Law Enforcement Explorers driving marked patrol cars to cause concern for their safety. Law Enforcement Explorers in uniform driving patrol cars may readily be identified by the (good guy) public (in emergency need) or a bad guy (i.e. gang, drug dealer, etc.) as an official law enforcement officer. This is potentially putting inexperienced (immature) youth in harm's way. A Law Enforcement Explorer should never be placed in a situation that would present the appearance of him/her being a legal law enforcement officer.

The following policy statement is in effect immediately:

"NO LAW ENFORCEMENT EXPLORER,
WHETHER IN UNIFORM OR NOT,
SHOULD DRIVE A MARKED PATROL VEHICLE."

The only exception to this policy is in authorized competitions in which an adult law enforcement official shall ride in the front passenger seat.

National Law Enforcement Ride-Along (addendum)

Explorers under the age of 18 are prohibited from riding after midnight and/or shifts starting after midnight (graveyard shift).
Use of armored vest is recommended as available on Ride-Along.
The following offensive/defensive equipment use and carrying (other than in training experiences) is prohibited: firearms, chemical sprays, and baton. It is also strongly recommended that Explorers do not carry handcuffs.
The qualified Ride-Along officer must be off probation and have a one-year departmental tenure in good standing.