The ride along program provides an opportunity for qualified citizens-observers to experience the law enforcement patrol function through observation.

Individuals interested in the ride along program must be a minimum of 18 years of age (or 16 years of age and currently enrolled as a member of the Lake in the Hills Cadet Unit #1069) and qualify in one of the below eligible groups.

All prospective applicants should expect a criminal history check prior to being permitted to participate in this program. It will be the right of this police department to refuse any applicant the permission to ride along if there is a concern as to any information obtained in the criminal history check. 

Citizen-observers eligible to participate in the ride along program must be from one of the following groups:

1. Currently an applicant for a position of police officer with the Lake in the Hills Police Department. 
2.  An immediate family member, friend, significant other, or parent of the officer. 
3.  A current law enforcement officer. 
4.  Village of Lake in the Hills employee. 
5.  Active members of the Cadet Unit #1069. 
6.  College student currently enrolled in an accredited law enforcement program (police related program of study). 
7.  A college intern currently accepted into LITH PD's internship program.  
8.  Department Chaplain(s). 
9.  Other community member on an individually determined basis as approved by the Chief of Police.

Ride Along Rules

Please read the following rules carefully:

• All riders must be 18 years of age (or 16 years old and currently enrolled in the Lake in the Hills Explorer Post #1069).
• All riders must be neatly dressed. No school or company jackets with identifying emblems will be permitted.
• Riders must not interfere or assist officers unless they are specifically requested to do so.
• Riders will be excluded from juvenile cases.
• Riders will/may be excluded from interviews concerning serious criminal incidents.
• Riders will not leave the squad car on any incident without permission of the officer.
• No more than one (1) rider per squad.
• Riders will be allowed to ride one (1) time in a twelve (12) month period.
• Riders may attend a roll-call session to observe the procedures; however, they must be excluded if sensitive information is to be communicated.
• Riders may accompany the officer at the discretion of the officer on minor calls where there is no threat of danger involved.
• Riders may request to ride with a specific officer, if available.
• Exceptions to these rules will only be made with the approval of the Chief of Police.
• Riders must keep in mind that circumstances may arise when the rider will witness events and may be subject to subpoena by the State’s Attorney; therefore, the rider’s name may be entered into appropriate reports if such documentation is necessary.

How to Request a Ride Along

You must submit your ride along application in online. Ride alongs are scheduled out at least two weeks from the date your paperwork is approved by our department.

If your ride along is approved, you will receive a phone call to schedule your ride within 7-10 business days of receipt of your paperwork.

• Online: Submit an application online

Questions? Call the Community Relations Division at 847-658-5676 or email communityrelations@lith.org.