To be eligible to go on ride-alongs with West Bend Police Officers, Cadets must meet certain criteria.  First, Cadets must score a 70% or higher on the Ride-Along Knowledge Exam.  Second, Cadets must complete eight (8) hours of observation time in the West Bend Police Dispatch Center.  Once these prerequisites are met, Cadets can schedule patrol ride-alongs in two different ways:
  1. Notify a Mentor by email or phone.  The Mentor will then check the dispatch or patrol calendar and shift strength to determine if your request is approved or denied - OR -
  2. You can log into your Track It Forward account and submit an hour log with the requested date and time.  In the "hours" field, indicate the length of time you would like to ride-along.  In the "date" field, be sure to use the date of which you'd like to ride-along, and in the "start and end time" field, type in the specific hours you'd like to ride-along.  Your hour log submission will either be approved or rejected.
In either scenario, the Cadet must have prior approval from a Mentor.  All observation and ride-along requests must be received AT LEAST 48 hours in advance of the time of requested observation / ride-along.

All below rules apply for any ride-along or dispatch observation

  • A Ride-Along Waiver MUST be signed and completed and given to the on-duty Watch Commander - ​Patrol Ride-Along Waiver
  • Cadets must be dressed professionally and appropriately for the weather (Class A uniforms)
  • Cell phones are to be completely powered down while observing or riding along.  They can only be turned on and used in emergencies.
  • When the Cadet arrives to the West Bend Police Department, they are required to log their attendance in the ride-along binder.
  • Cadets shall have proper materials for note taking.  Every observation or ride-along requires the Cadet to make brief notes of the officer's or dispatcher's activity.
You can take your Ride-Along Knowledge Exam at any time HERE!
If you take the test, please notify one of your Mentors so we can grade it and get you on the road!