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Can i do ride-along with a police officer at the age of 14?

Hey i'm a 14 year old boy. looking to becoming a police officer when i grow up. i want to look more into police things and focus more on my career.

police police-officer police-and-law-enforcement police-academy
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Rafael’s Answer

Hey Elijah, it's great that you're thinking ahead about your future career at 14. To answer your question, most police departments do have ride-along programs, but they typically require participants to be at least 16 or 18, so you may need to wait a bit. However, there are other ways to get involved now. Many departments offer Police Explorer or youth cadet programs for teens your age, which can give you valuable experience. You could also volunteer in your community, join leadership clubs at school, or take criminal justice electives if available. Remember to keep your grades up, staying active, and working on your communication skills will all help when it's time to apply to a police academy. Look into what your local Orlando-area police departments offer for young people since you might find some great opportunities. Best of luck!
Thank you comment icon Thanks for the help. Elijah
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DENNIS A’s Answer

Hi EliJah: I am a lawyer - not a policeman. However, if I were the lawyer for Orlando I'd give you a hard NO! Too many tourist, too many possible issues and too many things that can create a risk for you!

Keep up the good work and asking the hard questions!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for the advice. Elijah
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Kim’s Answer

Elijah,

The answer is "maybe." If any agency allowed it, they would most likely require that you be accompanied by a legal guardian (parent or other guardian). The only way to find out is to ask the agency you are interested in. It would help if they already had gotten to know you a little bit, perhaps through Police Explorers, or getting to meet you at community events.

When you are riding along with an officer, that officer needs to know that you will do as you are told. If they tell you to stay in the car, you will stay in the car. If they tell you, "no recording," then they expect you will not record anything. So you want to work on getting to know an officer or two, and coming across as a calm, level-headed person.

Law Enforcement is sometimes described as 99% boredom interrupted by 1% sheer terror. When an officer is facing a critical situation, having to simultaneously be responsible for a "ride-along's" life could distract him/her enough so as to get them hurt.

It will all come together in due time!
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Kimberly’s Answer

Here are what most Florida agencies require...

Minimum age: 18 for civilian ride‑alongs
This is the most common rule across Florida sheriff’s offices and police departments.
Examples:
Seminole County Sheriff’s Office – must be 18 (except Youth/Explorer programs)
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office – must be 18
Leon County Sheriff’s Office – must be 18 (except Explorers)
Agencies that allow minors (with limits)
Some Florida agencies do allow minors, but 14 is still uncommon and usually restricted.
Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO)
Minimum age: 16
Parental or guardian notarized consent required if under 18
Fort Myers Police Department
Minors ages 15–17 may ride
Parental consent required
Limited hours (typically daytime only)
Collier County Sheriff’s Office
Offers a separate “Juvenile Ride‑Along Form”
Indicates some minors may be approved case‑by‑case with parental consent

What about a 14‑year‑old specifically?
👉 Most Florida agencies will say no to a 14‑year‑old for a regular ride‑along.
However, there are two realistic alternatives that do allow younger teens:
⭐ Police Explorer / Cadet Programs
Often accept youth starting at age 14
Designed specifically for teens interested in law enforcement
Training‑based, structured, and safer than standard ride‑alongs
Some Explorer programs allow limited ride‑along experiences once certified
Example:
Tampa Police Explorers allow ride‑along participation once an Explorer is at least 16 and “ride‑certified”

Kimberly recommends the following next steps:

Look up your local department and call them
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