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Bakersfield Police Department

Sit Along

SIT ALONG PROGRAM

Join Bakersfield Police Department’s Sit Along program and immerse yourself in the dynamic world of law enforcement. As a resident, student, or employee in our vibrant city, you have the extraordinary chance to sit alongside our dedicated officers and experience the true essence of their work. Simply meet the eligibility requirements and dress appropriately to apply below and become part of an exciting journey towards positive change with Bakersfield Police Department.
Bakersfield Police Station

Eligibility

The Bakersfield Police Department Sit-Along Program is offered to residents, students, and those employed within the City. Every attempt will be made to accommodate interested persons however any applicant may be disqualified without cause. The following factors may be considered in disqualifying an applicant and are not limited to:

    • Being under 18 years of age
    • Denial by any supervisor
    • Pending criminal action
    • Pending lawsuit against the Department
    • Prior criminal history

Suitable Attire

Any person approved to a sit-along is required to be suitably dressed in a collared shirt, blouse or jacket, slacks or blue jeans, and shoes. Sandals, T-shirts, tank tops, shorts, and ripped or torn blue jeans are not permitted. Hats and ball caps will not be worn in the police vehicle. The Watch Commander or field supervisor may refuse a sit along to anyone not properly dressed.

 

Program Requirements

    • Must have a valid ID or California driver’s license
    • Once approved, civilian sit-along will be allowed to sit no more than once every six months.
    • An exception would apply to the following:
      • Chaplains
      • Citizen Volunteer Unit members
      • Police Cadets (formerly known as Explorers)
        police applicants
      • Reserves
      • Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol (RSVP)
      • all others with approval of the Watch Commander
    • No more than one citizen will participate in a sit-along during any given time period.
Sit Along Request

SIT ALONG REQUEST FORM

The Sit-Along Program is available every day for the Communications Center (between the hours of 8am and 12am, in four-hour shifts) and Records Division (between the hours of 8am and 2pm, depending on availability and staffing).
*Note: Requests to sit along with spouse or significant other is not permitted unless you obtain permission from a Division or Watch Commander.