Programs

Model Traffic Stop Program

This program sets behavioral expectations for both teen drivers and police officers, addressing a common scenario where these groups first interact—during a traffic stop. It demonstrates proper procedures for drivers and teaches students what police officers expect during a stop.

The program can be presented at schools, community groups, and other venues to support outreach efforts. School Resource Officers are trained to present the program and host assemblies in high schools to teach students how to conduct themselves during a traffic stop.

Community Patrol

Your Community Patrol is an extension of the Port St. Lucie Police Department and is staffed by volunteers who live in the City of Port St. Lucie. These teams regularly patrol their designated districts, acting as a visible deterrent and serving as an extra set of eyes to help prevent crime. They also offer a close house watch service for city residents who request it while they are away or on vacation.

Patrol teams cover residential neighborhoods within their assigned territories, including nearby parks and businesses. They monitor activities, conduct Close House Watches, report suspicious behavior to the police, document and report code compliance violations, and strengthen the partnership between the Port St. Lucie Police Department and the communities they serve.

How to become a Community Patrol volunteer

To join the Community Patrol, volunteers must meet eligibility requirements and complete the training established by the Port St. Lucie Police Department. A driving history check will be conducted, and all applicants must successfully pass fingerprinting, drug screening, and background checks before participating. Volunteers are also required to complete classroom and vehicle training.

The Community Patrol program has been active since 2026 and operates with 4 teams and 8 members throughout the city. Each team has a patrol car and assigned areas. The time commitment is only 8 hours per month, with flexible scheduling. Members are partnered with someone who shares a similar availability, whether it’s mornings, afternoons, evenings, or weekends. 

Civilian Ride Along

The Police Ride-Along Program is designed to strengthen relationships between the community and the Police Department by providing citizens with a firsthand look at daily law enforcement operations. Through transparency, education, and positive engagement, participants gain a better understanding of police work while officers build trust with the community they serve.

Program Objectives

  • Promote transparency within the Police Department.
  • Improve community trust and communication.
  • Educate citizens about police procedures and responsibilities.
  • Encourage future careers in law enforcement.
  • Strengthen partnerships between officers and residents.
  • Increase public awareness of crime prevention and community safety.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

  • Be at least 18 years old (16–17 with parent/guardian consent, if permitted).
  • Possess a valid government-issued photo ID.
  • Have no active warrants.
  • Complete a Ride-Along Application.
  • Sign a Liability Waiver.
  • Pass a criminal history check.
  • Follow all department policies and officer instructions.

Program Guidelines

Participants shall:

  • Dress appropriately (business casual or department-approved attire).
  • Wear closed-toe shoes.
  • Remain with the assigned officer at all times.
  • Keep all law enforcement information confidential.
  • Follow all lawful instructions from the officer.
  • Refrain from interfering with police operations.
  • Keep cell phone use to a minimum.
  • Not carry firearms or weapons unless specifically authorized by law and department policy.

Prohibited Conduct

Participants may not:

  • Enter active crime scenes without officer approval.
  • Handle police equipment.
  • Drive department vehicles.
  • Make arrests or participate in enforcement actions.
  • Post sensitive information on social media.
  • Record victims, juveniles, or confidential investigations.

Violation of these rules may result in immediate termination of the ride-along.

Ride-Along Schedule

Patrol Shifts

  • Day Shift
  • Evening Shift
  • Night Shift

Maximum ride-along duration:

  • 2–4 hours (recommended)
  • One participant per patrol vehicle unless approved by supervision.

Officer Responsibilities

Assigned officers will:

  • Brief participants before patrol.
  • Explain department procedures.
  • Ensure participant safety.
  • Maintain professionalism.
  • End the ride-along if safety becomes a concern.
  • Complete any required documentation after the ride.

Safety Procedures

Participants will receive instruction on:

  • Emergency vehicle operations.
  • Traffic stop safety.
  • Pursuit procedures.
  • Firearm safety.
  • Officer survival principles.
  • Emergency evacuation procedures.

Participants must remain inside the patrol vehicle unless instructed otherwise.

Confidentiality Agreement

Participants acknowledge that they may observe:

  • Criminal investigations
  • Victim information
  • Medical emergencies
  • Juvenile incidents
  • Sensitive law enforcement information

All information learned during the ride-along is confidential and may not be disclosed without authorization.

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