Ride along program

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I have a question regarding the ride along program.  My local Sheriff's office will allow one ride-a-long per six months.  I'm curious to know if this is annoying to officers?  I would like to take full advantage of this program, anything I should know.

I'm a full time retail store manager attending criminal justice classes in the evening.  I want to become a police officer, no doubt, I just don't want to be a pest.

[Scool191]

It really all depends opon the deputy you ride with.  Most enjoy the company actually as long as you do not get in their way and follow instructions.  I have had numerous tell me that they enjoyed us there cause it gave them someone to talk to.  If you are considering any work in Law Enforcment I would suggest doing ride alongs. They are a great experience and a great way to learn about what actually goes on.  I would without a doubt take full advantage of the ride along program.  ;D

[Charlie]

Brandon--I think they will likely put you with an officer that wants to participate in the program. Of course, this will depend upon where you are doing your ride a long and how many officers they have available in the program. Personally, I have never heard of  a once every six months policy but I suppose there is likely a reason for it. Maybe the Sheriff's department where you are at is quite popular and they only have so many officers to go around! 8) 8)

So, in my opinion, I would not be too concerned about being labeled a pest. If I were you, I'd go out there and see what it's all about if you have never taken a ride before as an observer. I think you'll find it quite educational!

Let us know how it went.

Charlie

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First, thank you for the information.  I failed to mention that I have been on one ride along already.  I want to go on another as soon as the six month comes around again(which is very soon).  The last deputy was glad to have someone to talk to and he gave me a ton of information about his daily life.  

I live in Whatcom County here in Washington.  The sheriff's department is fairly small in contrast to the size of the county.  During the shift I was on, there were only six others working.  I wonder if the six month policy is due to low numbers?  I've thought about asking for the late, late shift to see more action.  Last time out we didn't see much to get anyone excited.  I love performing under pressure and I know in law enforcement the pressure to perform is amazing.  I want to see how current officers perform under some sort of situation and finally get an insight as to there response to that situation.  Could this time frame be  better for more action?