Ride Along

[Scool191]

Hey,  For all of those contemplating Law Enforcement make sure you do a ride along.  I have done a couple and they are very helpful. Also they are somewhat addicting and very interesting.

[Charlie]

A great suggestion especially if you are contemplating a career in the LE field!  ;D A lot of agencies out there (but not all) have ride-a-long programs and it usually isn't a real complex process to get into the program. Perhaps the most important thing LE agencies do is have the observer sign off on a release form before they'll be permitted to ride with someone.

I think the biggest benefit of the program is simply the observer can see what happens up close and personal and as things unfold. I think some people have misconceptions of what the profession is all about. Hopefully, after being on a few ride-a-longs, it will help someone, who may be contemplating an LE career, make the right decision concerning any career pursuits. Fact is, the LE profession is NOT for everyone. I think the ride-a-longs can really be of benefit if the person is put with the right officer.

Importantly as well, I like to see other civilians see for themselves what it's all about as well. We can always use someone else cheering on our side.  8) Again, it's often a real eye opener for some folks who only THOUGHT they knew what cops do out there! ;D

Obviously, I am a supporter of a ride-a-long program. Unfortunately, they are not always readily available at any department. It may require some checking in your area to find out who has a program and who doesn't.

Check it out sometime..... 8)

[Piper]

My first ride along was this past September and I'm planning another one on November 1st.  I loved it!  The officer was great to ride with, helpful in explaining things and was just all around a great experience.



Piper

[Jay]

I have to jump in on the ride along bandwagon.  I love them and there is nothing quite like it to see what it is realy like.  <br>
I strongly sugest you give it a shot

[junior]

i have been trying to do a ride-along for sometime now.  the shift commanders have kind of given me the run-around .  unfortunately this particular dept is the only one in my area that offers the program  .  

['Guest']

Charlie hit it right on the head! ;)however , some agencies don't want to take the liability, hence no "ride-a-long" program.Some Depts are , to be politically correct , "closed circuit Depts,i.e. locals only or affiliated personnel only" so,if some of you, like " Junior" don't meet with results to your opportunity to get a peek at the police world, don't feel bad.Sometimes,especially with School/College/ small town police agencies, there really isn't much to see other than traffic stops,welfare checks on people in their jurisdiction, and drunk or transient arrests(which that agency may consider "routine" or boring themselves).Police work is often tedious,boring, and depressing, and doesn't lend itself to the Hollywood excitement seen in the TV or in the Movies.Also remember,when you ride as a"guest observer" you present yourselves as one more thing that the officer(s)/Deputy(ies) have to be concerned about while in the patrol unit(My own agency would not LOOK FAVORABLY on a shot or injured ride along).It is a good tool for public relations, and has always changed the view of even skeptics to modern policing.For any applicant out there, ride a longs will always come up in the " What have you done to prepare yourself for the job" question