Your thoughts...

[yabbadabba]

I am going on a ride-along tonight and would appreciate some insight/suggestions on the questions I am going to ask the officer.

Background: I am a law student w/some interest in the DA's office and I would like to experience 1st hand the duties of those who enforce the laws.

My Questions are as follows:

#1. How do your duties differ from the other police agencies in the area (diff b/w Sherrifs and other local PD).

#2. Why did you pursue a career in LE?

#3. What is the best part of the job? What is the worst part of the job?

#4. Is there anything the legislature could do to ease the burden on police officers duties to ensure the law is followed?

#5. How would you describe your PD's relationship with the DA?

#6. Is there anything that a DA could do to better help LE? If so, what do you have in mind?

#7. In your opinion, what mistakes do DA's often make that can be avoided?

#8. What laws do you believe do not warrant leniency when violated?

#9. What is your opinion on the red light cameras? (Note: a lot of controversy in town about their use).

#10. If you could change one law, or department policy, what would it be and why?

That's all I got for questions... anything else I should ask or omit? Thanks in advance.

[Samuel]

Thank you for having me along with you tonight.
How can I be a good ridealong (what are your pet peeves/ground rules)?
What should I do in an emergent situation?
Is there anything else I should know or should/shouldn't do?
Would you mind if I asked you some questions regarding a homework assignment?

[marinepilot]

Thank you for having me along with you tonight.
How can I be a good ridealong (what are your pet peeves/ground rules)?
What should I do in an emergent situation?
Is there anything else I should know or should/shouldn't do?
Would you mind if I asked you some questions regarding a homework assignment?

Start with these, if he says he doesn't mind answering other questions, then break out your list.

[icu650]

I can think of a couple of things you SHOULDN'T ask like;

Can I bring my dog with me next time ?
Can we stop for a beer ?
Can you sit in the back and let me drive ?
Can we practice kicking down doors ?
Can you shoot a person to stop him from jumping from a bridge to kill himself ? (actual question)
Can we chase my friend on his dirt bike?
If we pick up a drunk and drive him home can we charge him money?
Does the computer in the car have any games on it?

There could be many more I'm sure....

[Kimble]

I can think of a couple of things you SHOULDN'T ask like;

Can I bring my dog with me next time ?
Can we stop for a beer ?
Can you sit in the back and let me drive ?
Can we practice kicking down doors ?
Can you shoot a person to stop him from jumping from a bridge to kill himself ? (actual question)
Can we chase my friend on his dirt bike?
If we pick up a drunk and drive him home can we charge him money?
Does the computer in the car have any games on it?

There could be many more I'm sure....

Add to this, "Have you ever shot anyone?" or "Have you ever been shot?" It's okay if a 6 year old asks this, but very bad taste when it comes from an adult.

I also agree common courtesy would entail asking the officer if he/she minded you breaking out your list first, and be mindful of when you're asking the questions (i.e. be quiet when the radio is transmitting or he/she's otherwise busy).

[yabbadabba]

Back from my ride along... it was a great experience and the deputy that I rode with was a great guy. I would like to return the favor and I thought it may be a good idea to write a short email to the Sheriff and let him know how impressed I was with the deputies I met and the officer during my ride-along. I figured a compliment from a citizen might help with a promotion or pay raise?

[Samuel]

A nice letter of appreciation/thanks never hurts. It's nice of you to think of it.

[Kimble]

Back from my ride along... it was a great experience and the deputy that I rode with was a great guy. I would like to return the favor and I thought it may be a good idea to write a short email to the Sheriff and let him know how impressed I was with the deputies I met and the officer during my ride-along. I figured a compliment from a citizen might help with a promotion or pay raise?

A commendation letter/email is always nice, but don't put more value on it than is realistic. Your email alone isn't going to bring on any promotion or pay raise.