Just saying hello

[Usual40Weight]

G'Day everyone, just breaking my post cherry here to say hello.

A little bit about me -

Im (rapidly) approaching 40, did several years in the military (world policing duties at times) worked in an Aux Security Force (post 911) and other 'Law Enforcement' duties while in, but never held the title (or FULL) responsibilities that the lot of you all do. (Ironically) my job duties now are a 'policing of the internet and our network' of sorts for a school system.

While it is not my aspiration to pursue a career in LE, I am fascinated by the job and duties you are tasked to perform, and moreso - the technology behind it. I spoke with my local police department on getting in on a 'ride along' so I can get a better idea of what the average officer deals with on a given shift. (Even if its 90% paperwork and only 10% 'excitement')

As Ive heard stated before - you deal with 5% of the population 95% of the time. Fortunately for me, I fall into that 95% of the population The only time Ive ever been in a police car was when I got lost at a parade at the age of 6.

So, before I get in the passenger seat to witness some of the 5% that most people never have to encounter, is there anything I should (or shouldnt) know or expect? AND, are ride alongs an 'assigned' part of your duty? Or do officers volunteer and look forward to sharing a portion of their world to the general public?

Thanks, and thanks for the great information posted here (as well as the difficult job you do)

Oh, and if you were wondering - My username is a play on words for 'Average Joe'.

[Safety Steve]

Howdy from TX Usual40weight! Welcome to RP!

To get a ride along with my department, you would have to apply first to get your one time ride along. While on your ride along, expect to do nothing as the officer will do everything. In my car, I just want you to watch and stay out of my way.


Be Safe.

[Usual40Weight]

Thanks for the reply.

I spoke to the department earlier, and I need to get a ride along application and provide a copy of my ID.
I planned on touching nothing physically, but *may* be full of questions and visually molesting every possible thing I can. (Technology wise people!) :p I almost feel like a little kid giddy with excitement, but I dont want to 'stress' the officer with 'civillian bullcaca' just cause this is new, neat, and exciting for me.

I guess Ill just have to wait and see what sort of personality the OIC whom I will be riding with has.
Cant wait!

[marinepilot]

Usual40Weight, Welcome to RP from the Florida Panhandle! Glad you found our little home on the internet and thanks so much for the great intro!

In my agency you would actually have to have a Deputy sponsor your paperwork to get a ride along. You'd fill out the forms and turn them in to the sponsor with a copy of your Drivers License, then wait a couple weeks to get approved. Once you did though, you'd be eligible for 4 ride alongs that calendar year.

As for what I let people do when their riding, I tell them they can get out on whatever they like unless I specifically tell them not to. And I don't mind answering myriad questions from my riders, that's why I bring them! It's great to see what I do through the eyes of someone who doesn't take our career for granted, and I am all about teaching, so to me the only dumb question is the unasked question.

Best of luck to you in arranging your ride alongs! Please stick around and let us know how it's coming along and how they went when you finally do them!