What happens on a police ride-along?
When a ride-along begins, officers usually give a brief overview of his or her job and the vehicle and equipment. If assigned to a beat, he or she may tell you about the beat. You’ll be sitting in the front of the police car. If you have any medical or other concerns, please tell the officer at the beginning of the ride-along. Next, your officer goes on patrol and does his or her everyday job–everything from traffic stops, to responding to calls for service, spending time with community members, and searching for wanted subjects. Questions are encouraged, with two caveats. First, wait until the officer is not busy. Second, ask them when no one else is present, because some questions can annoy or distress people involved in the incident.
