Quote:
Originally Posted by Spicy McHaggis
I think a more important question that should be asked is, do you think you will need to wear a kevlar vest on the ride along? 
Also, on one of the ride alongs I went on, the officer gave me a quick overview of the inside of the car. When he was almost done, he said "Oh by the way, if you move this switch up it releases the shotgun." So, you may not need to worry about carrying. Have fun!
Edit to add: Just saw this will be at night. You might want to bring along a Surefire or some other flashlight just in case. |
Excellent points. Get a vest from a friend or from the agency. Often times the station might have extra concealed cut vest laying around (thinking large agency here). I remember my first ride in Compton, the Watch Commander was an old radio car partner of my Dad's. He quickly let me know that wearing a vest was darned near mandatory for a ride a long. BTW, danger doesn't only occur in Compton.
Bring a long your Surefire, ask if OC spray is ok, handcuffs, etc (handcuffs are not to effect arrests as your not LE, but there are so many incidents where you might need them as a backup to the LEO). Get there Early so you can ask the LEO if he can show you how to use the radio and release the shotgun/rifle. The LEO will either be impressed or worried about you, it will depend on how you communicate.
Many agencies have only one man cars and too often not enough cars in service. You will be that LEO's first possible backup. "Observer" is all you are, until that LEO is losing the fight for his life, then I'd hope ANYONE here would turn into more than an "Observer".
Someone said in this thread that the agency takes on a lot of liability with ride a longs. That is so true. But your taking on the liability of your life. Know where your at at all times. Watch the street signs at every interestection. Know your direction of travel. Guys have been killed in their car while driving and while stopped. You might need to put out 10-33 (emergent) traffic on the radio.