Ride along

[Tom98915]

I wonder if they read this forum?

[NSP]

I don't know.

[moondog]

Bottom line, no matter what you read here, ask the agency. Usually, all info is provided when you are approved for the ride along. Did you try the agency's website? You will be advised of CCW, knives, shotgun operation, etc when you are briefed.


Peace Out

[sealbeach]

Even if it got cancelled, you should try to reschedule, it may prove very interesting. Many years ago I did a ride-along with CHP, they had to take down some guy with warrants who tried to run, big mistake, they were rolling around on the shoulder of PCH, cars and trucks roaring past, this was way before tasers or pepper spray. Very exciting evening for me to experience.

[AMS MIKE]

Originally Posted by Tom98915

I wonder if they read this forum?

many LEO's are regular's on this forum.

[NSP]

Originally Posted by sealbeach

Even if it got cancelled, you should try to reschedule, it may prove very interesting. Many years ago I did a ride-along with CHP, they had to take down some guy with warrants who tried to run, big mistake, they were rolling around on the shoulder of PCH, cars and trucks roaring past, this was way before tasers or pepper spray. Very exciting evening for me to experience.

He didn't CANCEL per se. It just has to happen on a different night. I'm going to see him today so we'll talk.

[tdogg]

Originally Posted by SierraNevadaCCW

I wouldn't go on any ride along without my firearm. But that's me. I know what could go down out there and I wouldnt' be caught unarmed out there.

When I rode along as a deputy at a city PD with a friend...I carried exposed with only my badge on a clip. Then we had a hostage situation at a gang house where I nearly shot a gang banger in the driveway. When the LT came to the scene, I was yelled at for carrying exposed and was told to conceal my weapon.

The brass won't allow it. The cop you're with may or may not. It doesn't hurt to ask.

This man has the right mindset. When I do my rides I always go with my friends... I won't comment on whether they would let me carry. Most departments will not let you carry because of liability. We have a saying on my department that we are only known by our employee numbers from a bean counting standpoint.

LE ride a longs are extremely dangerous. At the least you will be considered a witness by the criminal who might possibly kill the officer your riding with. During a foot pursuit you may be left alone by the car in dangerous territory. Everytime you go on a ride a long you are putting your life into harm's way. Some of the cops that do ride a longs frequently will be your easier going guys who will not put you into rough environments. Some of the cops will be told to not go hunting since they are stuck with you (in their minds) but will then quickly revert back to the hunting mentaility nearly forgetting your in the car.

Ride a longs are usually a heck of a good time. But there have been incidents lately where the ride a long has had to save the officer's life during an armed encounter with a criminal. Think long and hard about who your going to be riding with. If they stick you with Barney Fife you might not come back to tell the story of your ride.

The above are just the tip of the iceburg examples of why SierraNevadaCCW is 100% spot on.

In the end, your stuck with what the LEO tells you do to.

[tdogg]

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.