First ride along, what should I expect?

**CHARTOTO** · 06-14-07, 09:09 PM

Hello all,
I am about to go on my first ride along with a Washington County Deputy. What should I expect, if anything? Thanks all

**Ducky** · 06-14-07, 09:12 PM

Cardinal rule, do anything and EVERYTHING the deputy tells you to, without question. Period. Especially if he says "hold on" or "duck". And never, ever say "it's kind of quiet tonight" because you'll get an ass beating. In fact, don't even THINK the word "quiet".

**NCC1701** · 06-14-07, 09:22 PM

Originally Posted by Ducky

Cardinal rule, do anything and EVERYTHING the deputy tells you to, without question. Period. Especially if he says "hold on" or "duck". And never, ever say "it's kind of quiet tonight" because you'll get an ass beating. In fact, don't even THINK the word "quiet".

+1
Sit back and enjoy seeing the crackheads and drunks. We love it when people ask us "did you kill anybody yet" or "do you think you will have to shoot anybody tonight?"

**jmur5074** · 06-14-07, 09:23 PM

Some LEO's like their riders to be quiet and watch, others prefer them to be involved, ask questions, etc.

I'd kinda feel out the person you're riding with, and figure out which type he/she is.

Me personally, I like it when my riders talk with me, ask questions, etc.

If you're going to ask questions, make sure you're asking questions, not questioning the deputies actions. There's nothing I hate more when a rider questions my actions.

Also, don't complain about a ticket you got in the past, or when you were treated unfairly by a cop in the past, or about how your friend got a DWI. For me, that's an automatic ticket to the door, ride along over, good bye.

Most importantly, watch everything that's going on. Listen to everything. And do what he tells you to.

**Autumn2009** · 06-14-07, 09:37 PM

Don't get in the car and the first thing out of your mouth be, have you ever shot anyone?

Dress professionally. Ask well thought out questions. Watch what's going on around you. Know where you are. Don't take silence personal, most officers are used to riding around for 12 hours alone.

**Just KC** · 06-14-07, 09:39 PM

Originally Posted by Autumn2009

Don't get in the car and the first thing out of your mouth be, have you ever shot anyone?

Dress professionally. Ask well thought out questions. Watch what's going on around you. Know where you are. Don't take silence personal, most officers are used to riding around for 12 hours alone.

I just wanted to comment on the *dress professionally* thing....not sure if it differs...but here we wear jeans, tennis and long sleeve shirt or jacket. I wouldn't go in wearing heels or dress shoes LOL

**Autumn2009** · 06-14-07, 09:51 PM

Originally Posted by Just KC

I just wanted to comment on the *dress professionally* thing....not sure if it differs...but here we wear jeans, tennis and long sleeve shirt or jacket. I wouldn't go in wearing heels or dress shoes LOL

Well I didn't mean a suit, but when I was an explorer if we didn't go in our uniforms it was normally kakis and a polo, or something to that affect. I wouldn't go in jeans, that just might be here and my personal preference.

**Jackalope** · 06-14-07, 10:03 PM

If you're speaking when the radio starts talking, make sure you immediately shut up so he can hear what's being said.

**CHARTOTO** · 06-14-07, 10:19 PM

Originally Posted by Ducky

Cardinal rule, do anything and EVERYTHING the deputy tells you to, without question. Period. Especially if he says "hold on" or "duck". And never, ever say "it's kind of quiet tonight" because you'll get an ass beating. In fact, don't even THINK the word "quiet".

roger that last word of warning!!

**smokey703** · 06-14-07, 10:20 PM

If you are gonna ask a question f*cking ask it. Don't say " Hey, can I ask you a question". But if you are interested in Law Enforcement be as active as you can without getting in the way, let the Ofc. know that you really want to learn. It will make him more comfortable and you would probably have a better chance of him allowing you to ride again.

**CHARTOTO** · 06-14-07, 10:40 PM

wow, all good sound advice, I think i will print some of these and bring them along. *LOL*.. maybe you are the person I will be riding with!!

**conalabu** · 06-14-07, 10:45 PM

Originally Posted by Just KC

I just wanted to comment on the *dress professionally* thing....not sure if it differs...but here we wear jeans, tennis and long sleeve shirt or jacket. I wouldn't go in wearing heels or dress shoes LOL

You do that in my department, you will not get in the car. If you can not look like you give a shit about you, we won't either. Dress like you are trying to make an impression on a future boss. I want to be able to tell sombody you are a detective and have them believe it.

**CHARTOTO** · 06-14-07, 10:47 PM

Originally Posted by jmur5074

Some LEO's like their riders to be quiet and watch, others prefer them to be involved, ask questions, etc.

I'd kinda feel out the person you're riding with, and figure out which type he/she is.

Me personally, I like it when my riders talk with me, ask questions, etc.

If you're going to ask questions, make sure you're asking questions, not questioning the deputies actions. There's nothing I hate more when a rider questions my actions.

Also, don't complain about a ticket you got in the past, or when you were treated unfairly by a cop in the past, or about how your friend got a DWI. For me, that's an automatic ticket to the door, ride along over, good bye.

Most importantly, watch everything that's going on. Listen to everything. And do what he tells you to.

Also, don't complain about a ticket you got in the past, or when you were treated unfairly by a cop in the past, or about how your friend got a DWI.

Roger on that... I have a lot of respect for you guys/gals. I would never complain about a ticket I received. First off on that note.. I've never got one I didn't deserve.. *LOL*... all of my speeding tickets.. 3..or 4 on the past some 30 years were deserved!!! I once had a Texas DPS officer make me follow him to a wreck so he could write me a ticket... **LOL*... anyways... Don't have any friends... so not an issue.. thanks for all the advice...

jrae · 06-14-07, 10:59 PM

Well, for my ride along experiences......(I've had 2), I wore a cute sweater, jeans, my Timberland's, my hair down, and some cute earrings.

The rules were a lil different for me though b/c I already worked at the SO in a different division, and the Sheriff was a close family friend.

I really enjoyed my experience, and I love learning new things. My deputy was very informative and didn't mind me asking questions. I really appreciated the explanations that were given for the different policies and procedures. I feel that it was a positive experience. I believe anyone seriously interested in law enforcement can learn a great deal if they respect the officer they are riding with. Officers are very knowledgeable people and can offer advice you can't get from anywhere else. LEO's can teach you a great deal about law enforcement by telling you about their past experiences. So remember, be respectful, listen to what the officer instructs you to do, be eager to learn, and be cautious to your surroundings. Have a great time!

jrae · 06-14-07, 11:09 PM

Oh, and i guess i failed to mention that my deputy was my boyfriend at the time.

Ride along #1, we located a stolen vehicle. My b/f almost shot a drunk mexican armed with a gun.

Ride along # 2, we were blue lights and siren(the coolest thing in the world) en route to help another officer that was 40mins way. We wrecked going 100mph(off the rode, down the ditch, up the ditch, in air over 50ft, hit the opposite ditch, and wrecked into a billboard sign).......we were playing the Dukes of Hazzard. just kidding..

I would definitely go again.........i love the adrenaline rush that goes along with the blue lights and siren!

**Terminator** · 06-14-07, 11:14 PM

Originally Posted by jrae

Oh, and i guess i failed to mention that my deputy was my boyfriend at the time.

Who was that, huh?

**CHARTOTO** · 06-14-07, 11:14 PM

I am soooo looking forward to this. I have wanted to be a police officer my whole life..... . Sometimes I'm just sorry I waited so long. I'll be 46 in a few weeks. Washington County Deputys don't have an upper age limit. Bartlesville PO upper age limit is 46.... too bad..

**CHARTOTO** · 06-14-07, 11:16 PM

I was told by the Captain of the Reserve unit here that my girlfriend could not ride with me once I get out on my own. That is going to be long months down the road. He says I should have my uniforms by mid Aug....

**CHARTOTO** · 06-14-07, 11:17 PM

Originally Posted by jrae

Oh, and i guess i failed to mention that my deputy was my boyfriend at the time.

Ride along #1, we located a stolen vehicle. My b/f almost shot a drunk mexican armed with a gun.

Ride along # 2, we were blue lights and siren(the coolest thing in the world) en route to help another officer that was 40mins way. We wrecked going 100mph(off the rode, down the ditch, up the ditch, in air over 50ft, hit the opposite ditch, and wrecked into a billboard sign).......we were playing the Dukes of Hazzard. just kidding..

I would definitely go again.........i love the adrenaline rush that goes along with the blue lights and siren!

Yeah I'm a rookie, however didn't take me long to figure that one out.

**CHARTOTO** · 06-14-07, 11:22 PM

Kinda funny, when he called me today I ask him where I should meet him and what he was driving...he kinda laughs says... well behind the courthouse is where you can park. Look for a big a** 4wheel drive truck with WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF all over it.. can't miss it..