Going for a ridealong soon...?

Question

just wondering what they will have me do when im on the ridealong. Will i wear a vest? Will i get to walk up to a car if we pull one over? Any information on what will go on will be appreciated thanks@!!

Answer 1

I used to have ride-alongs until I made the K9 unit.  Yes, you will get a vest.  Many officers have different takes on ride-alongs.  I had a set of rules for all my ride-alongs.  They were able to participate in anything they wanted (walk up to cars, come in on calls, etc) as long as they just observed.  All of the rules I had were for my safety, like don't slam the passenger car door on a traffic stop, don't shadow yourself in the lights, etc.

Be observant and ask questions.  Now, when I say ask questions, I mean wait for the proper time.  Good rule of thumb is to ask after you have returned to the car and are leaving the area.  

You should have a good time.

Answer 2

You'll be able to watch & that's it...

Answer 3

They will give you a vest to wear and you will stay in the car on traffic stops.

Answer 4

sit in the car & watch thats about it

Answer 5

You probably won't get a vest if you're going for a standard patrol ridealong.  On a call, the officer will direct you as to what you should do (stay in the car, it's OK to get out, whatever).  As for the video camera, they probably won't let you film anything so I'd leave it at home.  If you're doing this to scout out a potential career, here are some things you can do to prove to the officer you're cop material:

--turn your phone off and don't check it until dinner break or after the ride

--show up nicely dressed (khakis and a polo shirt are great)

--ask smart questions about the academy and the job (no "Have you killed anybody?" questions)

Good luck to you, you'll have a blast!