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Anonymous
Anonymous asked in Politics & GovernmentLaw Enforcement & Police · 1 decade ago

Police Department hesitant to let me go on a ride-along?

I am 18, a senior in high school and interested in studying criminal justice as a career. I have been wanting to go on a ride-along to make sure that this is something I have wanted to do.

Since first trying back in February, the department has been giving me the run around. They first told me to wait until I was 18, which I did. Now that I am 18, they finally, after pulling teeth, sent me out. I want to ride again, and possibly even once a week for a bit just to make sure that this REALLY is the path I want to take with my life.

When asking about another ride along, the sgt.'s response was "wait a few weeks because we'll be busy..." I feel like this is unfair. This program was set up for people like me. If I am requesting to ride again, that shouldn't be an issue. They just don't seem willing to put me back out there.

Am I being too imposing asking to go on several more ride alongs? Should I be more assertive as a citizen to whom this program is available?

Thanks very much!

Update:

I guess I do understand now...it's sort of a liability issue. I would understand that the sgt would not want to be held liable for approving a ride along if that rider is injured or killed in an incident. I guess it would be on his back.

Still though, there is a waiver to be signed that takes care of this. I just wish they would understand that I just want to experience what police work is like!

3 Answers

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  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    Well I understand the wait until we are busy comment.

    Nothing worse than a ride along when little is going on. Cop is used to the boredom of rising around in circles but it is useless for you.

    Anyway it is up to them. They do not have to let anyone go on a ride a long, many departments do not.

    Try your local sheriff's police or another nearby department. Sounds like you in a small town since your dealing with the station sergeant. If a big city is nearby try them.

    BTW why would anyone in their right mind who wants to be a cop study criminal justice?

    A useless major for anyone who wants to be a good effective cop and move up in his career.

    CJ as a major is just something pushed by no nothing counselors and private colleges (who make a lot of money with false promises).

    Source(s): retired cop, M.Sci-Law Enforcement Administration
  • Jeff
    Lv 5
    1 decade ago

    The problem with the ride-along program is the officer has to baby-sit you while still trying to do his job. They can't respond to any serious calls out of fear for your safety, and are distracted overall. I would just wait a few weeks and ask again. I'm sure he's not trying to be mean, they are just really busy.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    It is up to the officers you would be riding with when you could ride. Then the Chief would have to deem

    that you would be safe and give the okay.

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