Recently I was given the opportunity to go on a ride along with a Saginaw Country Sheriff Deputy. Having been fascinated with law enforcement for quite some time, I could hardly contain my excitement as I headed to the station late Friday evening. I had chosen to do a night shift in hopes of seeing a little more action, ranging from killer clowns to drunk drivers. After signing a waiver form, I was riding shotgun in a Dodge Charger fully equipped with all the coolest gear accessible to today's crime fighters. Ranging from a radar detector, a radio, and even a cool live feed laptop, I was fascinated by it all in a childlike way. Wondering what this button did or that one, hoping I could turn on the lights, and asking about all the ins and outs of the job was an experience I am grateful for.
Once we were out on the road I quickly picked up on how a patrol officer operates on a regular shift. Listening to the radio we would drive around waiting for a 911 call. Once we got an assignment, we would head over to investigate. Each officer was given a general location to patrol and for the beginning of the trip we spent most of our time pulling over cars with broken headlights or other vehicle violations. The experience of turning around to go chase a car was intoxicating. The sound of the v8 engine, the flashing of the lights, and being pushed back into your seat as a result of the pinned accelerator was a dump of adrenaline. I experienced different 911 calls that ranged from a man riding his bike on the side of the road to a possible drunk driver accident. All situations presented a different challenge and a different series of procedures that really made me appreciate how quickly officers can act and think on their feet. Unfortunately for me, the night I participated in the ride along was unusually slow. That meant most of my time was spent waiting for a call or driving around looking for potential vehicle violations. What this lack of action did allow me to do, was really get to know what the officer. I was able to ask what he thought about his job, as well as the impact certain situations had on him and how he had dealt with them. Tragic situations like a suicide, a deadly crash, and his least favorite, domestic violence situations, all had their own mental burden that needed to be attended to.The conversations we had that night created a new level of respect for the daily trauma that is involved in a law enforcement career.
Although this night provided just a glimpse into what a police officer goes through on a daily basis it has made me challenge my preconceived ideas and opinions about the the men and women working so tirelessly to keep our streets safer. As I continue to look for my career path this experience has certainly peaked my interest to investigate further into a possible career in law.
