This ride along that I went on Wednesday was a lot more fun then I expected.... but not a lot happened. They had me sign this liability form, which I expected. I just thought it was funny that all the police officers I met separetely that day said, "Remember when your officer says duck, you duck. When he says run, you run." I mean literally everyone there said it. After reading the incredibly clear liability contract, I was kind of like..... well duh!
I rode along with two officers. Their last names escape me sadly. Their first names are Paul and Rick. Paul was my planned ride along officer, but half way through it he was dispatched at a home in Foster City. I began to feel a little sad once I was told what happened, which I won't put online. Anyway, he had a lot of paperwork and stuff, so I was transfereed over to Officer Rick. Rick was older then Paul and definitely had more experience with Foster City PD. Paul has been with FCPD for 3 years while Rick has been there for 8 years. They both have children. I learned that you pretty much don't have to live in the community that you work for. Although there are many advantages and disadvantages to living in the community you work for. For one, your commute isn't bad at all if you live in Foster City. You can go home and have dinner or lunch on your break instead of eating crappy fast food. One serious disadvantage which I'm sure may be a bit awkward is running into a person you arrested or pulled over at Safeway or the bank. No one mentioned any of these details to me, but I can imagine it being weird. I also won't divulge on the internet, where the officers live.
I had fun asking them the question we are required to ask our community partners. I asked them 3 and of course I left my notes at home along with the syllabus. I'll talk about the one that stuck out the most to me and post the others in a separate post this evening after my ride along today. The question that required a lot more thought, was the question involving whether they can openly support a presidential candidate. I got very interesting yet similar responses and will definitely ask Sgt. Ticas this question. Paul comes from a military background, so he said that the Police department like the military have to remain impartial. I respect that! I can't say that I would exactly be thrilled to be pulled over by someone who would vote for Sarah Palin. I mean where is her brain?! I don't mean to digress, but seriously think about it? Rick pretty much said the same thing. He said that he definitely would not do it on the clock with his uniform on. I asked both Paul and Rick if they would do it off the clock and not in uniform. Paul said something ot the effect of absolutely not. Rick said that he definitely would not. I asked Rick, what if he felt strongly about a candidate. He said that he doesn't think that there is a rule that says you can't support a candidate at all, but if he was ever asked what do you do in the same "interview" he would stick to no comment. Besides what better way is there to show your support for a candidate other than voting for them.
I found that asking police officers questions on the record, was very difficult, but I really appreciate the fact that Paul and Rick tried their best and didn't just poo on my questions. I also found that this ride along experience kind of took away my feeling that police officers are like a a different breed. This really humanized them and they don't seem so Big Brother like anymore. Not to say that I don't respect them. If anything, I have more respect for them. To take on a job like the one they have and have a life outside of it. I mean I think that requires some major comparmentalizing. This also was kind of educational because now I understand the life style of a police officer. My boyfriend is going to go into the police academy and I didn't really understand how it would affect me. Now I do!
Anyway, I left my syllabus and textbook at home, so I won't be able to post questions until later this evening.
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