Prospective Ride Alongs....ADVICE For Ya

[FJDave]

I have some advice for y'allz that want to set up a ride along at a station (from my recent experience....last night, for example).

DO NOT: When you call the station to inquire/set up the ride, the first words out of your mouth when the officer answers shall NOT be, "Hey. Lemme talk to 'Smith.'" (instead of saying Sergeant Smith)

DO: Instead, say, "Hello. My name is _______. I am in the process/thinkingabout processing for your agency. How may I set up a ride along?"

DO NOT: When I (or the sergeant on duty) answer, don't act like you know him/her. When I say we really don't do ride aloings at my station, and another station is better/faster/more fun, DON'T ARGUE WITH ME/THE SERGEANT!!

DO: Say. "Ok, thanks for the advice, Sarge. Do you have a contact name/number for me please?"

When I say that the shifts are from 1300-2300, ASK if you can come in at 1800....don't TELL me.

If you are in the academy and are scheduling a ride, and you follow the DO NOT list, then you can expect a call to the tac staff at the academy and a call to the training unit at the department.

Humility goes a long way. You are trying to get into the job. Be respectful of the people that have been there longer. Sheesh. I'll tell ya....kids these days. This ride may be cut very short today. I hope I'm wrong about the whole thing....more to follow.

[FJDave]

Double post

[ownerop]

I have some advice for y'allz that want to set up a ride along at a station (from my recent experience....last night, for example).

DO NOT: When you call the station to inquire/set up the ride, the first words out of your mouth when the officer answers shall NOT be, "Hey. Lemme talk to 'Smith.'" (instead of saying Sergeant Smith)

DO: Instead, say, "Hello. My name is _______. I am in the process/thinkingabout processing for your agency. How may I set up a ride along?"

DO NOT: When I (or the sergeant on duty) answer, don't act like you know him/her. When I say we really don't do ride aloings at my station, and another station is better/faster/more fun, DON'T ARGUE WITH ME/THE SERGEANT!!

DO: Say. "Ok, thanks for the advice, Sarge. Do you have a contact name/number for me please?"

When I say that the shifts are from 1300-2300, ASK if you can come in at 1800....don't TELL me.

If you are in the academy and are scheduling a ride, and you follow the DO NOT list, then you can expect a call to the tac staff at the academy and a call to the training unit at the department.

Humility goes a long way. You are trying to get into the job. Be respectful of the people that have been there longer. Sheesh. I'll tell ya....kids these days. This ride may be cut very short today. I hope I'm wrong about the whole thing....more to follow.


I understand your frustration, but honestly, you will not teach etiquite to someone that didn't get raised with etiquite at home. To me it's common sense when you call a perspective employer or any business for that matter that you ask and speak in a professional manner and tone, especailly over the phone where nobody know who you are. I think a lot of it is like you said, the kids of today just aren't raised with any manners and I think at 21 you are still an immature kid and most aren't ready to be an LEO at 21, that is just the hard truth.

[R1pilot]

You only get one chance to make a first impression.

A lot of younger applicants lack life experience, and interpersonal skills are truly in the toilet thanks to text messaging and myspace.

If you lack the ability to conduct yourself in a business-like manner on the telephone, or you spell the word "you" as "u" or the word "tomorrow" as "2morrow," do me a favor:

Go out into your driveway and grab the paper. Walk back inside, go directly into the bathroom. Look directly into the mirror and smack yourself with the paper and say: "NO."

[TWH]

Are you SERIOUS FJDave? Someone actually thinks it's a good idea to call a station and say something like, "Hey, uhh.... can I go on one of dem ride along things?"

I've been on a couple of ride a longs: I've always asked what the dress was and did exactly what they said, Yes Sir or Ma'am, Thank you, when would you like me to arrive? I really appreciate you allowing me to ride with you today, etc.

Wow, I can't believe someone would talk to ANY Sheriff/Police personnel like they are one their friends.

[RicardoTubbs]

While on the topic of Ride-A-Longs:

DO act respectful towards the Officer/Deputy and YES, the RP too (no matter how petty the call).

DO NOT feel free to excuse yourself from a petty call because it would be a whole lot cooler to talk to your buddy via cell phone about the "boring" call you happen to currently be on. It's even worse when the Officer and RP can hear you talking.

DO ask lots of relevant questions.

DO NOT tell the Officer/Deputy about how 647(f) you were not so long ago, especially when it involved a close call with the PD.

DO realize that just because you had seen it on "COPS," doesn't by any far stretch make it the appropriate way.

DO NOT reply with "I know," when the Officer/Deputy explains why he/she handled the call the way they did.

DO ask the Officer/Deputy politely if you have to stop for service/equipment.

DO NOT say, "Hey, stop here so I can take a ****."

Of course if you're doing a Ride-A-Long with a friend/family member, things are a whole lot looser. Despite how cool the Officer/Deputy comes off as, he/she will still be evaluating you as someone they would or would not want to work with. Notifications can be made to express how lame you really are if need be.

The form you fill out for a Ride-A-Long usually has a comment section. The form WILL stay on file should you decide to apply or are already in the process.

My recommendations are subjective and listed only as what I have personally experienced.

[WPD954]

DO NOT: When I (or the sergeant on duty) answer, don't act like you know him/her. When I say we really don't do ride aloings at my station, and another station is better/faster/more fun, DON'T ARGUE WITH ME/THE SERGEANT!![/QUOTE]


refer them to Downey PD for a ride :D

[FJDave]

geez thanks for fronting me out to the whole forum sarge....:p

Hahahahaha!

[Copp'rPenny]

Go out into your driveway and grab the paper. Walk back inside, go directly into the bathroom. Look directly into the mirror and smack yourself with the paper and say: "NO."

Sadly, they don't get a newspaper. It is a dying, almost-dead medium. Detroit has become the first major city to not have a paper newspaper. It's all electronic now. Sign o' the times.

penny,
job candidate and happily, NOT a youngster who says "like" every other word!

[willowdared]

You left out....

wear good running shoes

shut up and listen

ask good questions

[Fatdome]

I understand your frustration, but honestly, you will not teach etiquite to someone that didn't get raised with etiquite at home. To me it's common sense when you call a perspective employer or any business for that matter that you ask and speak in a professional manner and tone, especailly over the phone where nobody know who you are. I think a lot of it is like you said, the kids of today just aren't raised with any manners and I think at 21 you are still an immature kid and most aren't ready to be an LEO at 21, that is just the hard truth.

couldn't have said it better myself. it goes with showing up 30 minutes before your interview time...that shouldn't even be an issue. what's punctuality if it means getting your dream job???

[Big Daddy]

Any updates on this particular ride along?

[FJDave]

Well, he had a great time....he was there when we caught a burglary suspect as he exited the building with the loot! He has family in law enforcement, so he was a bit cocky. He has learned the way of the Jedi, though. Cool guy, too!

[Taylor815]

believe it or not though there are mature young "kids" I am 21 but I started in corrections when I was 18 I had to mature real quick I do understand your frustration though I live in AZ but ive been testing in So Cal because thats were I want to be and going through certain agencies testing like I have been ive noticed alot of younger people acting really immature and it upsets me as well

[FJDave]

I hope as soon as you answer they drop the SGT. and revert back to sir!!!

Meh. I don't care what they call me, as long as they don't act like they are my long lost friend or something. Oh, and "dude" is kinda out of bounds as well :D

[VChopefull]

believe it or not though there are mature young "kids" I am 21 but I started in corrections when I was 18 I had to mature real quick I do understand your frustration though I live in AZ but ive been testing in So Cal because thats were I want to be and going through certain agencies testing like I have been ive noticed alot of younger people acting really immature and it upsets me as well

Not just trying to stir up the pot but...........

The gammar in your post is exactly what the OP is talking about. That is a whole paragraph with no periods or commas? (the longest sentence I've ever seen) I believe you that your more mature than most 21 yr olds but, your above post kind of proved the OP's point.

I too, am 21 and testing with agency's in So Cal and Let me say 2 things....
1)I hope you dont write like that on your background packets
2)Good Luck to you!!

[SDPDApplicant]

Not just trying to stir up the pot but...........

The gammar in your post is exactly what the OP is talking about. That is a whole paragraph with no periods or commas? (the longest sentance I've ever scene) I believe you that your more mature than most 21 yr olds but, your above post kind of proved the OP's point.

I too, am 21 and testing with agency's in So Cal and Let me say 2 things....
1)I hope you dont write like that on your background packets
2)Good Luck to you!!

Interestingly enough, you just contradicted your own statement. "Sentence" not "sentance", "seen" not "scene", a couple syntax errors, and un-needed capitalization. I suggest before correcting someone, you have it down as well my friend. ;)

OT: Had two great experiences doing ride-a-longs with the SDPD Northeastern Division. Definitely kept me interested.

[VChopefull]

Hahaha....Oh boy...how embarrassing.. Touche SDPD!

While i did make some stupid mistakes they were not as bad as the person I unsuccessfully corrected. lol.

Again not out to make any enemies. Were all on the same team here

[Taylor815]

Not just trying to stir up the pot but...........

The gammar in your post is exactly what the OP is talking about. That is a whole paragraph with no periods or commas? (the longest sentence I've ever seen) I believe you that your more mature than most 21 yr olds but, your above post kind of proved the OP's point.

I too, am 21 and testing with agency's in So Cal and Let me say 2 things....
1)I hope you dont write like that on your background packets
2)Good Luck to you!!

I actually do have good grammar skills I just don't tend to use them while typing on forums I apologize if that upsets you

[TrooperAB]

I have some advice for y'allz that want to set up a ride along at a station (from my recent experience....last night, for example).

DO NOT: When you call the station to inquire/set up the ride, the first words out of your mouth when the officer answers shall NOT be, "Hey. Lemme talk to 'Smith.'" (instead of saying Sergeant Smith)

DO: Instead, say, "Hello. My name is _______. I am in the process/thinkingabout processing for your agency. How may I set up a ride along?"

DO NOT: When I (or the sergeant on duty) answer, don't act like you know him/her. When I say we really don't do ride aloings at my station, and another station is better/faster/more fun, DON'T ARGUE WITH ME/THE SERGEANT!!

DO: Say. "Ok, thanks for the advice, Sarge. Do you have a contact name/number for me please?"

When I say that the shifts are from 1300-2300, ASK if you can come in at 1800....don't TELL me.

If you are in the academy and are scheduling a ride, and you follow the DO NOT list, then you can expect a call to the tac staff at the academy and a call to the training unit at the department.

Humility goes a long way. You are trying to get into the job. Be respectful of the people that have been there longer. Sheesh. I'll tell ya....kids these days. This ride may be cut very short today. I hope I'm wrong about the whole thing....more to follow.

Thanks for the heads-up, dude. :D

Honestly, even though I'm in the process myself with a couple different agencies, I know exactly what you are talking about. At one of the written exams I took a guy showed up with pajama pants on, or at least that's what they looked like to me. I was surprised that he wasn't wearing big fuzzy slippers too. I believe his exact words when he walked in the room with no less than 30 seconds to spare, were, "This be where the PO-lice test is?"

I wonder if he passed?

[FJDave]

I actually do have good grammar skills I just don't tend to use them while typing on forums I apologize if that upsets you

We go by a saying...."Practice how you play." It goes with firearms training as well as grammar and spelling. If you practice good grammar and spelling, it will come easier when you are writing reports (and not "righting reports" :D )

Please look at a thread I made (under the IMachU screen name, before I nuked it) in the Trainee section titled "There, Their and They're". Good info in there, too.

Ok, lecture over.

[RoadKingTrooper]

Honestly, even though I'm in the process myself with a couple different agencies, I know exactly what you are talking about. At one of the written exams I took a guy showed up with pajama pants on, or at least that's what they looked like to me. I was surprised that he wasn't wearing big fuzzy slippers too. I believe his exact words when he walked in the room with no less than 30 seconds to spare, were, "This be where the PO-lice test is?"

I wonder if he passed?

What can I say, my jeans weren't back from the cleaners.LOL

RKT

[Copp'rPenny]

Not just trying to stir up the pot but...........

The gammar in your post is exactly what the OP is talking about. That is a whole paragraph with no periods or commas? (the longest sentence I've ever seen) I believe you that your more mature than most 21 yr olds but, your above post kind of proved the OP's point.

I too, am 21 and testing with agency's in So Cal and Let me say 2 things....
1)I hope you dont write like that on your background packets
2)Good Luck to you!!

This from a guy who spells hopeful with 2 Ls! And you know I've been DYING to say this for weeks but have held my tongue until the topic of spelling and gRammar was raised. ;)

[IronBruin]

This from a guy who spells hopeful with 2 Ls! And you know I've been DYING to say this for weeks but have held my tongue until the topic of spelling and gRammar was raised. ;)

Don't forget about "your" instead of "you're", "agency's" instead of "agencies" and "dont" instead of "don't":eek:

[BrickCop]

I work for the government, I'm here to help with these useful tidbits that are sure to make the ride along a memorable experience.


Ask the officer when you get to shoot his gun.

Make inappropriate handcuff references whenever you encounter an attractive female.

Spark up a joint while on a coffee break, explain to the shocked patrons that it's not illegal because you're riding with a cop.

[WPD954]

I actually do have good grammar skills I just don't tend to use them while typing on forums I apologize if that upsets you

don't worry about it. welcome fellow "zonie" :D

[WPD954]

He has family in law enforcement, so he was a bit cocky.

VCHOPEFULL ?? :p

[CHUCKnmnV]

Have any of you ridden in the city you live in--as a civie of course. I'm thinking of going on one with Glendora PD just to see what goes on in the city, but I don't want them to think I'm a lop for going on one.

[511R]

I actually do have good grammar skills I just don't tend to use them while typing on forums I apologize if that upsets you

I don't believe it upsets anyone but you.

[RoadKingTrooper]

Be sure to explain to your driver how other Officers he works with and you rode with handle similar situations differently and how you agree with those other techniques. Guaranteed to end your ride a long!

LOL
RKT

[hankido2000]

Have any of you ridden in the city you live in--as a civie of course. I'm thinking of going on one with Glendora PD just to see what goes on in the city, but I don't want them to think I'm a lop for going on one.
I did two with Redondo Beach. They were both pretty uneventful. One was with a K-9 handler and the other with an officer who was featured on the TV show The Academy. North Redondo has more calls for service than any other part of the city -- I already knew that before I went out. The K-9 handler explained to me that most of the officer-involved shootings occur in the southern part of the city (where I live).

[RicardoTubbs]

I did two with Redondo Beach. They were both pretty uneventful. One was with a K-9 handler and the other with an officer who was featured on the TV show The Academy. North Redondo has more calls for service than any other part of the city -- I already knew that before I went out. The K-9 handler explained to me that most of the officer-involved shootings occur in the southern part of the city (where I live).


When he stated most of thier OIS's occured in the South End, did he mean since RBPD's inception? I can't remember the last time they had an OIS. I guess you can consider their firing range is in the South End...

[hankido2000]

When he stated most of thier OIS's occured in the South End, did he mean since RBPD's inception? I can't remember the last time they had an OIS. I guess you can consider their firing range is in the South End...
The last one I recall occurred at the trailer park near 190th and Azna. I could be wrong.

[Gundo]

The last one I recall occurred at the trailer park near 190th and Azna. I could be wrong.

I believe the actual shooting occured in the southern part of the city. The suspect was hiding in that trailer park, Anza and Maryann. The suspect was ultimately observed and killed by Torrance PD at 190th and Prairie later that same night.