At seven o'clock this evening I found myself wondering again how I ended up here. Here was the lobby of the local police station. No, I was not in trouble with the law. Tonight was my ride along. As part of our training for Victim Services we are required to do a ride along with a constable. Tonight was my night.
I must admit I was a bit apprehensive. Violence even in movies or on TV shakes me to my core. My imagination was running wild. When the Sargent handed out the shot guns for the shift I began to rethink the whole idea. Really, they already carry pistols and tasers. Fortunately, it was a relatively slow evening with very polite criminals. I am told that is not usually the case! None of the weaponry was necessary!
My constable for the evening was a charming, handsome young man. Tall, dark hair, bright blue eyes with the kind of eyelashes women envy. Soft spoken, he answered all my questions and invited me in where ever it was safe. He reminded me of one my sons.
We made a trip to the drunk tank at the jail. I got to go in and stand behind the counter with the corrections officers. One of them offered to let me stay in the tank for awhile if I wished. I politely declined. We went to the emergency room and visited a couple of homes. The highlight of the night was speeding down the main road with lights flashing on the way to a robbery. I discovered I have a need for speed. For a moment it looked like the canine unit would get a chance to track. Unfortunately, for the dog the suspect was readily apprehended. One other thing worth mentioning, when a police car pulls up behind you they are probably running your license plate even though you aren't doing anything illegal. They are checking that you have a current valid drivers license and your registration is up to date. Thought you might want to know that tidbit.
The tour also included where the downtown stroll is located, which bars have the rowdiest clientele and which are the seediest parts of town. All important information for a single woman alone in this small city.
We took a coffee break at Tim Horton's with another constable. No coffee only tea. Much to my surprise I had a lovely conversation with other officer about Julia Cameron's book, The Right to Write. He is a writer too.
It was a surreal six hours, ones I am glad I experienced. Before I went I had an appreciation for the men and women who serve on the police force. Tonight my admiration went up. No way could I do their job but I am thankful they do it and do it so well.
I must admit I was a bit apprehensive. Violence even in movies or on TV shakes me to my core. My imagination was running wild. When the Sargent handed out the shot guns for the shift I began to rethink the whole idea. Really, they already carry pistols and tasers. Fortunately, it was a relatively slow evening with very polite criminals. I am told that is not usually the case! None of the weaponry was necessary!
My constable for the evening was a charming, handsome young man. Tall, dark hair, bright blue eyes with the kind of eyelashes women envy. Soft spoken, he answered all my questions and invited me in where ever it was safe. He reminded me of one my sons.
We made a trip to the drunk tank at the jail. I got to go in and stand behind the counter with the corrections officers. One of them offered to let me stay in the tank for awhile if I wished. I politely declined. We went to the emergency room and visited a couple of homes. The highlight of the night was speeding down the main road with lights flashing on the way to a robbery. I discovered I have a need for speed. For a moment it looked like the canine unit would get a chance to track. Unfortunately, for the dog the suspect was readily apprehended. One other thing worth mentioning, when a police car pulls up behind you they are probably running your license plate even though you aren't doing anything illegal. They are checking that you have a current valid drivers license and your registration is up to date. Thought you might want to know that tidbit.
The tour also included where the downtown stroll is located, which bars have the rowdiest clientele and which are the seediest parts of town. All important information for a single woman alone in this small city.
We took a coffee break at Tim Horton's with another constable. No coffee only tea. Much to my surprise I had a lovely conversation with other officer about Julia Cameron's book, The Right to Write. He is a writer too.
It was a surreal six hours, ones I am glad I experienced. Before I went I had an appreciation for the men and women who serve on the police force. Tonight my admiration went up. No way could I do their job but I am thankful they do it and do it so well.
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