Riding with cops (part 2)
Last week, I asked residents who participated in the Baltimore Police Department's community ride-along program (photo at left from Friday evening right in the Southwestern District) to send me their oberservations. Here are a few:
From Bethany: Thanks for the opportunity to share experiences from the city-wide ride-along. I had the great privilege to ride-along with Western District Officer Vargas Friday afternoon as well as attend the Police Headquarter's Reception. During the ride-along, I peppered the officer with countless questions about his work in my community and found him to be knowledgable, concerned and transparent about the joys and challenges of police work in an urban context. Through the course of the afternoon, I saw this police officer patrol the beat, greet folks in his sector, respond to calls from individuals and organizations within the community in need of assistance, and back-up other officers. I was pleased with the responsiveness and instincts displayed on the ride-along.
Following the field experience, our group was transported with three sergeants from the Western District to the reception at Headquarters. This event was a very comprehensive look at police work taking place in the city- through the emergency call center, forensics, camera surveillance, SWAT teams, K-9, etc. Throughout the evening, the Western District sergeants made sure that we were each having a positive experience. Highlights of the reception included hearing Commissioner Bealefield voice support for the role of community groups and advocates in promoting safety and his commitment to attend an upcoming Citizens on Patrol walk in the Western District.
Overall, this was an exciting event and a great opportunity to learn more about local police work and city-wide police efforts. I would encourage any city resident to meet and talk first-hand with their local district officers. I have found the folks at the Western District to be very hospitable to community members and interested in working together with concerned citizens. Improved partnerships between the police force and residents are integral to keeping our city safe.
Here is one more:
Your statement "Every patrol car in every district should be filled with a so-called ride-along to give residents a chance to see how police do their jobs." sounds as though those of us who participated in the ride along are "so-called people"
Last nights ride along was not my first. I have done this on several occasions. What made last nights ride along better were the residents who had never had the opportunity to do so. I don't think residents who complain realize what an officer goes through when he or she arrives at work, steps into a police car and patrol our streets. The tour of Police Headquarters showed residents where crimes are solved. Those who had not done so got to meet the Commissioner and much of his staff.
I rode with Sgt. McMillan of Central District. I watched as he and the officers figured out a way to put two dogs back into their yard without anyone getting harmed including the dogs. We responded to a hit and run with injuries and the subsequent arrest of the driver who left the scene a few blocks away. However, the call of a child being kidnapped from a car on Wilson and Druid Hill brought several officers to the corner only to discover the call was bogus. People who make bogus calls take officers away from residents who actually need their assistance. I listened as he answered questions asked by the officers working under him. His answers were clear, concise and professional. Officers needing additional clarification were not demeaned for asking additional questions. All of the officers worked together as a well oiled machine. I am proud of the officers in Central District. They are hard working men and women. They do not always get a thank you or know how much they are appreciated for what they do. Kudos to Sgt. Charles Hess and his staff for putting together the ride-along for Central District.
Last year the Police Department had a Citizen Police Academy with promises of one this year. The classes were very interesting as well as informative. Something like this will give residents an opportunity to learn what the officers learn only it is far more condensed.
I do agree with you that many community meetings have residents who come and complain about crime and what the police are or are not doing. I do hope those who participated in last nights event will take what they observed and learned back to their community meetings. Hopefully the Police Department will do this again and get an even larger turn out than last night.
