Police Ride II

I had the honor and opportunity to once again ride with some of Joshua's finest yesterday afternoon.  I went out a couple hours before a shift change so I got to ride with two officers over the afternoon.  It wasn't a terribly busy afternoon, but it was productive.

I had my first ever visit to the Johnson County jail during the first shift I was out when we transported a subject with numerous outstanding warrants.  I had my second ever visit to the jail when during the second shift we again transported a subject due to outstanding warrants.  If you have outstanding warrants go get them taken care of.

I've found these rides to continuously be eye-opening about what modern day police officers have to deal with.  I love the work they do and much of it is exciting and interesting, but the not so fun side is not lost to my glassy-eyed, giddy side found from hitting the lights and spinning around after a scofflaw.  The strict legality of everything they do is mind numbing.  If every "i" is not dotted then all the work may be for naught and the paperwork that everything seems to require certainly adds to the stress of a stressful job. 

As a city councilman this is a good opportunity to be able to really get to know what may make this job easier for these men and women.  As a citizen it's a good opportunity to see what goes on in my city and what it takes to maintain order and safety.  As a person it's a great opportunity to get to know individuals who choose a dangerous career and are many times not thanked for it.  So to police officers everywhere, thanks!

A.J.