Forget going to an amusement park. Forget watching Real TV. If you want some reality, go on a Police Ride-Along! Many police and sheriff's departments have programs where citizens can ride along with patrol officers. Call your local police department of sheriff's office to find out if they have such a program and if so, how it works.

Many of us live in a "sheltered" world.  We live in a socio-economic world where we are generally unaware of the level of crime and violence and poverty and despair. 

Riding with a police officer gives one an appreciation of:

• What it's like to a law enforcement officer.
• The importance of police in maintaining a stable society.
• The importance of police training in order to handle a multitude of situations in ways which not only protect themselves and other citizens from harm but which respect the civil rights of individuals.
• The potential danger police officers are placed in on a day-to-day basis and how courageous they can be.
• How real and dangerous weapons are.
• How devastating it is to have a corrupt police officer or department.