Nervous about a ride-along

I'm an Explorer with a Sheriff's Office in Florida. I'm going on my first ride-along in a week. I'm a little nervous simply because I'm not sure what I would do if the officer I'm with got hit, and the suspect came towards me in the car. I'd like to think I'd shoot him, and I probably would. But, then all the legal aspects come into play such as, "Were you told to fire the officer's shotgun?" Of course I'd say no, because the officer was down. Is there any way I could get convicted of something since I felt my life was in immediate danger and there was no immediate help around?

 

Regardless if there would be any legal matters after what I did. I would lay someone out with the shotty! Somebody taking down an officer and then coming back at me, wouldn't think twice, they would be in a world of hurt.

 

Of course, that's what I figured. I guess it's just the jitters gettin to me. I'm quite sure that I ain't gonna have to shoot someone, but I was just checking. Have any of you guys ever ridden before?

 

He would be a cop killer, believe me, even the cops wouldn't dare to handcuff you, thats my thought....

 

Chances are that you'll be safe on a ride along if for no other reason than it's bad PR to put people in the program in harms way.

If lightning strikes and the shit hits the fan aim for center of mass and keep firing until the threat of danger is over.

 

Wise words from Roland

 

Ride alongs are kept safe and the shotgun will be locked.
Now just how are you going to have to shoot a bad guy to save the day?

 

My bosses brother in law is a cop in fort wayne indiana and he is gonna set me up so I can shoot some of his guns then take a ride along. I'm pretty excited cause he has a M1 Garand. God I can't wait to shoot that gun! Plus there have been alot of murders in Ft. Wayne lately so I hope it will be a bit exciting.

 

Dude, the shotgun in the units here (San Jose) are locked. My advice is to scream like a girl and run.

 

As an Explorer, we are taught pretty much all aspects of law enforcement and how to survive a gun fight. Of course, aim center mass and keep firing until there is no threat. Here around Orlando, all shotguns/carbines are locked. But, from what I've heard, 95% of the officers realize that you could be a lifeline if something happened, and normally show you how to unlock the shotgun/carbine and where the backup pistols are located. The reason I wouldn't run is because I would put my life more in danger, and I would also leave the car unlocked, leaving the cop killer access to all the weapons and equipment in the officer's car.

 

True. But, as anyone with any remote concept of law enforcement would know, the shit can hit the fan at any given second, and there may not be time to drop off a 10-12 (Rider or visitor). They may need to engage the trager immediately with no other immediate options. We wear our bullet proof vests, and we also realize that we are putting our lives on the line when we strap into those magnificent patrol vehicles.

 

WELL, why are you worried then? Your a well trained "Explorer" and have access to a weapon, why you cry'n? Let your balls drop and do what your trained to do little woman.

 

Jesus, some people want to ask a question and when you give an answer they get all preachy and high and mighty! You seem like the kind of cop that got beat on in school so now you exact your revenge on the people who have lives (and friends), and a decent job. Don't be a pretentios (sp) jerk when people answer a post YOU submit.

 

You have explorer skills.....

 

1978 on my way to MO for a visit, late night and over the limit. You guessed it, flashers in the rearview, loud speaker saying why don't you join me back here in the patrol car. I'm setting in the patrol car when a car with Ohio tags goes by at mach 1. My car is setting on the side of the rode unlocked with the keys in it as we start giving chase! This car pulls over finally and the officer unlocks the shotgun stand and asks if I know how to use it if things go bad, as he climbs out. Two more troopers show up as all this is happening. They find drugs and the whole deal with me watching and wondering about my car several miles back. I just got a warning but I'll never forget that night.

 

I wasn't getting "all high and mighty and preachy". I was just stating. And the reason I created this thread was simply to see if anyone else had felt the way I felt. I'm not a cop, but I plan on being. I don't get beat on in high school, and I have quite a bit of friends. Quite frankly, it's not of your business. If I happened to offend anyone in this thread in any way, I apologize.

 

Tiger, what he is talking about is the Explorer program in wich the alot of the Sheriff's departments down here in Florida have. Its a volunteer program that takes kids and young adults 14-21 and shows them the in's and outs of law enforcement. They actually have like inspections and a mini academy, excluding some of the things we learned in the academy. Really great program, for young guys/girls that want a future in LE.
Are SOP allows the rider to get out at the discretion of the Deputy/Officer. but at the same time we have the sign a liability waiver.