A ride-along is an arrangement for a civilian to spend a shift in the passenger seat of an emergency vehicle, observing the work day of a police officer, firefighter, or paramedic.
On July 4th of 2014 I was given permission to ride with Officer Dominic Carrillo as he patrolled Lodi. It was my first time and I didn’t know exactly what to expect. My only exposure to law enforcement, except for a few traffic stops as a young man, were episodes of “Car 54 Where Are You”, “One Adam 12” and “Hill Street Blues”.
The memorable experience began with a car stop, a welfare check and unlawful appropriation of a shopping cart. It ended with a rollover rescue and booking of the alleged drunk driver.
Just another day in the life of a freelance photographer.
Photography Anecdotes 