During each ride with the Mobile Police Department, I continue to see new situations, neighborhoods, and examples of humanity—at its worse and best. This on-going series is meant to share glimpses into what patrol officers experience during their twelve-hour shifts. No day is exactly like another.
On a Saturday evening during one of the hottest weeks of the year, I reported to 3rd Precinct for roll call. It was my third ride on the northeast side, and my second with the squad. Though the leadership had changed, most of the officers were there when I rode six months previous. The squad leadership shared some serious reminders, but the roll call meeting was punctuated with good-natured ribbings, setting a tone of support and comradery for the shift.
I was assigned to ride with Officer William, who I had briefly met on my last ride in the precinct. On the way to his beat area, dispatch sent him to the heart of the Dauphin Way Historic District in regards to a moving truck hitting a live oak branch, which was currently blocking the road.
Once the street was clear, and in between most calls, Officer William “painted his beat” by patrolling each street and neighborhood. Whether it was a general patrol or responding to dispatchers asking him to be on the lookout for teens playing doorbell ditch or trying handles of cars to see if any were unlocked in the middle of the night, the area was watched over when he wasn’t assisting with calls (his own and as backing to another officer.)
The longest call of the shift involved a stabbing between known neighbors. It was the only call we responded to that night that brought out the Mobile Fire and Rescue Department, as well as the squad lieutenant and a detective. We were on location from daylight until dark.
Throughout the night, there were calls to assist fellow officers. One request for help over the radio was about a traffic stop during the two o’clock hour in which the officer had a vehicle pulled over with four individuals that had at least one visible firearm. With the other members of the squad otherwise engaged, Officer Williams raced across town while running code (lights and sirens.) Fortunately the driver and passengers in the vehicle followed directions—keeping their hands up while staying in their seats as the officer waited for backup to arrive. Then, one by one, they were each taken out of the vehicle in an orderly fashion. An hour later, they were all released from custody without incident.
Officers’ personalities run the spectrum of characteristics. There is no “one size fits all.” Don’t assume one officer is the prime example—or even an average—of all the officers in the Department. They each patrol and interact with people differently. But when patrol officers combine on a scene, there is an unspoken moment of synergy as they work together to keep the peace.
At the close of August’s ride, I reached 250 hours on patrol. Even with all I leave unsaid, it is my hope to enlighten Mobilians (and others who are interested) about what officers in our area are dealing with during their patrol shifts. Knowledge is a key step on the path to understanding and empathy. But you don’t have to rely solely on the eyes of this observer. Utilize the MPD Civilian Ride-Along Program for yourself.
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