Our local PD still allows ride alongs but not for backup. It's for educational purposes/pr work at the discretion of the officer. I don't believe our state troopers could permit it because of liability concerns.
I have assisted arrests or restraint of violent offenders on at least five occasions. On two of them I was off duty but in uniform (I work as a corrections officer). It helped to have a badge for easy recognition and I knew the officers involved.
"Look, I'm only doing me job. I have to show you how to defend yourself against fresh fruit."
For it breeds great perfection, if the practise be harder then the use. Sir Francis Bacon
the world has a surplus of self centered sh1twh0res, so anyone who extends compassion to a stranger with sincerity is alright in my book. also people who fondle road kill. those guys is ok too. GunnedDownAtrocity