It’s another routine, hot summer day for LA County Sheriff deputy Rob Wilkinson. “Is the Ride Along here?” he asks no one in particular as I stand up to present myself in the dirty 1970s themed lobby of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s station.

“Hi, I’m Jeff Wilson, pleased to meet you,” I reply, a bit intimidated but still looking forward to the experience. Deputy Wilkinson’s Ford Crown Victoria “Police Interceptor” is waiting in the parking lot, engine running, like it would be for most of the evening.

After the introduction, I grab my camera and water bottle and clip the “Observer” badge onto my collared shirt. I’ve signed the County’s Death and Injury waiver form with the names “Kuredjian” and “March” on my mind. I slip into the shotgun seat of the Crown Vic and buckle up, ready for an adventure.

 

On Friday, June 23, I participated in a Ride Along with veteran Sheriff’s Deputy Rob Wilkinson. It was an interesting five – hour experience. Click “Read More” to read Part 1 and view some photographs.

By entering the SCV Sheriff’s station, one submits to the Sheriff’s department schedule. I arrived at ten to 4 PM. Though my official Ride Along letter said I would be on patrol with a Deputy from 4pm to 8pm, it didn’t work out that way. For whatever reason, a Deputy assigned to me was delayed, so by 4:35, I was chatting with a few LA County Sheriff’s volunteers working the front desk.