Along for the Ride

Author Kevin Opheim enjoyed the time he spent as a young man volunteering for institutions ranging from his church to the Boys and Girls club. What's more, he was rewarded with the life and career experiences he gained every day-particularly when he decided to learn more about a career with law enforcement.

Ride-alongs offer young people the opportunity to explore law enforcement firsthand while they learn what to expect from careers as police officers and deputy sheriffs. In Along for the Ride: Explorer and Civilian Ride-Along Perspectives on a Career in Law Enforcement, Kevin shares his five-year experience riding in patrol cars, working in the offices, and fulfilling field work duties as a volunteer for the San Diego County Sheriff's Department. He describes everything he experienced, from the exciting to the mundane, and offers insight into how to prepare for success as a public service professional.

If you're interested in learning more about what a career in law enforcement entails, then this collection of personal experiences can help. Get in, buckle up, and prepare to go along for the ride.