I set up a ride-along through the Springfield Police Department. I, along with any criminology student, wanted insight into the field of criminal justice. Even if you don’t pursue police work, you still see the tenets of ethical and professional behavior in securing your city.

At 5 p.m. on a Thursday, I get into Officer Nolan’s police model Ford Explorer. Here’s what happens.

Going 70 mph down narrow Division Street

In practiced, precise motions, Officer Nolan toggles the sirens, swerves through traffic, and buckles up – all while typing the report.

It’s non-stop. You don’t exactly settle into the police car; once you get in, the vehicle is on the street in seconds. The radio channel is lit with updates and coded communication.

Nolan loves the freedom and speed of his mobile office.

“Not gonna lie, it feels pretty good,” says Nolan.

But during the actual rush to the scene, there is a tense concentration. Nolan must track the waves of cars and people he drives through.

At the scene

Nolan gets the rundown on a baby’s safety. The baby is no longer choking on formula, says the firefighter. An ambulance pulls up. The emergency vehicles’ responsibilities interweave. CPR, the Heimlich maneuver and transporting the wounded are on the table for all.

“Of course, there’s downtime,” says Nolan. But even in the lull of coordinating a tow truck for a car collision, the reports and on-the-street investigations don’t let you shoot the breeze.

A man runs from the scene of the collision.

Officers apprehend him in less than a minute. Nolan checks the plates of the car. No match to the suspect. There’s always more to the story.

We receive a burglary call

The lights and sirens don’t go on. Nolan remains quiet and attentive as we roll through the neighborhood.

We find the man and woman. There is no resistance or attempt to run. A background check on the woman turns up an arrest warrant for a probation violation.

Sitting by an arrested person

There is a specific kind of energy when someone arrested sits in the back of your car.

Sometimes they want to talk, sometimes there is quiet. Nolan stays professional yet aware while driving to Greene County Jail’s booking.

The probation was from a federal-level credit card fraud charge. Nolan uses this background to write a report for the judge. Piercings and accessories are taken from the suspect.

“I hope the best for you,” says Nolan to the arrested woman.

Although it can be seen as an adversarial relationship, Nolan recognizes the humanity in his back seat.

Back at the station

It’s only been a few hours, but a few visceral hours. Police work is high-energy, high-reward. It requires vigilance. It requires a stoic, objective personality without losing touch with people.

When you do a ride-along, you get a glimpse into the field of criminology. Want to do a ride-along? I can’t suggest it enough.