Last week I went on a ride along with a new officer. He finished the academy at the top of his class and finished field training a couple months ago. At first it was pretty slow and we were the secondary unit so we just stopped cars for vehicle code infractions. A little boy waved to us and girls smiled.
1:00 was the start of "prime time" as we became the primary unit to be called. Busted two guys in their early 20s for smoking pot in their car, about 2 blocks from my house. Then some situations came up where I could get out of the car. A lady waved us down on a side street to report some abandonded industrial materials. Next we responded to a work place arguement at a large manufacturing site so we had to go in and find the people involved.
Then the activity started picking up. We went as backup to a known problem house. In fact, while I was waiting for the shift to start I noticed and read a bulletin at the station on this house. Seemed half the department responded so we were not needed. We started responding to a domestic violence call but had to cancel because he was called to San Jose to work an undercover case as the informant was ready, so he dropped me off at the station on the way.
Today was the highlight of the class. We broke into 3 groups of 5 and learned first hand what they do.
My group started with pursuit driving. We qualified at low speed on the technical course then the higher speed track. 
Best part of my day was chasing the rabbit car through a cone maze at up to 45 mph. I had to stop at each intersection then catch up again. While there was no hope of catching the instructor driving a Z28, it was still crazy fun with lights and siren.
Punching it on the straight aways then tapping the brakes a bit before drifting through a turn and punching it again. I could chase the rabbit all day long. 
Second section was scenarios. My partner, Rosa, and I were unit 1 and responded to all sorts of calls. We likely died in the last one as we were greatly outgunned.
Lunch was great. I need a taco cart! The Police Chief spoke. Many officers volunteered their time to put this event on for us.
After lunch my group went to the range to shoot every weapon they have except the sniper rifle. Started with soap simunition rounds then an old service revolver. AR-15 is nice but the 12 guage shotgun with a one ounce slug is impressive. Went full auto on the SWAT assault rifle yet my best performance was on the standard Glock G17 9mm handgun. My group did extremely well in the ratings. We came in first place for shooting. Rabbit car driver said I was the most aggressive, yet safe, pursuer and I didn't hit a single cone. Yea!
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