My Ride-Along Experience with the Camden County Sheriff’s Office
My journey with the Camden County Sheriff’s Office began with a meeting with Sheriff Jim Proctor. We discussed his agency and toured the jail. During our conversation, Sheriff Proctor invited me to participate in a ride-along, offering a firsthand look at the work his deputies do every day. Intrigued, I accepted, not fully aware of the eye-opening experience that awaited me.
Initial Expectations vs. Reality
I expected a quiet night, thinking I would be tagging along for low-priority calls, like welfare checks. However, the reality of the ride-along quickly shattered those expectations.
The Schedule Unfolds
I arrived at the Patrol Division Headquarters in Woodbine at 6:45 PM. Shortly after, I was paired with Deputy Cruz, and by 7 PM, we were on the road. Our first dispatch came in fast: an armed robbery at the Smoke Shop in the Walmart Shopping Center. Deputy Cruz parked and rushed inside to assist. Thankfully, the suspect—a juvenile—did not have a real gun, merely pretending to possess one.
After mirandizing the suspect, we transported him back to Woodbine for paperwork before transferring him to the Savannah Regional Youth Detention Center. According to Georgia law, individuals under 17 cannot be housed with adult inmates.
A Mix of Urgency and Routine
Next, we responded to a welfare check on an elderly woman who had experienced a mental breakdown at a family gathering. Fortunately, she was safe at home, much to the relief of her worried children.
Later, we patrolled various “hot spots” known for late-night drug activity. Deputy Cruz took me to his favorite spot on I-95, where we conducted traffic stops for issues like faulty taillights and tag lights. This routine continued until around 4 AM.
High-Stakes Moments
The calm of routine traffic stops was interrupted when we moved to Saint Mary’s. Deputy Cruz ran a vehicle’s tags and discovered it was stolen. Despite protocol advising him to wait for backup, he bravely approached the agitated driver alone, determined to prevent any potential escape.
Witnessing this act of courage was profound. As someone who has always supported law enforcement, watching an officer put his life on the line deepened my respect and admiration for those who wear the badge.
Backup arrived shortly after, including officers from Saint Mary’s PD and additional deputies. The driver was detained and arrested without further incident.
Reflections on Law Enforcement
My ride-along concluded with a newfound appreciation for the complexities and dangers faced by law enforcement officers. It also underscored the need for better funding in both the jail and patrol departments, particularly regarding staffing.
I encourage anyone interested in understanding the realities of law enforcement to participate in a ride-along. It’s an educational experience that fosters a deeper appreciation for those who serve and protect our communities.
For more information or to arrange a ride-along, please email [Enter email address].
