Finally, some real police work

[David C.]

Today, I did my third and final field training patrol, and it was a good one.   The weather was perfect, and it was at a location I was quite familiar with, Lake Needwood and the Rock Creek Hiker Biker Trail.   I used to take Rudy & Max hiking around Lake Needwood, and would ride my bike from where I lived in Rockville to Lake Needwood, but I hadn't been on the trail in almost six years.

I did all the communications via radio and handled it well.  There were a number of road crossings.  Usually, you have to wait for a break in the traffic.  I guess the drivers noticed our jerseys and radios and would stop and let us cross each time we got to a crossing.   It was remarkable.  One driver didn't see me on the side of the road until the last minute and SLAMMED on his brakes to stop before he got to the crosswalk.  I couldn't help but guffaw at him as I crossed the street.

As we moved farther south, we began picking up evidence of gang activity, notably in grafitti on park benches.   We came across a couple that was probably going to have relations, but since they had all their clothes on, there was nothing we could do about it...but they looked guilty as heck.

Once we reached the end of our patrol, we went back and began examining, documenting and photographing the gang grafitti.   Our patrol went back to Lake Needwood and we checked the trails around the lake.   After the patrol, I had to return my radio to HQ and I stopped by the communications room.   They told me I did a good job on the radio and I spoke very well.   

With this patrol, my field training is done.   From this point on, I get to choose when and where I patrol.   I will admit, it is a nice feeling to be riding your bike for a greater purpose.

[Mike]

Congratulations on completing your training.  Sounds like you could have some interesting tales to come in the future....

[cheryl186]

Congratulations David!!     It really sounds like you have some interesting work ahead of you....can't wait to hear all about your adventures!!!

[Barb]

Wow - very interesting !  Look forward to hearing about your adventures in the line of duty !

[Kari]

That is so awesome! Congratulations  :thumb: