Performance Radio News did get an unintentional first hand look at the search for suspects in a string of burglaries last week, but far more happened during the four hour, daytime ride along with Officer Derek Layher. The ride along was a part of the Citizen’s Police Academy that Performance Radio News has documented this spring. The program encouraged participants taking both night time and day time rides to show what officers go through. And while Police Academy Instructor Mark Johnson, a night shift officer caught grief from his daylight brethren for this statement…
Fifteen minutes into the ride along, Layher heard the following transmission over the radio…
Seconds after that radio traffic, dispatchers called back…
[audio:http://prprt.itmwpb.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/688/2012/06/dayride3.mp3|titles=dayride3]As Layher sped toward the call, a shocking observation was made, the number of people who failed to get out of Layher’s way. The Officer says it’s more common than people realize…
[audio:http://prprt.itmwpb.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/688/2012/06/dayride4.mp3|titles=dayride4]
Other activity during the day shift for Layher included stopping a speeding motorcycle on Jersey Avenue along the James River for doing 34 in a 20 and responding to an injury accident at 6th Street and Dakota Avenue Northwest between a scooter and a car. The conditions of the woman not breathing and scooter driver were unknown due to HIPPA regulations. The motorcycle rider got a warning ticket. Students in the Citizen Police Academy will continue finishing ride along assignments. They will gather sometime in July to use the Departments Use of Force Simulator.