St. Joseph Police Department shares insight into patrols during ride-alongs

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Officers within the St. Joseph Police Department often work long hours, respond to several calls a night, and host ride-alongs for the general public to get an in-depth look into their profession.

During a ride-along with Officer Shannon Sherwood of the St. Joseph Police Department, an operational overview was given of night patrol in a mid-sized Midwestern city.

Sherwood, a 21-year law enforcement veteran and former police chief of Rockport, Missouri, currently serves on the department's night shift.

Sherwood described notable differences between small-town and city policing.

"In Rockport, you're going to know almost everybody that you come in contact with," Sherwood said. "Saint Joe, of course, it's got a lot more people. You're going to come across different people almost every day."

Call volume also differs, with Rockport averaged 15 to 20 calls per week, while in St. Joseph, "we answer anywhere between 15 and 20 calls a night for officer," Sherwood said.

The St. Joseph Police Department operates on 12-hour shifts with nine geographic districts, during the ride-along, Sherwood's shift ran from 3 P.M. to 3 A.M, where he answered calls, pulled over vehicles with broken tail lights, and assisted other officers.

Calls are categorized by priority.

Priority one incidents, including domestic disturbances and physical fights, receive immediate response.

Lower-priority calls, such as shoplifting reports where the suspect has fled or phone harassment cases involving out-of-area individuals, may be delayed. "We'll take that report for later," Sherwood explained.

Patrol duties include responding to active calls, conducting business door checks after hours, and maintaining visible presence in residential and commercial areas.

"I think visibility is a big thing in law enforcement," Sherwood said. "If somebody sees you that's getting ready to commit a crime, more than likely they probably won't commit the crime."

Technological advancements have made the job easier, such as the introduction of body cameras and newer software. Recently, the department has introduced a digital ticketing system that allows citation completion via cellphone.

"It's awesome," Sherwood said. "It just took some time to learn." Regarding in-car technology, he noted, "This is one of the best cars I've ever had in law enforcement. Room-wise, wonderful. Comfortable."

Regarding critical incidents, Sherwood stated that high-priority events would result in a multi-agency response. "That's going to be everybody," he said. "It's going to be county, highway patrol, multiple agencies."

He emphasized that de-escalation training is standard for all officers.

"We'd rather, and I think 100% of our department feels, that de-escalation is better than actually going into any type of hands-on situation, because nobody wants to do that," Sherwood said.

On job satisfaction, Sherwood said that service to the community remains the most meaningful aspects of the role.

"I really think the most fulfilling part is helping people," he said. "The difference you can make in people's lives, talking to a person who may be suicidal, make them smile, make them laugh, you've changed maybe their whole mindset."

He estimated having assisted in saving hundreds of individuals over his career, defining "saving" broadly.

"Saving a kid can mean anything," he said. "Life or death, or a little old lady looking for her puppy, and you find that puppy, that's saving them to me."

Sherwood offered the following advice for individuals considering law enforcement.

"If you have a kind heart and you want to do this job for the right reasons, it's a good job. But if you're going to come in with a hard head and just want to put people in jail, I don't think that's the right mindset."

"I wouldn't trade this job for anything. I've been doing this a long time. This is all I know how to do," he continued.

The St. Joseph Police Department maintains a ride-along program for citizens seeking direct observation of patrol operations.

Interested individuals may contact the department for eligibility requirements and scheduling.