My Ride-Along Experience with the Hillsborough Police Department

As a Master of Public Administration (MPA) student, I entered my internship with the Hillsborough Police Department eager to see how public service plays out beyond the classroom. I was especially curious about how policies and procedures are implemented in real-time. Not just on paper, but in the context of real neighborhoods and real people. That curiosity reached a new level during my ride-along with patrol officers.

From the moment I stepped into the patrol car, I realized this experience would add a powerful, human dimension to my education. Hillsborough may be a small town, but the challenges officers face daily reflect broader trends in law enforcement nationwide: building community trust, responding to mental health crises, managing limited resources, and navigating the evolving demands of public service.

During my ride-along, I shadowed officers as they responded to a range of calls—from a minor traffic incident to serving a warrant following a domestic disturbance. I observed how each situation was approached with professionalism, empathy, and a deliberate focus on de-escalation and service. It was clear that enforcing the law is only part of the job; officers were constantly problem-solving in real time, often with limited information and under emotionally charged conditions.

One moment that stuck with me was when officers spent time with an individual in crisis, patiently listening and helping connect them with local support services. It was a powerful reminder that policing isn’t just about enforcement. It’s also about showing up when no one else can and helping people access the resources they need.

What impressed me most was the depth of community knowledge the officers possessed. They knew residents by name, understood the nuances of different neighborhoods, and demonstrated a genuine investment in the well-being of the town. More than just public servants, these officers were neighbors, mentors, and trusted figures within the community.

In the classroom at UNC, I’ve studied how organizations function and how policy is developed. But seeing a team practice community-based policing in the real world gave me a richer, more grounded perspective. My ride-along experience helped me appreciate how public administration shapes policies that promote both safety and justice—and how vital empathy, patience, and clear communication are in delivering public service effectively.

As I continue my MPA journey, I carry with me a deeper respect for first responders and a clearer sense of how future public leaders like myself can support their mission.