For many students, perceptions of law enforcement are shaped by television, headlines and social media. At Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC), criminal justice students are challenged to look beyond those narratives through a required firsthand experience with local law enforcement.
As part of the in-person Administration of Justice (AJS) 101: Introduction to Criminal Justice course, students complete a ride-along with the Phoenix Police Department, giving them an opportunity to observe the realities of modern policing and the important role officers play in serving their communities.
"The purpose of the ride-along is to provide students with a real-life experience that is often markedly different from the view of law enforcement presented through television, news media and social media," said Bootsie Martinez, PVCC administration of justice program director. "Students, like everyone else, often get their 'knowledge' of policing from social media, which tends to emphasize unusual encounters, including violent ones, between police and community members."
Martinez said the assignment is one of the most impactful components of the course because it allows students to connect classroom concepts with real-world experiences.
"When they go on ride-alongs and see what law enforcement actually does, students come back full of admiration and enthusiasm," she said. "Typical comments include, 'My officer used discretion,' 'My officer helped the community,' or 'My officer issued a citation instead of making an arrest because the circumstances called for it.' Students witness firsthand that police officers spend their days protecting, assisting and serving community members."
For student Mohammed Alsaleh, the ride-along provided an eye-opening look at the variety of situations officers encounter during a typical shift.
Alongside his officer, Alsaleh responded to incidents involving trespassing, suspicious activity and drugs left behind at a location. He also observed traffic stops, routine patrols designed to deter crime and proactive policing efforts throughout the community.
One unexpected highlight was visiting a Phoenix fire station, where firefighters shared the types of emergencies they respond to and the challenges they face each day. The experience reinforced for Alsaleh how closely public safety agencies work together to serve the community.
"The ride-along gave me a new appreciation for the work officers do every day," Alsaleh said. "They face difficult and sometimes dangerous situations while making quick decisions to protect others. I realized their job is about much more than enforcing laws; it's about helping people, solving problems and keeping our communities safe."
Experiences like Alsaleh's are exactly what Martinez hopes students gain from the required assignment.
"The ride-along helps students move beyond assumptions and develop a more informed understanding of the criminal justice system," she said. "Whether they pursue careers in law enforcement or another area of criminal justice, they leave with a better appreciation of the challenges, responsibilities and human side of public safety."
PVCC's Administration of Justice program offers students a comprehensive education in the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, probation, parole, security and criminology. Through classroom instruction combined with experiential learning opportunities such as ride-alongs, students gain a deeper understanding of the professionals and agencies that work together to promote justice and public safety.
By making the ride-along a required part of AJS 101, PVCC ensures students have the opportunity to observe criminal justice in action, helping them develop perspectives rooted in firsthand experience rather than assumption.
To learn more about PVCC's Administration of Justice program, visit the PVCC website.