Sailors on board USS John C. Stennis are getting the opportunity of a lifetime by seeing law enforcement up close and personal with the “ride along” program on Friday nights with the Kitsap Country Sheriff’s Department.

The basis of this program is for E-5 and above Sailors to observe what goes on around town and gain an understanding of what the law enforcement officials are looking for when they are out on patrol during the weekends. 

“Local law enforcement officers know all the ‘hot’ spots in the area so they will be able to focus their attention on the areas with the highest rate of drunk drivers,” said Lt. Joshua Porton, JCS’s industrial hygiene officer and assistant safety officer.

By having the “ride along” in place, Stennis Sailors will see first hand what it’s like for a police officer as well as the civilian driver to deal with a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) situation.

“By having more senior Sailors along for the ride, they will be able to bring back what they’ve learned to their junior Sailors. Safety is the number one reason for this program,” said Porton. “A reduction in the number of DUI’s, will also lead to a reduction in the number of traffic mishaps as well.”

In order for a Stennis Sailor to participate, a background check is performed by the law enforcement agency, which includes full name, social security number, date of birth, and state of licensure. 

After a background check is complete, Sailors are then allowed to participate in the program. One Stennis Sailor has already participated, and had a positive experience. 

“I heard about it through the Plan of the Day (POD) and it sounded interesting and it proved to be a good learning experience,” said Aviation Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Mario Carrasco of Air Intermediate Maintenance Department’s IM2 division. “It turned out to be everything I expected it to be and more. We pulled over at least 15 to 20 people.  Alcohol played a major factor in most cases. I saw a guy that drank so much he had to go to the hospital. He fell over during the sobriety test and got a bad gash on his head,” said Carrasco.

Carrasco also got a chance to see what happens after someone is pulled over. 

“I saw the courthouse and was also able to go into the county jail. It was interesting to see how that place worked and it was definitely a place I would not want to visit on the wrong side of the law.”

Carrasco added that the experience taught him a lot about what not to do behind the wheel.

“I learned that putting your life and someone else’s life in danger by driving drunk just isn’t worth it. I have recommended it to other people in my shop and division and hopefully they will be able to experience what I get to experience.” Cmdr. Mark Henderson, the JCS safety officer said, “The ride along program allows JCS Sailors to experience how vigilant the local law enforcement agencies are to get drunk drivers off the road. This is serious business and the consequences are severe,” he concluded.

Washington state penalties include one day to one year in jail, up to an $8,000 fine, license suspension for one year, alcohol assessment classes (that the offender has to pay for) and five years probation. If a Sailor gets stopped for a DUI they face military punishment as well.