Ride-along with UWM Police

Entering the police station will raise the blood pressure of most people. Your demeanor changes. You stand up straight and reply to every question with a “yes sir.”

“Do you want to wear a vest?” asks UWM Police Officer Arbinger.

“Yes sir,” I reply. Seconds later he pulls up in his black and white squad car. Vests on, seatbelts strapped and we’re off.

“Don’t get out of the car and don’t touch any guns,” says Officer Arbinger.

Large groups of students are walking to and from parties as the night rolls on.

“I just like to make sure kids get there safe,” Officer Arbinger says.

He is on high alert, as he knows robberies are more common on weekend nights like this one. Suddenly, the cherries and berries are on.

“Stay in the car,” he commands

A white Toyota is parked in front of the squad car with no plates. Out comes a tall, scruffy, white male. After a brief conversation, the officer returns to the car.

“He’s good,” officer Arbinger says into his radio.

Eventually, the activities on the streets of the campus diminish into the quiet of the early morning hours. But Officer Arbinger remains alert.

“You can never get too comfortable with this job. Never.”