Many people have misconceptions about police and what they do.
To help clear up some of those issues, many local law enforcement agencies, including the Ypsilanti Police Department, give people a chance to travel with an officer and see what they do first hand in a 'ride along.'
I recently went on a 6-hour ride along with Ypsilanti police officer Brenden Harrison.
Officer Harrison talked about how he tries to engage with residents and foster good communication and relationships.
"The more connected you are to the community you serve the more likely there will be fewer misunderstandings," says Officer Harrison.
"Compassion is a core value in the Ypsilanti Police Department, and it helps us police effectively," says Ypsilanti Police Chief Tony DeGiusti.
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— Lisa Barry is a reporter, and host of All Things Considered on 89.1 WEMU. Contact her at 734.487.3363, on twitter @LisaWEMU, or email her lbarryma@emich.edu