By MIKE SIMONS Staff Photographer on Apr 29, 2013, at 9:27 AM Updated on 4/29 at 9:27 AM
Tulsa Police officer Sandra Dunn retrieves her gun from the trunk of her car at the David L. Moss Criminal Justice Center while working her first solo shift April 28, 2013. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World
I've done many police ride alongs in my time as a photojournalist. Most of the time the police department sends us out with a veteran officer. The conversation is usually guarded, but cynical. Being somewhat cynical myself, I understand this. And, years on that job could make anyone cynical.
On Sunday, I rode with Sandra Dunn. It was her first solo shift as a police officer. It was refreshing to say the least. Not a bit cynical, and she told us she would make the city, and more precisely, her beat better for the people that live there. I have heard this kind of talk before, but I could tell Dunn actually believed what she was saying.
I only got to spend about 2 hours with Dunn. I hope that if I were to ride along with her again in a few years she would still be talking the same way. I know that the city and her beat will be better off if that is the case.
Tulsa Police officer Sandra Dunn(left) and other new officers listen to Major Tracie Lewis(right) before heading out on their first solol shifts April 28, 2013. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World
Tulsa Police officer Sandra Dunn leaves to work her first solo shift April 28, 2013. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World
Tulsa Police officer Sandra Dunn is reflected in a mirror as she drives while working her first solo shift April 28, 2013. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World
Tulsa Police officer Sandra Dunn fills out a report while working an accident on her first solo shift April 28, 2013. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World
Tulsa Police officer Sandra Dunn looks for information on a vehicle on the scene of an accient as she works her first solo shift April 28, 2013. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World
Tulsa Police officer Sandra Dunn takes a woman into custody while working her first solo shift April 28, 2013. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World
Tulsa Police officer Sandra Dunn fills out paperwork at the David L. Moss Criminal Justice Center while working her first solo shift April 28, 2013. Two motorists were arrested on outstanding warrants after a traffic stop. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World
Tulsa Police officer Sandra Dunn talks to a woman at the David L. Moss Criminal Justice Center while working her first solo shift April 28, 2013. Two motorists were brought to the jail on outstanding warrants after a traffic stop. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World
