In case you haven't heard yet, effective October 1st, 2009, thanks to the passing of House Bill 57, it will now be a felony to commit a crime against a Law Enforcement Explorer while on a police ride along with a police officer.

If a law enforcement explorer get battered by a suspect/subject while on a police ride along, that person will be charged with Battery against a Law Enforcement Explorer.

Just thought you guys should know. This is something that should've happend a long time ago, but better late than never.

To all those explorers that ride along, be careful and be safe. Always keep in mind, however, that you are not unstoppable nor are you a police officer. Just be safe out there, and back up the officer to the best of your abilities. Dont do anything crazy, because at the end of the day, the person responsible for your actions is the officer you are riding with.