San Diego police gave those using Twitter a front seat into the real life of street patrols Thursday.

The department staged a "Tweet Along" what could be callsed the next best thing to being there.

Public Information officers and dispatch operators were tweeting out police response and calls for service between 2 and 10 p.m. It was broadcast on the department's Twitter feed @SanDiegoPD.

Followers got a virtual ride along and a real feel for the sometimes pulse-pounding job of an officer.

“We've gained about 300 followers just in about the first couple hours we've been doing this and the feedback s phenomenal it's just been outstanding,” Asst. Police Chief Shelly Zimmerman said.

The department does want to remind followers , in an emergency call 911, don't send a message via Twitter for help.

