INDIANAPOLIS — For the first time since the pandemic started, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department is inviting citizens into their patrol cars for a ride along.
The program was suspended due to COVID, but sign ups are now available.
IMPD Deputy Chief Josh Barker says a ride along is an opportunity for a community member or someone interested in a law enforcement career to get an up front experience about what the job is.
"I think people have to balance what they read in the headlines and the conversations with their friends about what they think law enforcement entails whereas a police ride along gives them an opportunity to spend a full 8.5 shift in a police car," Barker said.
Participants must be at least 18, sign a ride-along and waiver of liability and wear business casual attire on the ride along.
"[Participants will] have an opportunity to ask questions, see the officer interact in a countless variety of situations, make decisions, engage with the community, engage with their fellow officers and really just have a limitless opportunity to have a conversation about what policing in America is like," Barker said.
IMPD says they were frustrated when the opportunity had to shut down and are asking the public to take them up on this opportunity.
"This is an ability for our police department to interface one on one with someone who has experienced our policing services or observed our policing services," Barker said. "Even if you are uncertain about how you feel about the police department ... this too is a great opportunity for you."
-
Historic Anderson movie theatre's decay worries preservation group
The State Theatre is a reminder of Anderson's most prosperous era. As it approaches its 100th birthday, there are concerns the historic movie palace is becoming too dilapidated to save.Indianapolis Airport reports record-breaking traffic in 2024
According to reports, more than 5.2 million people traveled through the Indianapolis International Airport from January through June.19-year-old hits IMPD officers with car while drinking and driving
The 19-year-old allegedly drove past the patrol cars with their overhead lights on and struck the officers.1 shot, multiple detained and questioned at north side apartment complex
According to IMPD, the shooting is believed to be an isolated domestic incident and multiple people have been detained for questioning.