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."
-
Caitlin Clark wows with 29-point double-double in return to WNBA action
In the build-up to the WNBA’s return after the Olympic Games, Caitlin Clark said she had been ready to get going again for a while.3rd annual Cookout for Life emphasizes suicide prevention in first responders
The event’s mission is one that hits close to home for the event’s organizer, 21-year-old Elijah Clegg.Court Couture brings fashion to the Indiana State Fair's basketball court
Court Couture featured fashion, art, dance and music where it was least expected — the basketball court at the state fair.Caitlin Clark scores 29 to help Fever fend off furious Mercury rally in win
Mitchell made six 3-pointers and Clark had four as the Fever celebrated the restart of the WNBA season.