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."
-
IREAD results increased in 2024 for Hoosier third graders
In total, 82.5% if Indiana's more than 67,000 third grade students were proficient in reading skills. This is a .6% improvement over 2022-23 results.Bees play an important role in a sustainable ecosystem
Honey is what you think of when you think of honeybees, but they play a much more important role than just that.Feds allege financial firm ran $300M Ponzi scheme to fund CEO's lavish lifestyle
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed a civil lawsuit Tuesday against a Georgia-based financial company and its CEO for allegedly running a $300 million Ponzi schemeTiny home community to house those experiencing homelessness in Indy
By 2025 the goal is to transform the property at 10200 E. 38th street into a tiny home community for those experiencing homelessness.