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."
-
New affordable housing complex opens on the near east side of Indianapolis
10 of the 48 units at Saint Lucas Lofts on the city's near east side will be permanent supportive housing for homeless teens.Fever fans from far and wide have a ball at Kids Day
Campers from all over Indiana were able to take part in the once in a lifetime opportunity. All 12 WNBA teams participate in the yearly event that brings summer camps out to a game.Jury finds fifth ex-Muncie officer not guilty of false reporting
Former Muncie police officer Corey Posey is not guilty of false reporting, a federal jury announced Wednesday evening.Westfield moves historic building, clears way for downtown revitalization
The 187-year-old building, affectionately called the Green Building for its color, was hauled away from the corner of Main and Union streets on Wednesday.