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."
-
Second gentleman tests positive for COVID. Vice President Harris tests negative
Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff has tested positive for COVID-19 after experiencing mild symptoms, but his wife, Vice President Kamala Harris, has tested negative and remains asymptomatic.A 75-year-old finishes breast cancer treatment, then wins $5 million
A Pennsylvania woman who had recently completed her breast cancer treatment says she couldn’t believe her eyes after scratching off a winning $5 million ticket, according to lottery officials.'We can work up to 14 hours a day': Hard jobs in the heat
Temperatures are climbing once again across Central Indiana and while many of us can cool down in air conditioning at our jobs, others have to work through the hot weather.Southwest side crash leaves 1 dead, alcohol believed to be a factor
A crash on the southwest side of Indianapolis left one person dead early Saturday morning. Alcohol and speed are believed to be factors.