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."
-
Indy man goes from burn victim to firefighter, crediting Hoosier Burn Camp
John Sego credits the man he is today to the Hoosier Burn Camp - a summer camp that works to transform the lives of burn victims in Indiana.
Ford recalls over 550,000 pickup trucks because transmission issues
Ford is recalling more than 550,000 pickup trucks in the U.S. because the transmissions can unexpectedly downshift to first gear no matter how fast the trucks are going.
Johnson Co family shares the trials of living gluten-free due to celiac disease
Celiac disease is something experts estimate only about 1% of the population has. But it's estimated that about 60 to 70% of the population are still un-diagnosed.
Caitlin Clark wins Honda Cup as top female college athlete again
Caitlin Clark became the fourth person ever to win the Honda Cup twice, earning the prestigious honor Monday night
