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."
-
Caregivers say FSSA has made more changes ahead of Structure Family Care changes
Families who are caring for their medically complex children have 11 days before the program they use through the state undergoes dramatic changes. Now, there are more changes to navigate.UIndy’s ‘Summer Success Camp’ helps students discover college is achievable
The Summer Success Camp through the University of Indianapolis aims to help non-traditional students realize college can be an option for them.Heat, lack of wind lead to dangerous air quality in Central Indiana
Knozone declared both Thursday and Friday as Knozone Action Days due to the dangerous air quality...Indy 6th grader takes proactive approach to prevent bullying in local schools
When it comes to bullying, 12-year-old Constantine Kaminski will tell you he’s experienced it at school and has also witnessed his classmates experience it as well.