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."
-
Indiana Volunteer Fire Departments to receive upgraded PPE, training centers
According to IVFA, they're responsible for most of the state with about 850 departments operating on their own time and dime.
INDOT to invest $600 million in rest areas, truck parking over next 10 years
Many of Indiana’s rest areas are run down and don’t have enough commercial truck parking. INDOT is investing to fix these issues.
Tyrese Haliburton unveils renovated basketball courts at Fall Creek & 30th Park
The court has new logos, benches and landscaping. The renovations are a partnership between Haliburton and Indy Parks as a way for the Pacers star to give back to the city.
City of Greenwood opens new pickleball court complex at Freedom Park
The facility is open seven days a week and operates from dawn to dusk with lights and fencing all around the courts.
