The Chattanooga Police Department announced the creation of a Virtual Ride Along program as a way to increase community connection and inclusion.
The CPD Virtual Ride Along program is a creation of CPD Officer Sydney Hamon who’s been with the department since March, 2019. Officer Hamon came up with the idea in her rookie year after noticing a disconnect as social media friends were spending a lot of time talking at each other, but not listening to one another.
“I believe the way to start change, to create change, is to stop talking and start listening and keep an open mind,” said Officer Hamon.
The Virtual Ride Along program allows for community members, from the comfort of their own home, to ride along with a CPD Officer for about 30 minutes to one hour at the beginning of the officer’s shift. The person riding along has the opportunity to ask questions, share concerns about crime or crime prevention in their neighborhood, get to know more about police policies and practices...in general, have a friendly conversation in a relaxed setting.
“Virtual conversations are a new way for CPD officers and community members to build relationships,” said Chief David Roddy. “I am proud of the work Officer Hamon put into creating this innovative program, which is more inclusive for those who are unable to participate in CPD’s existing, established program.”
The Virtual Ride Along program opens opportunities to some community members who may not be able or have interest in participating in a traditional ride along for various reasons. Some reasons may be:
• Mobility difficulties or some impairment that prevents a community member from sitting in a vehicle for extended periods;
• Alternative for some who may experience increased anxiety when in an emergency situation;
• Option for those who don't have time to participate in hours-long ride-a-longs;
• Helpful to those interested in pursuing a career as a police officer; or
• Opportunity to someone who may not pass a background check needed for the in-car ride along.
How to sign up for a Virtual Ride Along:
• Participants must have a Google account email address.
• Email CPD Recruiting at cpdrecruiting@chattanooga.gov with your interest in participating.
• Complete and submit paperwork.
• A member of CPD’s Recruiting Unit offers scheduling options.
• Log in to Google Hangout and virtually ride along with the CPD Officer.
Virtual Ride Along conversations are recorded and stored on Evidence.com servers for up to 90 days. The CPD Officers who are participating in the program are doing so voluntarily. CPD believes the Virtual Ride Along program is a great way to increase communication with community members through a new medium, improve inclusion and reinforces the department’s commitment to being a progressive agency.
See example of VRA here.