INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) has taken to social media to continue connecting with residents while Indiana’s Stay-At-Home Order remains in effect. These virtual outreach strategies aim to build relationships with the community while promoting ways that residents can stay connected during social distancing. IMPD encourages residents to engage with the department, and each other, through these platforms – instead of in-person – to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
Citizens’ Roll Call:
Every day at 11am, IMPD is hosting a “Citizens’ Roll Call” on Twitter and Facebook. This program provides an opportunity for residents to ask questions, learn about the department, and share something with the community – whether it be a picture of their dog and cat “co-workers,” or an example of steps they are taking to practice social distancing.
Virtual Coffee with a Cop:
Beginning Thursday, April 2, at 9am, IMPD will host a weekly “Coffee with a Cop” on Facebook Live. Residents will be able to engage in real-time with IMPD officers working hard to keep the community safe through the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing them the opportunity to ask questions, learn about IMPD efforts, and share their experiences during social distancing.
IMPD Homeland Security Bureau Commander Tom Sellas will be the first officer featured during virtual Coffee with a Cop. Commander Sellas is the lead IMPD officer at the Marion County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), the hub of the City’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the EOC, leaders from public safety, health, and service agencies monitor the developing situation 24 hours a day and coordinate efforts to slow the spread of the virus and keep residents safe.
#BooksAndBadges:
IMPD is joining police departments from across the country in #BooksAndBadges – a social media campaign that features police officers reading their favorite children’s books for young residents to follow along at home. Residents can already check out several installments of the series, including on Finnegan the Police Horse, IMPD East, and IMPD Southeast’s Facebook pages.
In addition to the many district and specialty unit social media pages, residents can connect with IMPD News on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Residents and affected workers impacted by COVID-19 restrictions should visit the city’s resource guide, which can be viewed at indy.gov/covid. Spanish speaking residents can view the resource guide here. Individuals who are unable to navigate the city’s website can call 317-327-4MAC between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to talk to a customer service representative. Those in need of non-emergency police services should call 317-327-3811.
