West Mercia Police launch virtual ride‑along experience

West Mercia Police has today (Friday 27 March) launched its virtual ride‑along experience, giving the public an unprecedented real‑time insight into frontline policing.

For the first time, viewers will be able to step inside an officer’s shift without leaving the room, watching a controlled live feed from body‑worn video as officers respond to incidents across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire.

While the force introduced its in‑person Ride Along Scheme in October 2025, there are restrictions on what members of the public can safely attend.

The virtual format is able to remove barriers, allowing viewers to experience more of the fast‑paced and unpredictable nature of policing, while ensuring sensitive or high‑risk situations can be paused or withheld where appropriate.

Chief Inspector Charles Parker said: “This virtual ride‑along marks an important step in opening up policing and giving our communities a clearer understanding of the realities our officers face every day. By allowing people to see a shift unfold in real time, we can build greater transparency, strengthen trust, and show the professionalism and dedication that underpins frontline policing.

“While our traditional Ride Along Scheme continues to be valuable, the virtual format removes many of the practical barriers and gives the public a much broader view of the fast‑paced and often unpredictable nature of the job.

“It provides a safe, controlled way for people to experience the pressures, decision‑making and community interactions that shape every shift.

“We welcome this innovation and are proud to be one of the first forces to offer this level of access, as it reflects our commitment to openness, modernisation and working closely with the communities we serve.”

Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion added: “A key priority in my Safer Communities Plan is policing with the community, so I fully welcome this innovative way of giving the public a genuine insight into the everyday work of police officers.

"The principle that ‘the police are the public, and the public are the police’ still holds true today, and this virtual ride along brings that relationship even closer.

“I hear daily about the professionalism and dedication of West Mercia Police officers, and this project offers a real snapshot of that commitment in action.” 

The Virtual Ride Along scheme is open to anyone aged 18 or over, and you must live in Herefordshire, Shropshire or Worcestershire.

Whether you are considering a career in policing, would like to know how your local area is being policed, or simply have an interest in policing, you are invited on shift.

For more information about the virtual scheme, and the Ride Along Scheme, head to: Ride Along Scheme | Ride Along Scheme | West Mercia Police