West Mercia Police scheme launched to give public a virtual insight into real-time policing
The virtual Ride Along scheme will allow viewers to watch an officer's shift through a live feed
Last updated 30th Mar 2026
A scheme set-up to give people a "unprecedented real-time insight into frontline policing" across Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire has been officially launched.
West Mercia Police has rolled out its virtual ride-along experience which will give the public access to a controlled live feed of a body-worn video for an officer as they carry out a shift and respond to incidents.
It follows on from its relaunch last October of the in-person Ride Along project, where residents are invited to join their Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) on patrol.
Chief Inspector Charles Parker has been involved with the creation process of the virtual one, following its launch, he 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."
Restrictions on what members of the public can safely attend on the in-person ride-along are in place.
The force say this new virtual scheme will "allow 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".
“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," Chief Inspector Parker said.
“It provides a safe, controlled way for people to experience the pressures, decisionmaking 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 for West Mercia, 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 scheme is open to anyone aged 18 or over, with those wanting to do it having to live in the force area of the three counties.