Abilene Police Department to Roll Out Pastors on Patrol

ABILENE, TX - On Friday, Oct. 14, the Abilene Police Department will host its first clergy member ride-along as part of the Pastors on Patrol (POP) program.

According to a press release, POP was created out of a common goal between Abilene religious leaders and Abilene Police to help educate the clergy, its members and citizens on the interactions between police and the public.

Abilene Police officials said the discussions about the program began in early 2016 when a local pastor approached the APD on what he could do to curb the national sentiment regarding law enforcement and citizens. Discussions continued, and, as a result, Pastors on Patrol started.

Local clergy leaders will be afforded a ride-along with an officer and respond with the officer on calls.

"The Abilene Police Department hopes this opportunity will help spur conversations throughout Abilene," said APD officials.

To begin the program, Pastor Rich Brown with Grace Point Church will ride with an Abilene Police officer tomorrow starting at 2:30 p.m.

Members of the clergy who wish to take part in the program may do so by contacting Public Information Coordinator Rick Tomlin by email at [email protected].