Access the action

POST FALLS - It could be the best of both worlds on New Year's Eve.

You can be a part of the buzz on the streets from the comfy, safe confines of your home.

The Post Falls Police Department will hold its first New Year's virtual ridealong from 4 p.m. on Wednesday to 1 a.m. on Thursday via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

A police volunteer will post messages, photos and videos of calls and incidents during the shift from Chief Scot Haug's patrol car.

Haug said how busy police typically get during New Year's is mixed.

"Some years it has been quiet and other years it has been so busy that officers can't hardly keep up," he said. "It's supposed to be cold and it will be on a Wednesday, so it's hard to tell how busy of a night it will be."

Previous PFPD virtual ridealongs - this will be the third - attracted more than 2,000 followers around the world, Haug said.

"The main reason that we have them is to connect with the public so people can understand what the police department deals with on a daily basis," Haug said. "We want people to feel a part of the community."

Haug said the best way to be a part of the virtual ridealong is through Facebook because that's where the information will be posted, but people can also access the action via Twitter and Instagram.

Haug said the posts are made from his vehicle because he is a salaried employee and a volunteer makes the posts. Therefore, the virtual ridealong is performed at no cost to the taxpayers.

"We don't want to tie up an officer from being proactive," Haug said.

Haug said followers are encouraged to ask questions about incidents during the shift because education is an emphasis.

"We'll be as responsive as we can," Haug said.

To tap into the action, go to www.postfallspolice.com. PFPD has Facebook and Twitter icons on its front page.

Those interested must have Facebook or Twitter accounts, but they don't have to become friends with the police department to receive updates during the night.

"Not everyone has the ability to come in and ride along with an officer, so we thought this would be a good way to get the information out," Haug said.