Bartlesville Police Department Offering Free Rides Home To Those Celebrating The New Year

The Bartlesville Police Department command staff will be ringing in the new year by offering citizens who may have had too much to drink, a safe and free ride home.

It's the sixth New Year's Eve that the police department is hosting this event.

Bartlesville residents said it sends a message that law enforcement cares and wants its citizens to be safe.

BPD hopes people will take advantage of its New Year's Eve Arrive Safe event, and since Jaedan Kitchel is celebrating tonight, she'll call them if she needs them.

Jaedan's sister Jordan Bates said because it's Police Chief Kevin Ickleberry and his staff who will be picking up residents, that sends a message.

"That just shows that the Bartlesville police department cares about its citizens," said Bartlesville resident Jordan Bates.

Another Bartlesville resident, Brianna McNall, agrees.

"I think it's showing that they want to be a positive influence in this community and want to see our community succeed and do well," said McNall.

Getting a ride from the police instead of a rideshare company can sometimes bring people a sense of security.

"With the police department you'll definitely be safe, it helps you know they're on your side," Kitchel said. "That they're not trying to get you, they're trying to protect you."

These Bartlesville residents are thankful their police department is willing to spend New Year's Eve serving them.

"I'd just say thank you, thank you for being willing to work for this community and thank you for being willing to give up your evening giving people rides," said McNall.

"It's really awesome for you to do that for everybody and keeping everybody safe," Kitchel said.

Jaeden wants to encourage people who are doubtful about asking police for a ride.

"No excuse, it is free, if you've drank too much definitely call them and they will give you a ride," Kitchel said. 

The Bartlesville police department will come and pick you up for a free, safe ride starting New Year's Eve at 10 p.m. until tomorrow at 2 a.m. 

Call dispatch at 918-338-4001 and say you want to arrive safe and give them your location, and you will be given a ride home within Bartlesville city limits.