The sequel to buses and trains wrapped in Police livery rolled out in Wellington today, driven by passion and fuelled by hope - it's a patrol car with a face-lift, upcycled as a mini cinema for watching the latest Police YouTube vlog 'Ride Along' and other recruitment reels.
Earlier today in Wellywood - aka the Wellington suburb of Miramar - Police Commissioner Richard Chambers and the cast members of Ride Along walked the red carpet at Roxy Cinema for the unveiling of the decommissioned patrol car.
The former frontline car has been given a make-over and includes a wide screen, two large newly upholstered comfortable theatre-style seats, and a handy place for resting popcorn.
Commissioner Chambers hosted the event alongside Constables Jake, Sophia, Steven, and Jess - the four officers who feature in Ride Along.
"This is more than just a car, it's a recruitment experience," says Commissioner Chambers.
"It can be turned back into a working car after this campaign, however at the moment it's a stationary movie theatre for recruitment purposes."
NZ Police relaunched the popular vlog series Ride Along as part of our latest recruitment campaign in March 2025. The series is an entertaining but real insight into policing and follows four constables and their day-to-day lives on the job.
"Many officers tell me they were inspired to apply to join NZ Police because of the original series of Ride Along," says Commissioner Chambers.
"Since its re-launch, over 1.5 million people have viewed Ride Along and our NZ Police YouTube followers have increased by more than 5,000."
Constable Steven, Ride Along cast member and frontline officer from Whanganui, says he loved helping with today's launch and met some great people.
"Ride Along helps to showcase what we do as police officers, and hopefully it will also inspire the next generation to join police one day."
Constable Jess, another Ride Along cast member and a road policing officer from Wellington, says it's been really good filming the vlog series.
"We can just get on with doing our job while filming happens - and it certainly makes the day fun sometimes. I hope this series encourages more people to want to become police officers."
The mini cinema goes 'on the road' this month as part of NZ Police's ongoing recruitment campaign and will be featured at other recruitment events across the country.
Roxy Cinema on Park Road, Miramar hosted today's event, which was followed by a screening of the latest Fantastic Four movie, a fundraiser for Big Buddy New Zealand https://www.bigbuddy.org.nz/
