Norwalk police gave the public a look at the new ride designed to help officers better connect with the communities they serve. 

The department's community engagement van can be used for events, as well as a mobile headquarters.

Chief Thomas Kulhawik says it's part of the department's commitment to community policing.

"Without the community involvement, without community support, we can't do our job, at least not do it successfully," he says. "Hopefully, as we get into the end of fall, and hopefully next year if things continue to improve, our officers will be able to get back out into a better engagement personally, not through Zoom and other ways, but really get out here with the vehicle and bikes and be involved with the people."

Funding came from the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative Grant in partnership with the Norwalk Housing Authority and Norwalk Redevelopment.