Tacoma PD Teach Social Distancing With Music Video

TACOMA, WA — Tacoma Police are trying to find a new way to encourage social distancing: through the language of song.

The police department has released a music video encouraging everyone to keep a safe distance from their neighbors. The music video is of a country western number called "Step Off Six", and features officers from all across their department lip-syncing along to safe social distancing instructions. The video can seen below:

Behind the music

The department says the goal of the video is to hammer home the importance of keeping the minimum safe social distance of six feet between yourself and anyone who is not a part of your household. Safe social distancing is just one part of Gov. Inslee's Stay Home, Stay Healthy order which required all non-essential businesses to close and for residents to shelter in place and wait out the coronavirus outbreak.

Despite the fun, breezy tone of the video, Chief of Police Don Ramsdell does want to stress that social distancing is a serious matter:

“We have no desire to make arrests for violations of the governor’s order. At the same time, we’re in a position to help educate our community. This can sometimes mean using a novel approach. Despite the upbeat feel of our video, we recognize the seriousness of this issue and the suffering at hand. Our aim is to reach people, help educate them and minimize further pain in our community.”

The song featured in the music video was written and performed by a Tacoma Police Department employee, though the police have not said who.