Breaking: Police and fire departments around the world are engaged in an epic dance battle that began in New Zealand, made its way to New York City, and is now poised to take over the WORLD.
Because policemen get tired of doing, you know, police stuff.
Before we get carried away, let's take a look at the facts. After all, this is a serious situation.
The New Zealand Police Department was reportedly the first in the enforcement world to post a #runningmanchallenge video. But the dance-off actually began months ago with two high school students, Kevin Vincent and Jeremiah Hall, who filmed themselves grooving endearingly to Ghost Town DJ's "My Boo." But it was two University of Maryland basketball players, Jaylen Brantley and Jared Nickens, who made the new, not-so-80s-inspired dance moves go viral in a series of Instagram videos.
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All four recently appeared on "Ellen" to talk about the phenomenon and demonstrate their moves on television.
Well, the New Zealand police must have decided this would be the perfect way to recruit new officers. "We catch people on the run every day," the department joked in the caption that accompanied their video. "This was a new #runningmanchallenge for our team." They then tagged a number of other police departments around the world, challenging them to take part in the dance-off.
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The police of the Isles of Scilly (an archipelago off the southwestern tip of England, for anyone needing a geography refresher) responded quickly, politely declining the invitation to participate.
"I note that the gauntlet has been laid down ... for a dance off with us," wrote their Facebook moderator. "I also note that they can draw on a supporting cast of thousands of officers and staff whereas we have a modest team of five and occasionally a cat. Our combined age on this small rock in the Atlantic (including feline years) is over 300."
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But other stations were more willing to jump in on the fun ... namely, the New York Police Department.
"For the NYPD version we brought some backup from PS/IS 323 in Brooklyn," the department captioned their video.
And then came Police Scotland's attempt. Yup, there are bagpipes and kilts involved.
The newest Scottish recruits were also featured in their own video.
Not to be outdone, the New Zealand Fire Service decided to get in on the action. "You didn't think we'd let the cops have all the fun did you?" reads the caption accompanying their video.
Now, we wait with bated breath for the next department to join in the fun. Until then, let's hope there are still police patrolling the streets.