Officer Tommy Norman Is The Difference Between Community Policing and Policing the Community- blogged by @niksofly

Imagine if we lived in a world where the officers that patrolled our communities knew our name. What if the neighborhood kids were excited every time the officer visited and the elderly smiled with glee? How cool would it be that the residents trusted the officers and there was a mutual respect? Instead of fearing each other, the community and officers worked together to bring hope and inspiration. Can you imagine if officers were an extension of the community’s family and not just randoms that didn’t want to be assigned to that beat? Now what if I told you that there are officers like this that exist?

#OfficerTommyNorman of North Little Rock PD in Arkansas embodies the aforementioned qualities. He knows each member of the community he patrols, young and old. From birthdays and graduations to dinner dates and little important events, Officer Norman is with his community every step of the way. He doesn’t have to fake the relationship or pretend he cares (as naysayers have suggested). The sincerity is apparent when the kids run to greet him.  It’s in the sass of little Amiyah who never wants Officer Norman to leave and the sheer excitement Davey, a hearing impaired young man, expresses with his wide smile and beaming eyes each time he sees Officer Norman. You can’t help but to fall in love with the connection Officer Norman has with Fat Mac and his family. When Ms. Lois has had enough of Officer Norman, her snappy comments erase any idea that the relationship between the two isn’t genuine. It’s the long drive to take, Jimmy, a special needs adult , to dinner as promised. It’s the deliberate effort to meet the community and get to know them. Whether he hands out hugs, handshakes, treats or small lessons in manners and safety, what Officer Norman does is from the heart and it shows.  Attending the Special Olympics to support  the participants isn’t something he had to do; it was something he wanted to do. And the community respects him not because they are made to, but because he has earned their respect. He is the quintessential example of  #communitypolicing.

One of his followers made a profound statement and I paraphrase, “ Community policing changes ‘large black male in redshirt threatening people with a gun’ to ‘Oh, that’s just Alton who sells CD’s  in front of his friend Abdullah’s store. He’s good people. Let me check on him’ .”  It erases the immediate threat and alleged “fear” cops who unjustly use lethal force state they experience. It removes the fear and disdain those in a community may have towards officers. It isn’t about who has authority, but rather building a rapport that will allow you to assess any situation fairly and with a level head. If need be, you could use the trust attained in said authority to isolate or diffuse a situation. Officer Norman’s interaction with the community will affect how these individuals interact with law enforcement in the future. It’s changing their perspectives.

How would you feel about someone that sits on the porch with you conversing while you share a few snacks and laughs? Now how would you feel about someone that only shows up when there is perceived trouble? That is the difference between #communitypolicing and policing the community. If Officer Norman  sees a need he meets it whether it’s building a basketball court through his foundation to keep the children out of trouble; or telling them  that he is here for them in their difficult times. It’s the little things like taking the young ones to get haircuts and giving compliments.  He is the trailblazer that is not only making a difference in his community, but in the world. We need more men and officers like Officer Norman.

I salute him!

-Niko Rose

Follow him on IG: @tnorman23 and if you are led to donate to help the community he patrols, send all donations to:

Officer Tommy Norman, NLRPD

200 W Pershing BLVD

North Little Rock, AR 72114