“He who pursues righteousness and kindness will find life and honor.”
Proverbs 21:21
When police officers turn the corner, some kids immediately run away.
When Officer Tommy Norman turns the corner, kids immediately run toward him.
There’s good reason. Officer Norman is sometimes known as Officer Teddy Bear. Officer Cookie Monster. Approaching his patrol car is like Christmas morning for the kids in the black communities of North Little Rock.
The white officer might give them cookies, candy bars, or a soda. At the very least, the kids will get a smile, a handshake, or a hug. A national story on Norman showed video of him trying to learn their latest dance moves. Another time, the kids put a wig on his bald head and began fluffing it – until one child yanked it away and took off laughing. There’s video of the kids throwing pies in his face. They absolutely love him. He’s a friend, not someone to fear or hate.
This kind of ‘community policing’ isn’t anything new. Friendly police have been around for decades. But in light of all the recent deadly clashes between police and the black community, this story is a breath of fresh air. More importantly, it’s a sign of hope for the future.
“When you ‘community police’ in the right way, the people trust you even more,” Norman said. “So when it’s time to make an arrest or enforce the law, they respect you enough to know that you’re going to do your job, with no questions asked.”
Will his kindness influence these kids later in life? Well, how many cops are eventually thanked by the very criminals they locked up? Norman was contacted by a man he arrested a decade ago. The now 25-year-old truck driver told Norman the kindness he showed while arresting him for shoplifting… changed his life.
“Don’t talk down to them,” Norman said. “Your badge should have a heartbeat.”
He’s been connecting with his community long before the world of social media, but says, “…social media changes the game.” Ironically, a rapper named “The Game” was changed.
He and his 13-year-old son discovered Norman’s efforts on Instagram. They’re not the only ones. Norman now has more than 1.2 million “followers” on Instagram. But The Game and his teenage son were so moved that they set up a GoFundMe page to help Norman “continue his mission, strengthening the community.”
More than $70,000 has already been raised. Every cent will improve life in North Little Rock.
“There’s not a day goes by that I don’t try to go out and try to make a difference in someone’s life,” Norman said.
That’s an example we can all run toward.
Ed Doney, Staff Writer
