Colorado Couple Seeks Better Public Understanding of Police

BEATRICE - A Colorado couple who travel across America are trying to tell the story of law enforcement through photos and interviews, toward a better public understanding of the role officers play in their communities.

Charlie Simmons is a retired 27-year-officer with the Jefferson County, Colorado Sheriff’s Department. His wife, Tricia, has a full-time job as a meeting and event planner. Charlie turned his hobby of photography into taking photos of police and sheriff’s officers, while Tricia writes the stories that tell about the people behind the badge.

(Charlie) "We were going to travel the country, see the country...and came up with a concept of Badges Across America" (Tricia) "Charlie said he would really like to continue to take pictures of law enforcement, and we thought we should do it in all fifty states. And, it just kept blowing up, bigger and bigger....and became what is is today. It's our way of giving back, and celebrating the jobs the men and women in law enforcement, do".

Charlie says with his photos and Tricia’s interviewing and writing skills, Badges Across America seeks to show police on the job, but also tell the human side of things.
"We need to explain who these people are behind the badge, so that they can help create a relationship in the community to show that they are people, fathers, brothers, sisters, mothers....they have hobbies and unique talents. Not so much the story of who they are when they're on the job, but who they are when they're not on the job....a totally different perspective".

The couple meshes the schedule of Charlie driving the fifth-wheel camper, and Trisha flying to events or meetings…then joining up to visit areas like Gage County to meet with local law enforcement agencies. T-shirts, calendars and contributions help fuel the campaign.
In an interview at Riverside Park where the couple is camping with their family of cats…Charlie said Badges Across America is about keeping a conversation going between police and the communities they serve.

"I don't want to be just one and done, and say hey, hi, it's nice knowing you and move on. We just shared a handful of pictures from Beatrice P.D. on our Facebook page...and then I'll share a little bit more as I get some more. As we travel, I always come back and say it was really great being here. We just want to continue to share those pictures and continue to share the conversation with the community. The community loves it".

Much of the conversation in recent weeks with officers focuses on not painting all departments with the same broad brush when an incident of racial tension, such as the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis occurs. Charlie says people are seeing the one or two occasions where an officer acts inappropriately, leaving an impression that all police officers act that way.
Tricia says the discussion to defund police departments and apply resources elsewhere…involves misunderstanding by people who may not know what police are asked to do.

"I always feel its just to strike fear into law enforcement, the idea that you will be defunded....when the reality is, if you are to start having more social workers available, addressing homelessness..you know, Charlie has gotten calls from somebody who could not get their nine-year-old to go to school. Why is law enforcement responding to that? That is not truly what a law enforcement role should be. So, if we talk about taking resources and provide funds over here...then over time, you're going to find that the call load is going to go down".

Charlie says law enforcement is not fully trained to handle mental health issues or social needs calls. He says school resource officers are an example how police have tried to expand their role to help their communities.

"Almost all the SRO's that I know of, that I've talked to...the kids have great relationships with them. They know who the kids are that might be on the verge of problems and they give them a little bit of attention. They also know the kids that are...they know when something is wrong and can see immediately the difference in a kids attitude. Maybe they're catching child abuse in progress or a kid not eating enough at school or at home. So, they see it first hand, instead of us getting a call six months later, when this child is hurt and in the hospital...they're seeing it right up front. I'm totally for SROs".

Charlie and Trisha Simmons plan to be in Nebraska and Colorado through the end of September, then go out on the road again to Oklahoma and Texas. The coronavirus pandemic is altering their schedule somewhat, as it has for all Americans.  The couple's website is...

badgesacrossamerica.org