If you pay attention to current events, you’ve probably heard on TV or read in print similar, broad brushed propaganda about LEO labor organizations. Usually, it’s some jerk-off with a political agenda spouting this nonsense. It’s difficult to imagine a constituency with which such slander resonates, but in certain parts of America, we’ve arrived there. It’s no coincidence that politicians or other figures who dump this brand of sludge usually do so from jurisdictions struggling with demoralized police forces and, consequently, shocking rates of violent crime.  

A battle for Middle America

The fact that these politicians and other figures think their slander is profitable highlights a simple truth — we are in a battle for the hearts and minds of average Americans. I’m talking about normal people who are just trying to get from point A to point B. Our focus needs to be on these folks in the middle who, while acknowledging a need for law enforcement, may remain skeptical about the honorability of our profession. It’s easy to understand why when you have a media machine dishing out negative police stories like a short-order cook. But LEO labor can wield a powerful weapon in this battle — community outreach. And it’s easier than you might think. Here are some considerations:

Less planning, more doing

Community outreach doesn’t always require extensive planning. Try doing something at least once a month. Be prepared to act quickly when opportunities arise. For example, we learned via social media that local school officials were at a big box store collecting supply donations. Our charitable giving committee quickly approved a donation. Within an hour, we were at the store loading a shopping cart with crayons and packs of dry-erase markers. The school officials were blown away, so they didn’t hesitate to join us for some photos. That loaded cart represented a LEO labor organization standing up for local kids. It was quick, easy and perfect for social media — zero planning and minimal time. 

You don’t need 100 volunteers

Cops are busy, and on our days off, we like to recharge. It’s difficult for us to get engaged. Everybody knows this. Not to worry. You don’t need huge turnouts to move the needle. Identify a small group of dedicated members who are willing to rally for community events. A few volunteers wearing T-shirts with your organization’s logo can be impactful. Each year, our city holds a wellness 5K run/walk. We donate bottled water for the course’s hydration station. It only takes a couple of us, but our FOP T-shirts and signage allow hundreds of participants to know that a LEO labor organization is doing something nice. I mean, giving somebody a bottle of water … does it get any easier?  Again, social media is our force multiplier. Each year, we produce and post a video showing LEO labor members using bottled water to generate smiles.

Write a check 

This one’s my favorite because it’s so simple and powerful. And the haters have absolutely no answer for it. As your LEO labor organization starts to get involved in community outreach, local leaders will begin contacting you for help with various events.  Keep in mind that a physical presence may not always be necessary. Many times, we’ll simply offer to write a check to cover food, beverages, fees or other event expenses.  Again, this requires zero planning. A photo showing a LEO labor representative and community leaders holding a check at a local event is a social media bonanza. It might even be media-worthy. Budget annually for these opportunities and start a charitable giving committee to approve and oversee donations.

Community outreach is an investment into your organization — cash in

So your LEO labor organization has started to go heavy on the community outreach front? Fantastic. Now, get credit for your efforts. And don’t be bashful! You’ve probably noticed by now that social media drives our messaging. We plaster photos and videos of our members doing good things all over the internet. You should be doing the same.  And when appropriate, issue press releases and invite the media to cover your work. We can’t blame the media for negative coverage if we aren’t inviting them to the good stuff.

Also, make sure your locally elected officials fully understand your LEO labor organization’s commitment to the community. Tag them on those social media posts.  Invite them to see smiling community members standing with LEO labor. And remember, politicians love planning their own events. Offer help. This level of communication with local officials is crucial. The people empowered to make decisions that impact the lives of your members should recognize your organization as a force for good.

Stay above the fray

So, the answer for the haters and their soft-minded bullshit is simple. First, let the truth be your brush for their dirt. LEO labor is as concerned with topics like professionalism, wellness, equipment, training and community outreach as we are with police compensation (which, by the way, is driven by market forces instead of “greedy police unions”). Second, in the battle for the hearts and minds of average Americans, wield the weapon of community outreach with an above-the-fray spirit. Don’t overanalyze or overplan. Do have fun. Take some photos or video and start to control the narrative … that on duty and off, the public’s protectors are organized for community service.