Florida Police Department’s Viral Social Media Campaign Bridges Community Gap

A police department in Florida has gained widespread attention with a social media initiative aimed at enhancing recruitment and building stronger community ties. In an appearance on Fox & Friends Weekend, Ocala Police Department members elaborated on the campaign, which has attracted millions of views by highlighting the personal side of officers.

Officer Sean Price explained the purpose behind the campaign. “Social media helps shine a positive light on our department,” he said. “It shows that we have personalities beyond our duties.”

“These videos definitely humanize our badge and uniform,” Price stated, noting the importance of countering negative perceptions on social media by sharing uplifting content.

The department recently posted a video set to Usher’s song “Daddy’s Home” as part of its “We Do” campaign. The video presents officers in common dating scenarios while performing their duties. Captions like “Does he open your door?” show an officer assisting someone into a patrol car. “Does he listen to you?” aligns with an officer taking a statement, while “Does he answer your call?” shows a team member responding to an emergency. Each scenario is answered with “We do.”

This light-hearted portrayal has resonated with viewers, amassing over 19 million views on Facebook. Corporal Alexandria Blackman observed that reactions have been supportive, calling it a “way for us to show who we are outside of being serious.”

Echoing this sentiment, Price expressed optimism that the campaign’s positive reception might lead to increased interest in joining the force. “The attention could bring in new applications,” he noted, highlighting the campaign’s impact.

Officer Clayton Brown encouraged potential recruits, asking, “What’s your why?” He emphasized the importance of having a meaningful reason for entering law enforcement. “You’ll be present on people’s worst days,” Brown said, advising prospective officers to possess both empathy and insight.

Ocala’s campaign not only seeks to recruit new officers but also to foster community trust and connection through engaging and humanizing content.