Perry Police Department hosts Beyond the Badge event

PERRY—Typically, when interacting with public safety, it is when someone is going through their worst day. The Perry Police Department wanted to defy that expectation and meet with the public in a positive and welcoming way. They did that at “Beyond The Badge: A Community Conversation on Safety.”

For their first pop-up event of the year, department representatives met with the community at Oldfield Park April 18. The two-hour event gave police insight into community issues and promoted open and transparent dialogue.

Additionally, Pinky’s Shaved Ice helped guests beat the heat, while representatives from the Perry Fire Department set up an inflatable safety house for children to play in.

Police Chief Alan Everidge said the department attempted to organize similar events but were thwarted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Their goal is to make the community conversation pop-up a regular occurrence.

“We decided we were going to back and try and do it two or three times a year, in different areas of the community. Just to reach out, have a chance to talk to them and see what’s going on. We can help them put names and faces together in an informal setting,” he said.

Who better to give insight than those who live in the neighborhood? That is what Everidge believes.

“Community and police have to work together. They know their neighborhood. They know what’s normal, what not normal, when things are going on,” he said.

As Everidge explained, the events also allow police to provide safety tips.

“We also use it as an educational tool: talking about how not to be a victim, and also if they see something, don’t be afraid to call police about what’s going on. Sometimes it may not even be criminal activity; it’s other issues going on they need help with … We just believe that communities and police have to work together and this is a simple way to build relationships,” he said.

Several people passed through during the event, but one conversation that stuck with Everidge was with a man who had known him for 45 years.

“It was interesting to hear from him, to talk about growing up in Perry, the things they see and things they’re dealing with today. I think it’s been a good event. I’d always like to have more folks here, but we’re partnering with the community. We want the community to know that,” he said.

He said the weather and turnout added to the enriching conversations for their first Beyond the Badge this year.

“I think folks that came had a good time. We’ve heard some interesting conversations going on. We’re going to work on some of those issues and I’m just proud that we’ve had this kind of turnout. I look forward to having some future events,” Everidge said.

Everidge mentioned the department is planning more community conversation events this year, alongside outreach efforts such as neighborhood watch meetings and downtown event appearances.