Leander officers show personal sides in Facebook campaign

Leander police are combating all the negative press police are getting across the country. The department is reminding citizens, that they are people too.

Within the last two years, officer involved shootings have come to the forefront, giving law enforcement a mark that's tough to erase.

“Right now there are a lot of police departments around the united states who are suffering from crisis of trust,” Jeff Hayes, Asst. Chief of the Leander Police Department, said.

Hayes wants his community to know he loves art. It's all a part of their behind the badge campaign on the Leander police Facebook page.

“We're just normal people. We have allergies, we laugh, we cry,” Hayes said.

About two-thirds of the department of forty-two is participating. Some of the posts include "I like Hawaiian shirts, "Lifelong Longhorn fan", and being The  Walking Dead fans.

“We like Star Wars, we like going to hockey games,” Hayes said.

They also want to remind people that some of their biggest responsibilities are right at home.

“I've been my son's boy scout leader since he was a tiger cub,” Lt. Billy Fletcher, Leander Police Department, said.

“We've had officers off duty at Lowe's shopping and someone recognized them from that post.

Aside from the gags and giggles of these officers' personalities, the goal is to remind people of the true purpose of police men and women.

“Part of being a police officer is not just the protection part, it's not going out there and just enforcing the laws. It's supposed to be about being a public servant,” Hayes said.

Whether their favorite past time is being behind a camera, or the loathing of being in front of one, Leander PD hopes to put a face with the names and bridge the gap between citizens and officers.