Atlanta officers explain 'Why I Wear the Badge' in new campaign

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Police Department is launching a new campaign called "Why I Wear the Badge."

The goal is to get officers in front of the community explaining their passion for law enforcement.

“This is a critical time for police right now -- a time for officers to set an example and let the community know that we care about them,” said Atlanta police Chief George Turner.

Channel 2’s Craig Lucie tagged along with officers Wednesday as they started shooting their videos.

“Hi, my name is Officer Mark Smith. I've been from Atlanta my whole life, grew up on these same streets. I went to GT,” Smith said at the beginning of his video.

Smith says it wasn't always his plan to become an Atlanta police officer, but he says it was his calling.

“I went to GT and studied business. I went to Emory law after that and got my law degree. Took the Georgia bar, passed the bar and then realized I didn't want to sit behind a desk,” he said.

Officer Smith and his colleagues all got an email asking them if they would appear in the short video campaign. Chief Turner is leading the way.

“I have a goal to protect our citizens and that's why I wear the badge,” Smith said.

APD says there is no limit right now as to how many officers will be interviewed, and the department plans to do it in front of Atlanta landmarks.

“Police officers need to be in the community, speaking to the community and explain why we chose this profession, why we wear the badge,” Smith said.

Turner is also sharing his story in the videos.

“When I went to my first call and I saw this woman being battered, I understood that she needed me,” he said. “I have a goal to protect our citizens and that's why I wear the badge.”

The campaign kicks off Nov. 1, when the videos are posted on Twitter, Facebook and APD's website.

WSBTV