Behind the Badge
As the public has had to make lifestyle changes in the wake of COVID-19, the Anaheim Police Department’s patrol officers have had to adapt as well.
On a recent ride-along, Behind the Badge observed that patrol officers now wear gloves on calls and have a supply of hand sanitizer, dispensers, and alcohol wipes in their vehicles.
“Patrol officers come in contact with the public frequently,” Officer Michael Fleet said, adding that officers attempt to maintain a six-foot distance from residents on calls, often by asking them to speak with officers outside their homes.
Anaheim Police Officer Michael Fleet visits with 6-year-old Salma Joy, who recently beat leukemia and is now on maintenance, during a birthday on her block with her family.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
However, officers did not let the virus stop them from engaging with the community and celebrating the birthday of a special girl on a recent evening.
Fleet and several other Anaheim Police Department officers paid a visit to 6-year-old Salma Joy, who recently beat leukemia and is now on maintenance therapy.
“It wasn’t just that she was just going from 5 years old to 6,” Fleet said. “She is like this little warrior. She just turned 6 and she has already been through this war. We cry and we complain as people about way less. Things that we think are a big deal in the greater scheme and greater context are not really that big.”
Six-year-old Salma Joy waves with Anaheim Police Officer Michael Fleet at the Anaheim Police Department helicopter, Angel, as it flies over Salma’s house during her birthday part. Salma recently beat leukemia and is now on maintenance therapy.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Anaheim Police Department patrol cars circled around Salma’s house blaring their sirens and an Anaheim Police Department helicopter did a fly-over.
From there, Fleet continued on his shift, responding to calls, including one involving a family disturbance.
The officer switched to first responder mode before heading to that call.
“It’s always he said vs. she said,” Fleet said. “And we have to make an assessment of where the truth is.”
Family and friends attending 6-year-old Salma Joy’s birthday party wave as Angel, Anaheim Police Department’s helicopter, flies over her house to honor her.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
That’s life as a patrol officer, responding to calls as they come and working to protect the public.
“The average patrol officer doesn’t get enough credit,” he said. “You have to be extremely flexible. To a certain extent, you have to be very good at a lot of different things.”
Six-year-old Salma Joy waves as Anaheim patrol cars circle around her house as she and her family celebrate her sixth birthday. Salma recently beat leukemia and is now on maintenance therapy.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Anaheim Police Officer Michael Fleet talks to 6-year-old Salma Joy during a birthday visit.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Six-year-old Salma Joy, who recently recovered from leukemia, with her family and Anaheim Police Officer Michael Fleet.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Anaheim Police Officer Michael Fleet on patrol. He keeps his face mask hanging on the search light handle for when he leaves the car.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Anaheim police officers search a car for any additional people after a couple of suspects were told to vacate the car. Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
A suspect in a public disturbance reportedly involving a brandished gun, follows police orders as he walks from a car.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Anaheim officers cautiously open the trunk of a car after one of the occupants of the car was reported brandishing a gun during a public disturbance.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Anaheim Police Officer Michael Fleet talks to a neighbor after police were called out on a public disturbance call.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Anaheim PD Officer Morgan Marcos uses a flashlight to check for injuries during a domestic disturbance call. Officer Michael Fleet is left.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Anaheim PD Officer Mathew Zimmerman checks out a car as other officers question people creating a disturbance.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Anaheim PD Officer Michael Fleet wears a mask as he talks to someone from Blue Sky Manor in Anaheim.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Anaheim PD Officers Michael Fleet, left, and David Garcia talk to a woman from Blue Sky Manor in Anaheim while on a call.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
