At a time in our nation fraught with division, Officer Brian Morrison of the Barnstable, Massachusetts Police Department has embedded himself in his community. He serves as the department’s community resource and civil rights officer among many other involvements. His perspective as a Black police officer, his service, and influence as a bridge between people has won him awards and the hearts of the Cape Cod community and beyond.
“There’s a trick to community policing. ‘Start with the kids.'” Officer Morrison stated in a 2021 Cape Cod Times article by Jeannette Hinkle. “A School Resource Officer’s role is not limited to being a police officer as they are a counselor, teacher, coach, and mentor.” No wonder he is viewed by many as the unofficial Mayor of Cape Cod. What a privilege to introduce you to him during Black History Month in this video interview with an optional downloadable audio version. — Oh, and apparently some police officers prefer chocolate chip cookies! I’ll make sure to remember that, Officer Morrison.
Make sure to check out the resources and opportunities for citizens and police officers and their families beneath the interview. Enjoy!
[Audio Version] PART 2 Law Enforcement Series: Brian Morrison ~ Community & Civil Rights Police Officer at Barnsatable Police Department, Cape Cod, MA
Click three dots to right of audio player button to download audio version for on-the-go offline listening
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. (I Timothy 2:1-2 NKJV)
RESOURCES, PROGRAMS & OPPORTUNITIES
People for Action annual Unity Day ~ Founded in 2016 by Jessie and Andre Barboza is a day of fun and fellowship to bring together the community of diverse families and law enforcement officers.
I met Jason Gourdine, a member of People for Action, briefly as he walked into the Hyannis Youth and Community Center while I was talking to Officer Morrison. I saw firsthand the comradery and respect between him, Officer Morrison, and a group of young men as they greeted each other. Mr. Gourdine pointed at them and said, “This is the mission right here. Keep our youth out of harm’s way. I’m connected to the Barnstable Police Department, so they [the youth] are connected to BPD. Limit the misunderstandings… Connectivity in the community between law enforcement and young community members.” Perhaps this event and other programs and ideas mentioned in the above interview with Officer Brian Morrison and those below will inspire other communities.
Youth Explorer Police Program (Ages 13-17 years old) Contact SGT. Corey Fredrickson at the Barnstable Police Department: 508-775-0387
Citizens Police Academy, Barnstable PD (Ages 18 and up) – Contact the Barnstable Police Department: 508-775-0387
Sheriff’s Youth Ranch (Summer program – ages 12-16 years) Part of the juvinile diversion progran to help reengage youth in more postive ways of thinking. (Two days a week for one month.)
Police Academy for Youth (Ages 9-13 years.- Contact Officer Brian Morrison or Geoge Noonan at Barnstable County Hyannis Youth and Community Center for information: 508-790-6345. )
Great short video by Around Town on Boston 25 – First Responder Friday: “Officer Brian”
BILLY GRAHAM EVANGELISTIC ASSOCIATION RAPID RESPONSE TEAM ~ NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT MINISTRY
A Chaplain Ministry of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association offering a law enforcement appreciation program which includes
FREE retreats for Law enforcement officers and their spouses
Seminars
Law enforcement chaplaincy training.
VIDEO ARCHIVES OF BGEA LAW ENFORCEMENT SPEAKERS & EVENTS: https://rrt.billygraham.org/nlem/media-archives/
ADOPT-A-COP ~ “The goal of Adopt-A-Cop is to assign law enforcement officers to a family, group, or individual who will pray daily for them and send a note of encouragement, support and a thank you for their service to the community.”
Those interested in particpating in this series of conversations featuring law enforcement officers may contact me HERE.
SUBSCRIBE to my Tattoo it on Your Heart Newsletter for notifications of new blog posts, occasional offers and FREEBIES like this: CLICK HERE for Good News in a Sea of Bad News! FREE downloadable Gospel tract .
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association 24 hour Prayer Line: (888) 388-2683
Click HERE to read my testimony: A Mail Carrier’s Mistake Saved Her from Suicide on the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association website.
PRIOR POSTS
- Life Lessons from the Perspective of a Writer’s JourneyI’m not able to pull off perfect, so I decided I’d be real instead. No matter our call, when we shake off the shackles of perfectionism, and with God’s help pursue excellence for His glory and the edification of others, we find ourselves … Continue reading “Life Lessons from the Perspective of a Writer’s Journey”
- “‘Til I Drop Dead” (A Nurse’s Manifesto)“Just home from an extra shift extension because of so many nursing staff testing positive,” she said. “I have written to you about what it means to be a happy and fulfilled long term care nurse in case you are interested. Call it … Continue reading ““‘Til I Drop Dead” (A Nurse’s Manifesto)”
- Piece of My HeartHi, my name is “Ridiculous” and sometimes it’s “Crazy,” and I am a P.O.T. (Parent of Teen). My support group is Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, and other mothers. My only escape is prayer. So I prayed, “God, give me children lest I … Continue reading “Piece of My Heart”
- May the Source Be with YouDarkness enveloped me. A chill gripped my chest, hope ebbed, and weariness set in. Obviously, I’d taken a turn off the favored road. I’d trudged the circuitous miserable miles to nowhere only to wind up stuck, deep in the mire, when someone called … Continue reading “May the Source Be with You”
- Hidden History from the Secret City RevealedMr. Keith McDaniel, author, teacher, documentary filmmaker, owner of Secret City Films, and Knoxville Film Festival Executive Director and Mr. Ray Smith, City of Oak, Tennessee Historian, have much in common and have worked together on several projects over the years combining their … Continue reading “Hidden History from the Secret City Revealed”
- Did Jesus Really Die on Good Friday and Other Fascinating QuestionsWe rob ourselves when we skim the surface of scripture rather than exert the effort to dig deeper for the treasures of truth embedded in God’s Word. Bible study leader and award-winning author Stephanie Pavlantos mined God’s Word to bring us a greater … Continue reading “Did Jesus Really Die on Good Friday and Other Fascinating Questions”
*I welcome your comments below, especially any encouraging words you’d like to share with our law enforcement officers.
© 2022 Rachael M Colby | Tattoo It On your Heart
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Tattoo It On Your Heart 
Thanks Rachael for your interview with officer Brain. I think everyone would love to have someone like him in our local police force. I really like that your interviews are moving forward. You should get a map of the USA and have active links that look like push pins for each interview you do so we can see your interview journey progress.
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Wonderful idea, Ben! You let me know when you’ve got the map thing figured out and up and running! Thanks for volunteering. Lol. (I’m #notatechie 🙂 ) Glad you enjoyed, and yes it’s great to have officers who connect with the youth and embed themselves in their communities.
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Wonderful to meet Officer Morrison here Ms. Rachael. Thank you for sharing his “mission” with us. I’ve oft wondered why we see toddlers (small children) laughing, playing, and sharing life together in pre-K, nurseries, and other environments. Then, as they grow older, we see the division occur more and more. I wonder if they naturally grow to distrust, divide, and disassociate , or if it is a learned response as they watch their parents, relatives, and older siblings interact. We are, after all, a product of our environment. I join with you and Officer Morrison in praying that God let that change begin with us. Well done ma’am.
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Amen on the praying, JD. Thank you for your thoughts, kind words and for reading. God bless you, sir!
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