As part of a new recruitment campaign, the Sacramento Police Department has released a music video featuring Sac PD Officer Filmore Graham, who has a not-so hidden talent.
Graham, who goes by his stage name of Izreal, has been nominated for a Grammy, performed at the SXSW music festival and has produced several albums.
The video features Graham, an 18-year veteran of the force, rapping about diversity and community, with the chorus of the song repeating: “I’ll be the difference.”
“I am honored and humbled that the chief and the department asked me to do this,” said Officer Graham. “It’s important to highlight that this is an opportunity to be a difference, for anyone looking for a career or just coming out of college. Our officers have an opportunity to make a difference every day.”
In addition to the video, SacPD has also made a number of changes to its hiring policies in an attempt to increase the number of candidates applying to work for the department.
“Former policies included a mandate on formal education credits as well as a ban on visible tattoos; both restrictions have been amended,” said Sgt. Sabrina Briggs. “The college education requirement has been waived for applicants with military service, and visible arm tattoos are now allowed in uniform.”
The idea for the video came from Chief Daniel Hahn, who brought Graham to an event for children. When Graham started freestyle rapping — much to the delight of the crowd — the idea clicked in Chief Hahn’s mind.
“We always have to do a better job of connecting to the residents we serve, and this sort of video, pulling talent from within our department made so much sense,” Hahn said.
On another nod to using resources from its own department, the video was produced by a student trainee, who made the the video during work hours. Briggs said the department hopes the young person will soon apply to become a community service officer.
Graham currently works with the Magnet Academy, a partnership with the Sacramento Police Department and the Sacramento City Unified School District that provides students the opportunity to explore careers within the field of criminal justice.