City of Savannah: Official News, Events & Community Updates
- Behind the Badge is an interactive, inclusive, and informative community education series designed to build trust between residents and law enforcement.
- The inaugural session, Use of Force, features a respected expert and state-of-the-art training simulators used by Savannah Police officers.
- Attendees will learn applicable laws and standards, common myths versus facts, and how use-of-force incidents are reviewed and investigated.
- Two identical sessions held at the Savannah Police Department Training Center; space is limited and registration is required.
Mayor to Launch New Behind the Badge Initiative Bridging Gap Between Community and Law Enforcement
SAVANNAH – City of Savannah Mayor Van R. Johnson, II, Savannah Police Chief Lenny Gunther, and the Savannah Police Department announce the launch of a new, community-focused, education series, called Behind the Badge.
The Behind the Badge series will be interactive, inclusive, and informative gatherings aimed at building trust between law enforcement and the community it has pledged to serve and protect. The first session will focus on one of the most heavily discussed topics in policing: Use of Force.
“I am proud to announce a new community education initiative: Behind the Badge. As a former police officer and law enforcement instructor, I have always believed that one of the best ways to build trust is through understanding. Too often, there is a mystery surrounding law enforcement policies and procedures when, in reality, they are grounded in training, science, and established professional standards,” said Mayor Van R. Johnson, II.
The inaugural Behind the Badge session, Use of Force, will provide an opportunity for the community to learn directly from a respected use-of-force expert and to experience the same state-of-the-art training simulators used by Savannah Police officers. Participants will gain a better understanding of the decision-making process officers face in rapidly evolving situations and the standards that guide their actions.
Specifically, participants will explore:
- The laws and legal standards that govern police use of force
- Common myths and facts surrounding police use of force
- How use-of-force incidents are reviewed and investigated
- An open question-and-answer session with Savannah Police Department personnel
Two identical sessions will take place: Friday, June 26, 2026, 6:00pm – 8:00pm; and Saturday, June 27, 2026, 10:00am – Noon, at the Savannah Police Department Training Center, 3401 Edwin Street, Savannah
Space is limited, and registration is required. Please visit: https://savannahpd.org/outreach/behind-the-badge-understanding-police-use-of-force/ to register. Please also see additional information attached.
Read the full announcement on the official site
