As violence against law enforcement continues to be a threat, one Bay area agency is using social media to try and stop it.

  • #IAm Campaign shows Pasco deputies in different light
  • Campaign to show deputies as more than just cops
  • Deputies holding sign that reads, 'I am' - and something about themselves

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office has launched the #IAm campaign. It seeks to show deputies as more than just cops but as human beings.

Take a scroll through Twitter and you may come across the hashtag, #IAm.

Pasco deputies are holding signs saying “I am” – and then something personal about themselves.

For example, one deputy holds a sign that says “I am a mother.” Another said “I am an Army veteran.”

Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco came up with the idea to show his deputies are people like everyone else.

“Probably one of the best things we can say is ‘I am a human being, just like you,’” Nocco said.

Body cam footage from last week’s shooting where two deputies were fired at shows how important the message of who is behind the badge can be.

“Unfortunately, there’s a lot of anger. There’s a lot of hatred. A lot of people are pointing fingers at each other,” Nocco said. “As they’re looking toward law enforcement we just want to reiterate that we’re human beings. We’re husbands, wives, brothers, sisters. We have kids.”

Though new, the social media campaign is starting to gain traction in the community.

“I think it’s good,” said resident Barbar Kahowais. “It will mean a lot to people because some people don’t feel good about police.”

Sheriff Nocco himself was in one of the posts, his board saying “I am praying for our community and country.”

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office puts a new “I Am” message out each day on its Twitter and Facebook accounts.