Sandy Police Department Launches New Video Project

In an era when police departments nationwide are grappling with staffing shortages and strained public relations, finding new ways to connect with the community has never been more essential. The Sandy Police Department is taking a particularly creative approach to that end through a new video project that offers a behind-the-scenes look at the men and women serving the city

The project, spearheaded by Sergeant Thornton, whose responsibilities include recruitment, retention, and public information for the department, has been a long-standing objective that has finally come to fruition thanks to the volunteer efforts of Nick Vago and Guardian Films.

For years, Sergeant Thornton has been pondering and developing different ideas to help residents acquire a better understanding of the people behind the uniforms. Some kind of video project seemed like the most viable approach. The department wanted to showcase who their officers are, what they value, and what drew them to a life of service. How better to do that than a video highlighting the officers themselves?

The recently released video introduces three new recruits: Samantha Berglund, Jordan Ferguson, and Kelsey Neubauer, as they share their impressions of the Sandy community and discuss what inspired them to join the force. Over several months of filming, Nick joined the officers on multiple ride-alongs, capturing candid interviews and moments of real-world experience.

His decision to volunteer for the project stemmed from a desire to give back to the community and to help highlight the dedication and heart shown by the recruits. When it came right down to it, he stated simply, “It was the right thing to do.”

In addition to personal reflections, the video highlights key milestones in the recruits’ training and the positive impact they are already making in the community. Viewers get a firsthand glimpse into the life of an officer, the camaraderie between first responders, the people they serve, and some of the challenges and rewards of policing in Sandy. Sergeant Thornton hopes this effort will foster transparency and connection between officers and residents, allowing the community to see the human side of law enforcement.

The completed video is now available on the Sandy Police Department’s Facebook and Instagram pages, where it has already drawn positive feedback from locals. Sergeant Thornton expressed deep appreciation for Nick Vago’s time, skill, and generosity in bringing the idea to life. He hopes to produce more videos in the future that center on the department's veterans, among other things. This project marks an important step in the department’s ongoing story of service, connection, education, and community engagement.