Tommy Norman, a longtime police officer from North Little Rock, Arkansas, who rose to social media fame for his community outreach efforts, has been arrested on domestic violence charges. Norman, widely known as the “Instagram Cop,” has over 1 million followers who tuned in to see his viral interactions with residents in his community.
Who is Tommy Norman?
Born on August 22, 1972, in the Levy neighborhood of North Little Rock, Tommy Norman grew up in a close-knit community. The son of Modena and Dean Norman, he graduated from Ole Main High School in 1990. Before joining the police force, Norman spent the early 1990s working in nursing and mental health, including a stint as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Riley’s Oak Hill Manor Nursing Home. These experiences, he later said, shaped his empathetic approach to service.
In 1998, Norman joined the North Little Rock Police Department (NLRPD), where he quickly became known for his unconventional style. Rather than focusing solely on enforcement, he prioritized relationships—visiting schools, volunteering at the Boys & Girls Clubs, and starting initiatives like “Shop with a Cop” to buy shoes and backpacks for underprivileged students. His Instagram account, launched around 2015, exploded in popularity after a CNN segment featuring rapper Killer Mike praised him for “connecting with inner-city youth.” By 2016, he had 1.2 million followers, sharing videos of slip-and-slide dives, face-painting sessions, and heartfelt hugs with residents.
Norman’s reach extended beyond Arkansas. He was profiled in The New York Times as a modern “Officer Friendly,” using emojis, tweets, and live interactions to bridge divides between police and communities of color. In 2021, President Joe Biden honored him with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for his volunteerism and community impact. Even his department supported his efforts, though a 2017 policy required pre-approval for on-duty posts to ensure compliance.
Tommy Norman Arrest: What Happened?
According to officials, Norman was booked on one count of domestic battery in the third degree after police responded to a late-night call on Saturday. His wife reportedly told officers that Norman struck her on the chest with the back of his hand during an argument. Officers also observed a minor injury consistent with her account.
In response, Norman told authorities he was only attempting to block her hand after she tried to slap him. Jail records confirm he is currently being held without bond, and the North Little Rock Police Department has placed him on administrative leave pending both the criminal case and an internal investigation.
