Children get an insight into the police department in a Facebook design competition

SOUTH BEND – The South Bend Police Department invites all children ages 18 and younger to participate in their second annual patch painting contest by creating a customized police patch.

Last year’s winner, Braxton Weber, toured the police department and got a glimpse into the life of an officer by sitting in the chief’s chair, putting on his gear in the SWAT truck and getting an official handprint.

Braxton told officers his artwork was inspired by the way he believes police officers help young people, the police department said on its Facebook page.

The public can choose the winner in a week-long Facebook contest. All entries will be uploaded to the South Bend Police Department’s Facebook page on Monday, July 29. Each “like” earns each post one vote. Voting ends August 2 at 5 p.m.

The winner will have their design featured on a limited edition embroidered patch that will be sold for $5 and will benefit the South Bend FOP Lodge #36 Santa’s Elficers Program. The winning design will be the profile picture on the department’s social media pages, Facebook, X and Instagram, and will be displayed at the South Bend Police Department’s National Night Out event on Tuesday, August 6, at the department, 701 W. Sample St.