Family Support Programs

The Raleigh Police Department has long recognized the importance of forming connections between officers within the department and between the families that support them. Beginning in the 1950s, the department made a concerted effort to create community to provide support and resources for these families.

ladies auxiliary to rpd pamphlet (pg. 01).jpg

As the Raleigh Police Department grew, so did the need to form connections and a support network between officers' families. In October of 1953, a Women's Auxiliary was formed to help with this mission. The first auxiliary president was Alethea Goodwin, wife of future Chief Robert Goodwin. Wives of current, retired, or deceased officers were eligible to become members, as were full-time female employees.

The purpose of the auxiliary, stated in a booklet they printed in 1962, was "To be of help in any way we can to the Raleigh Police Department; To promote good Fellowship and understanding among the workers and their families."

Greeting page from a Ladies' Auxiliary pamphlet, 1962

In 2019, Families Behind the Badges was created to serve some of the same purposes. Instead of being limited to wives and female employees, however, it strives to provide a resource and build a network of support between anyone who cares for and supports the officers of RPD. The first meeting of an action team was in April of 2019. The team has hosted quarterly events and regular meetings since then.