Bulletin: Chief Turner, don’t quit your day job.
The Atlanta PD has debuted its own version of “Happy”, proving that even a top cop as serious as George Turner can be lured by the instant stardom of Internet celebrity.
Police officers performed their own version of the mega hit by Pharrell Williams and posted it on the department’s web site Tuesday — showing a much lighter version of the officers.
The mounted patrol — officer and beast — might win for best couple but only because so many of the others are dancing solo or in a group. And before any disgruntled drug dealer or rapper contemplates that the video might constitute intellectual property theft — there is no credit line to Pharrell — let’s remember that imitation is the highest compliment.
The song has sparked ripoffs around the world, causing even Atlanta's own congressman, John Lewis, to film his version of the 2013 and Academy-award nominated hit.
He is not bad — and he looks younger doing it — but we have to give the nod to the APD troupe. They roll with energy and unlike-cop giddiness (perhaps from too many Krispy Kremes), although they might remember the song was the backdrop for a 3D computer animated film Despicable Me 2.
Which brings us back to Turner. At the film’s start, the chief admirably resists the entreaties of Officer Kim Jones, a public relations specialist anxious to soften the department’s hard-edge image and provide over-stressed officers some fun.
At that point, it doesn’t appear the chief is acting, but by the film’s end when the chief takes to the floor, it is unclear if that is still the case. Otherwise he might be skeptical that any compliments are driven by deference to authority.
Still if fancy footwork, or at least enthusiastic moves, is becoming a job perquisite, Turner may hear the steps of his head of field services, Deputy Chief Joseph Spillane.
He is dancing up a storm.
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