Former Cop Debuts 'Heartbeat Behind the Badge' Documentary

The film highlights the annual Police Unity Tour that raises money for families of fallen officers.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 8:20pm

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Vicki Warehime, a former Baltimore County police sergeant turned actor, has directed a new 94-minute documentary called 'Heartbeat Behind the Badge' that takes a personal look at the Police Unity Tour, an annual 300-mile bicycle ride from New Jersey to Washington, D.C. that raises money for the National Law Enforcement Memorial. The documentary follows six riders as they prepare for and complete the physically and emotionally challenging journey.

Why it matters

The Police Unity Tour is one of the few 'living memorials' that helps maintain the National Law Enforcement Memorial, which honors officers who have died in the line of duty. Warehime's documentary aims to educate the public about the sacrifices made by law enforcement and the importance of supporting their families.

The details

Warehime, who has had acting roles in shows like 'The Wire' and 'Task,' uses her storytelling skills to highlight the Police Unity Tour, an event where over 2,000 current and retired law enforcement officers ride from New Jersey to Washington, D.C. each May. Each rider must raise $2,000, which goes towards the upkeep of the National Law Enforcement Memorial.

  • The Police Unity Tour happens each May.
  • The 'Heartbeat Behind the Badge' documentary is premiering this week at the Maryland International Film Festival.

The players

Vicki Warehime

A former Baltimore County police sergeant who has turned to acting and filmmaking, directing the new documentary 'Heartbeat Behind the Badge'.

National Law Enforcement Memorial

A memorial that honors law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty, which receives much of its funding from the Police Unity Tour.

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What they’re saying

“It's got vulnerable interviews in it. It's got some raw footage in it, and it gives the community opportunity to see who we are as human beings.”

— Vicki Warehime, Filmmaker

“This actual memorial, which is one of the few living memorials, gets most of its money from community support and the Police Unity Tour.”

— Vicki Warehime, Filmmaker

What’s next

The 'Heartbeat Behind the Badge' documentary is premiering this week at the Maryland International Film Festival, and Warehime is hoping it will ultimately make it to a streaming service so 'more people can see the message and just be educated about it.'

The takeaway

Warehime's documentary provides a deeply personal look at the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers and the importance of supporting their families through events like the Police Unity Tour, which helps maintain the National Law Enforcement Memorial.