Bey’s Support of Student in Need Earns Praise

When Alabama A&M University hosted the 2026 Alabama JROTC State Drill Competition, hundreds of high school cadets from across Alabama gathered on campus to showcase their discipline, teamwork and leadership skills.

For Alabama A&M University Police Officer Neyema Bey, it became a day she would never forget.

Bey was patrolling campus when she was called to assist at the event. A high school student attending the competition had become overwhelmed amid the large crowd, noise and unusually warm temperatures. With limited information about the situation, Bey began searching for the student and quickly recognized that she needed support.

“It was clear that she needed assistance, so I stepped in to help ensure her safety, comfort and well-being,” said Bey.

Bey's response was informed not only by her law enforcement training in crisis intervention and de-escalation, but also by years of experience working with autistic individuals and people with diverse needs throughout her career in youth services, behavioral health and public safety.

While others attempted to comfort the student, Bey took additional steps to understand her needs. After speaking with the student and learning more about the situation, she contacted her mother, who was traveling approximately two hours to reach her daughter.

“Speaking with her mother gave me valuable insight into her needs and helped me better understand how to support her,” said Bey. “I then spoke with her in a calm and reassuring manner, worked to minimize distractions around her and focused on creating an environment where she felt comfortable and secure.”

What began as a routine call soon became something much bigger.

Later that day, the mother shared her appreciation for Bey's actions on social media. The post was later shared by meteorologist James Spann, whose Facebook page reaches more than 1.5 million followers. Thousands of people across Alabama and beyond responded to the story, praising Bey's compassion and professionalism.

“I was honestly surprised when I learned that Maddy's mother had shared her experience on social media and that it had received so much attention,” said Bey. “I did not help Maddy for recognition or publicity. I simply did what I believed was the right thing to do as a police officer and as a person.”

For Bey, the most meaningful part of the experience was not the attention the story received, but the relationship that developed afterward.

When Maddy later returned and hugged her before leaving campus, it became a moment Bey says she will never forget.

“Seeing Maddy feeling better, smiling and wanting to personally thank me reassured me that the time, patience and care I provided had made a difference,” she said. “More importantly, it showed me that she felt safe and supported during a difficult moment.”

The story also resonated within the Alabama A&M community.

Bey initially worried she might face criticism for spending additional time communicating with Maddy's mother and providing updates beyond what was required.

Instead, she received a message from Montrez Payton, Alabama A&M's chief of police and executive director of emergency preparedness, congratulating her on her actions and the positive impact she had made.

“Knowing that my actions had a positive impact on Maddy and her family was the greatest reward, and receiving encouragement from my chief made the experience even more meaningful,” said Bey.

Today, Bey and the family remain in contact. She continues to receive updates about Maddy's accomplishments and milestones, including learning that Maddy was selected to design a T-shirt for the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run.

For Bey, the experience serves as a reminder that effective policing is rooted in service, empathy and human connection.

A Philadelphia native currently working on her psychology degree at Oakwood University, Bey has served with the Alabama A&M University Department of Public Safety for more than two years. Her career has included roles in education, youth services, healthcare, corrections and law enforcement, all rooted in a commitment to serving others.

Outside of her law enforcement career, Bey is also pursuing her passion for food and entrepreneurship through her culinary brand.

Looking back on the experience, Bey hopes her story encourages others to lead with compassion.

“People may not always remember exactly what you said or did, but they will remember how you made them feel,” said Bey. “Taking a few extra minutes to show kindness and understanding can completely change the outcome of a situation and build trust between law enforcement and the communities we serve.”